How To Tell Bronze From Brass 8 Steps With Pictures

If the metal isn’t tarnished, just dust it with a soft cloth to remove surface dirt.

If you’re struggling to tell the difference, it can help to hold up a few different pieces of metal so the coloring is easier to see.

If the metal piece wasn’t very tarnished, this might mean it’s brass. Brass is sometimes coated with a clear lacquer that protects the metal.

The rings are easier to spot if the piece is a metal pipe or cylinder.

Bells Cymballs Propellers Electrical connectors and springs Bearings Cast sculptures

Tubes or pipes Musical instruments, such as trumpets or tubas Locks, doorknobs, gears Ammunition casing Home decoration, such as candlesticks or wall sconces Zippers

This also means that you may be able to find good deals if bronze pieces are mistakenly labeled “brass. "

You can also ask at local scrap yards since many of these have X-ray fluorescent analyzers.