Brasswork

Brasswork refers to objects and decorative artworks produced from brass, a family of copper-zinc alloys, or to the practice of shaping brass into functional or ornamental forms. Brass is distinct from bronze, which is copper-tin; the zinc content gives brass its characteristic color and malleability.

Brass alloys vary in copper and zinc proportions, yielding ranges of yellow to reddish hues. Brass is generally more ductile and easier to machine than many other metals, has good thermal and electrical conductivity for a metal, and forms a durable patina over time.

Common techniques include casting (such as sand casting or investment casting), forging and extrusion, sheet forming (bending, spinning), and decorative work like repoussé and chasing. Joining methods include soldering and brazing, as well as mechanical fastening and welding where suitable. Finishes include polishing, lacquer, and patination.

Brass has long been used for musical instruments due to its workability and acoustic qualities; it is also widely used for architectural hardware, plumbing fittings, decorative objects, and coinage in various periods.

The use of brass dates to antiquity and expanded in Europe after the Middle Ages, with broad industrial production in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today brass remains popular for art metalwork, instrument making, and hardware, aided by its recyclability.

Care involves gentle cleaning to remove tarnish and protect the surface; brass can be polished or treated with protective coatings. Brass is recyclable and is often reclaimed in sustainable metalworking practices.