Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

kronckew · 17th February 2011, 06:14 PM

it's interesting how technology changes our perceptions. 130 odd years ago, aluminum (or aluminium for the natives here) was a rare and exotic metal, fit only for the rich, and it's use was restricted to upper class items only. aluminum pins would have indicated high status.

then 1886 rolls along and the bottom falls out of the aluminum commodities market as the Hall & Heroult process to produce it comes into effect.

one should consider this when dealing with antiques that have aluminum. that pre 1886 piece with the aluminum grip or guard was once worth more than it's weight in gold. (tho i don't recall any from pre 1886, myself

)

17th February 2011, 06:14 PM	#8
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,215	it's interesting how technology changes our perceptions. 130 odd years ago, aluminum (or aluminium for the natives here) was a rare and exotic metal, fit only for the rich, and it's use was restricted to upper class items only. aluminum pins would have indicated high status. then 1886 rolls along and the bottom falls out of the aluminum commodities market as the Hall & Heroult process to produce it comes into effect. one should consider this when dealing with antiques that have aluminum. that pre 1886 piece with the aluminum grip or guard was once worth more than it's weight in gold. (tho i don't recall any from pre 1886, myself )