D.A. Scott
Published: 2013-07-31
Total Pages: 26
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Metallographic investigations may be an essential component in the search for authenticity and fabrication technology. Assessing how an artefact is made may involve metallographic examination, usually entailing the removal of a small sample from the object concerned. Examples of the use of metallography are discussed with reference to copper alloys, high-tin bronzes, Chinese bronze mirrors, copper plaques, iron and steels, and plated or coated metals, such as depletion gilded surfaces or those covered with gold foil or other metals. The different types of features which metallography can reveal concerning ancient metallic structures are briefly discussed with several colour photomicrographs which illustrate the features described in this chapter. The importance of metallography as one component of the scientific tools to aid in the determination of authenticity of ancient metallic artefacts is stressed, and an example given of old electrotypes from the Victoria and Albert Museum. Important literature references are provided to direct the reader to more detailed studies on the subject.