Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Metal Plating, Patination and Corrosion

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Metallography in Archaeology and Art

Part of the book series: Cultural Heritage Science ((CUHESC))

  • 1127 Accesses

Abstract

Surface treatment and patination have been used extensively in ancient and historic metallurgy [68], and practically all metallic substrates are capable of being altered in one way or another. Microstructural studies are often the only way to adequately investigate these surface coatings and patinations. Natural corrosion may, under suitable circumstances, be considered a form of patination, or metals may be deliberately patinated in order to alter surface characteristics. Hughes [26] and Hughes and Rowe [27] make an interesting distinction between four types of surface alteration systems: Firstly, those that rely on a complex metallurgy, but a simple colouring technique in order produce different surface colours. Simple organic coatings are an example used on a wide range of alloys. The second category is the use of a simple metallurgy and complex colouring, the approach taken in the nineteenth century, where fairly standard bronzes or brasses were given a wide variety of colours. Eclecticism, which Hughes [26] says hovers on the edge of kitsch, was used in the late nineteenth century and finally a simple metallurgy and simple colouring such as the oxidized finished on silver and small-scale architectural fittings.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 119.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 159.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Anheuser, K.: Silver-plated-on-iron Roman coins. In: Oddy, A., Cowell, M. (eds.) Metallurgy in Numismatics 4 Royal Numismatic Society Special Publication 30, pp. 134–146. Royal Numismatic Society, London (1998)

    Google Scholar 

  2. Ankner, D., Hummel, F.: Kupferlote bzw. Verkupferung auf Eisen. Arbeitsblätter für Restauratoren. 18(2), 196–206 (1985)

    Google Scholar 

  3. Asderaki, E., Rehren, T., Malakasioti, Z.: Bronze-plated iron bowls from Early Iron Age central Greece. In: Moreau, J.F., Auger, R., Chabot, J., Herzog, A. (eds.) Proceedings of the 36th International Symposium on Archaeometry in 2–6 May 2006, Quebec City, Canada, pp. 383–390 (2009)

    Google Scholar 

  4. Baas Becking, L.G.M., Kaplan, I.R., Moore, D.: Limits of the natural environment in terms of pH and oxidation-reduction potentials. J. Geol. 68(3), 243–284 (1960)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Berger, D., Schwab, R., Wunderlich, C.-H.: Technologische Untersuchungen zu bronzezeitlichen Metallziertechniken nördlich der Alpen vor dem Hintergrund des Hortfundes von Nebra. In: Meller, H., Bertemes, F. (eds.) Der Griff nach den Sternen. Wie Europas Eliten zu Macht und Reichtum kamen, pp. 751–777. Tagungen des Landesmuseums für Vorgeschichte Halle Band 05/II, Halle (2010)

    Google Scholar 

  6. Berger, D., Hunger, K., Bolliger-Schreyer, S., Grolimund, D., Hartmann, S., Hovind, J., Müller, F., Lehmann, E.H., Vontobel, P., Wörle, M.: New insights into early bronze age damascene technique north of the Alps. Antiqu. J. 93, 25–53 (2013)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Berthelot, M.P.E.: Sur l’altération lente des objects de cuivre, au sein de la terre et dans les musées. Compte Rendus Hebdomadaires des Séances de l’Académie des Sciences. 118, 768–770 (1994)

    Google Scholar 

  8. Bertholon, R.L., Blengino, G.-M.J.M., Durand, E.: De nouvelles approaches de la lecture du rouleau de cuivre de Qunran: re-restauration minimale, radiographie-x et traitement d’image, moulage et galvanoplastie. In: Colloque sur la conservation et restauration des biens culturels. Association des restaurateurs d’art et d’archéologie de formation universitaire (ARAAFU), Paris, pp. 295–300 (1995)

    Google Scholar 

  9. Born, H.: Multi-coloured antique bronze statues. In: LaNiece, S., Craddock, P. (eds.) Metal Plating and Patination, pp. 10–20. Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford (1993)

    Google Scholar 

  10. Bosi, C., Garagnani, G.L., Imbeni, V., Martini, C., Mazzeo, R., Poli, G.: Unalloyed copper inclusions in ancient bronze artefacts. J. Mater. Sci. 37(20), 4285–4298 (2002)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Bray, W.: The techniques of gilding and surface-enrichment in pre-Hispanic American metallurgy. In: La Niece, S., Craddock, P. (eds.) Metal Plating and Patination, pp. 182–192. Butterworth and Heinemann, Oxford (1993)

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  12. Brown, B.F., Burnett, H.C., Chase, W.T., Goodway, M., Kruger, J., Pourbaix, M.: Corrosion and Metal Artifacts – A Dialog Between Conservators and Archaeologists and Corrosion Scientists. National Bureau of Standards Special Publication 479, Houston, TX (1977)

    Google Scholar 

  13. Chase, W.T.: Chinese bronzes: casting, finishing, patination and corrosion. In: Scott, D.A., Podany, J., Considine, B.B. (eds.) Ancient and Historic Metals, pp. 85–115. Conservation and Scientific Research, Marina del Rey (1994)

    Google Scholar 

  14. Corcoran, S.G.: Effects of metallurgical variables on Dealloying corrosion. In: Cramer, S.D., Covino, B.S. (eds.) Corrosion: Fundamentals, Testing, and Protection ASM Handbook 13A, pp. 287–293. ASM International, Materials Park (2003)

    Google Scholar 

  15. Corfield, M.: Copper plating on iron. In: La Niece, S., Craddock, P.T. (eds.) Metal Plating and Patination, pp. 276–283. Butterworth and Heinemann, Oxford (1993)

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  16. Craddock, P.T., Giumlia-Mair, A.: Hsmn-km, Corinthian bronze, shakudo: black patinated bronze in the ancient world. In: La Niece, S., Craddock, P.T. (eds.) Metal Plating and Patination: Cultural, Technical and Historical Developments, pp. 101–110. Butterworth-Heinemann, London (1993)

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  17. Eichhorn, P., Rollig, H., Schwarz, U., Urbon, B., Zwicker, U.: Untersuchungen über die Hallstattzeitliche Technik für Bronzeeinlagen in Eisen. Fundberichte aus Baden-Württemberg. 1, 293–312 (1974)

    Google Scholar 

  18. Forty, A.J.: Micromorphological studies of the corrosion of gold alloys. Gold Bull. 14(1), 25–35 (1981)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Geilmann, v.W.: Verwitterung von Bronzen im Sandboden. Angew. Chem. 68, 201–212 (1956)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Gettens, R.J.: The Corrosion Products of Metal Antiquities, Smithsonian Report for 1963, pp. 547–568 (1964)

    Google Scholar 

  21. Goodway, M.: Patination of Iron by bower – barfing. In: La Niece, S., Craddock, P.T. (eds.) Metal Plating and Patination, pp. 155–160. Butterworth and Heinemann, Oxford (1993)

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  22. Gruel, K., Leclerc, G., Nieto-Pelletier, S., Barrandon, J.-N., Blet-Lemarquand, M., Gratuze, B.: Les monnaies gauloises de l’Orne, de la Mayenne et de la Sarthe, approches typologique, analytique et territoriale. In: Barral, P., Dedet, B., Delrieu, F., Giraud, P., Le Goff, I., Marion, S., Villard-Le-Tiec, A. (eds.) L’Âge de fer en Basse-Normandie. Annales littéraires de l’Université de Franche-Comté 883, Besançon, pp. 247–260 (2011)

    Google Scholar 

  23. Haubner, R., Strobl, S.: Copper-coated Roman coins – Subferrati. Pract. Metallogr. 53(5), 273–294 (2016)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Hawthorne, J.G., Smith, C.S.: On Divers Arts: the Foremost Medieval Treatise on Painting, Glassmaking and Metalwork. University of Chicago Press, Chicago (1963)

    Google Scholar 

  25. Hörz, G., Kallfass, M.: The treasure of gold and silver artifacts from the Royal Tombs of Sipán, Peru – a study on the Moche metalworking techniques. Mater. Charact. 45(4–5), 391–419 (2000)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Hughes, M.: Artificial patination. In: La Niece, S., Craddock, P.T. (eds.) Metal Plating and Patination, pp. 1–18. Butterworth and Heinemann, Oxford (1993)

    Google Scholar 

  27. Hughes, R., Rowe, M.: The Colouring, Bronzing and Patination of Metals. The Crafts Council, London (1982)

    Google Scholar 

  28. Kallfass, M., Paul, J., Jehn, H.: Investigations on the Embrittlement of an antique Roman silver bowl. Pract. Metallogr. 2, 317–323 (1985)

    Google Scholar 

  29. Stronge, S.: Bidri ware of India. In: La Niece, S., Craddock, P.T. (eds.) Metal Plating and Patination, pp. 135–147. Butterworth-Heineman, Oxford (1993a)

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  30. La Niece, S.: Technology of silver-plated coin forgeries. In: Archibald, M.M., Cowell, M. (eds.) Metallurgy in Numismatics 3. Royal Numismatic Society Special Publication 24, pp. 227–236. Royal Numismatic Society, London (1993b)

    Google Scholar 

  31. La Niece, S.: Bidri ware and its black patina. In: Srinivasan, S., Ranganathan, S., Giumlia-Mair, A. (eds.) Metals and Civilizations. Proceedings of the International Conference Beginning of the Use of Metals and Alloys (BUMA VII), Bangalore, pp. 185–190 (2015)

    Google Scholar 

  32. La Niece, S., Martin, G.: The technical examination of bidri ware. Stud. Conserv. 32, 97–101 (1987)

    Google Scholar 

  33. La Niece, S., Shearman, F., Taylor, J., Simps, A.: Polychromy and Egyptian bronze: new evidence for artificial coloration. Stud. Conserv. 47(2), 95–108 (2002)

    Google Scholar 

  34. La Niece, S., Farley, J., Nigel Meeks, N., Joy, J.: Gold in Iron Age Britain. In: Schwab, R., Milcent, P.-Y., Armbruster, B., Pernicka, E. (eds.) Iron Age Gold in Celtic Europe. Forschungen zur Archäometrie und Altertumswissenschaft 6, pp. 407–429. Verlag Marie Leidorf, Rahden/Westf (2018)

    Google Scholar 

  35. Lechtman, H.N.: Ancient methods of gilding silver: examples from the old and new worlds. In: Brill, R.B. (ed.) Science and Archaeology, pp. 2–30. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA (1971)

    Google Scholar 

  36. Lechtman, H.N.: A pre-Columbian technique for electrochemical replacement of gold and silver on copper objects. J. Metals. 41, 154–160 (1979)

    Google Scholar 

  37. Meeks, N.: Surface characterization of tinned bronze, and high tin bronze. In: La Niece, S., Craddock, P.T. (eds.) Metal Plating and Patination, pp. 247–275. Butterworth and Heinemann, Oxford (1993)

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  38. Meggers, B.J.: Ecuador, Ancient Peoples and Places. Thaínes and Hudson, London (1966)

    Google Scholar 

  39. Murakami, R.: Japanese traditional alloys. In: La Niece, S., Craddock, P.T. (eds.) Metal Plating and Patination: Cultural, Technical and Historical Developments, pp. 85–94. Butterworth- Heinemann, London (1993)

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  40. Mutz, A.: Ein römischer Kesselbügel als Unikum. Schweißtechnik. 62(9), 263–266 (1972)

    Google Scholar 

  41. Notis, M.R.: The Japanese Alloy Shakudo: its history and its patination. In: Maddin, R. (ed.) The Beginning of the Use of Metals and Alloys, pp. 315–327. MIT Press, Cambridge, MA (1988)

    Google Scholar 

  42. Oddy, W.A.: Gilding of metals in the old world. In: La Niece, S., Craddock, P.T. (eds.) Metal Plating and Patination, pp. 171–181. Butterworth and Heinemann, Oxford (1993)

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  43. Oddy, W.A.: A history of gilding with particular reference to statuary. In: Drayman-Weisser, T. (ed.) Gilded Metals: History, Technology and Conservation, pp. 1–19. Archetype, London (2000)

    Google Scholar 

  44. Pliny the Elder: Natural History, 10 vols, trans. H. Rackham. Harvard University Press/William Heinemann, Cambridge/Harvard/London (1979)

    Google Scholar 

  45. Plutarch: Plutarch’s Moralia, vol 5., trans F. C. Babbitt 351C-438E, pp. 264–265. Harvard University Press; London, William Heinemann, Cambridge (1984)

    Google Scholar 

  46. Rapson, W.S., Groenewald, T.: Gold Usage. Academic, London (1978)

    Google Scholar 

  47. Robbiola, L., Portier, R.: A global approach to the authentication of ancient bronzes based on the characterization of the alloy-patina-environment system. J. Cult. Herit. 7, 1–12 (2006)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  48. Rudoe, J.: Oxidized silver in the 19th century: the documentary evidence. In: La Niece, S., Craddock, P.T. (eds.) Metal Plating and Patination, pp. 161–170. Butterworth and Heinemann, Oxford (1993)

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  49. Schlosser, S., Reinecke, A., Schwab, R., Pernicka, E., Sonetra, S., Laychour, V.: Early Cambodian gold and silver from Prohear: composition, trace elements and gilding. J. Archaeol. Sci. 39(9), 2877–2887 (2012)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  50. Schorer, B., Schwab, R.: Neue Untersuchungen zu Vergoldungstechniken in der jüngeren Hallstattzeit. Restaurierung und Archäologie. 6, 57–69 (2013)

    Google Scholar 

  51. Schorer, B., Leusch, V., Schwab, R.: New insights into Hallstatt gold from Southwest Germany: technological aspects and material analyses. In: Schwab, R., Milcent, P.-Y., Armbruster, B., Pernicka, E. (eds.) Iron Age Gold in Celtic Europe, Forschungen zur Archäometrie und Altertumswissenschaft 6, pp 181–254. Marie Leidorf Verlag, Rahden/Westf. (2018)

    Google Scholar 

  52. Schwab, R., Haustein, M., Lockhoff, N., Pernicka, E.: The art of Benin: authentic or faked? In: Degrigny, C., van Langh, R., Joosten, I., Ankersmit, B. (eds.) METAL 07 Volume 1. Proceedings of the Interim Meeting of the ICOM-CC Metal WG Amsterdam. 17–21 September 2007, pp. 91–95, Amsterdam (2007)

    Google Scholar 

  53. Schwab, R., Ullén, I., Wunderlich, C.-H.: A sword from Vreta Kloster, and black patinated bronze in early bronze age Europe. J. Nordic Archaeol. Sci. 17, 27–35 (2010a)

    Google Scholar 

  54. Schwab, R., Willer, F., Meinel, D., Schmauder, M., Pernicka, E.: The sword from the Niers: a note to European bronze age brass and fire gilding. Hist. Metall. 44(1), 1–9 (2010b)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  55. Scott, D.A.: Pre-Hispanic Colombian Metallurgy: studies of some gold and platinum alloys. In: PhD thesis University of London (1982)

    Google Scholar 

  56. Scott, D.A.: An examination of the patina and corrosion morphology of some Roman bronzes. J. Am. Inst. Conserv. 33, 1–23 (1994)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  57. Scott, D.A.: A review of gilding technique in ancient South America. In: Drayman-Weisser, T. (ed.) Gilded Metals: History, Technology and Conservation, pp. 203–222. Archetype, London (2000)

    Google Scholar 

  58. Scott, D.A.: Copper and Bronze in Art: Corrosion, Colorants Conservation. The Getty Press, Los Angeles (2002)

    Google Scholar 

  59. Scott, D.A.: Gold and platinum metallurgy of La Tolita: a metalworking Centre of the Pacific lowlands of Ecuador. In: Perea, A., Montero Ruiz, I., Garcia-Vuelta, O. (eds.) Tecnologia del oro antiguo: Europa y America. Anejos de Archivo Espanol de Arqueologia 32, pp. 63–82. Ministry of Culture, Madrid (2004)

    Google Scholar 

  60. Scott, D.A.: The La Tolita-Tumaco culture: master metalsmiths in gold and platinum. Lat. Am. Antiq. 27, 122–145 (2011a)

    Google Scholar 

  61. Scott, D.A.: Chinese bronze mirrors in the Cotsen collection: the virtual and the real. In: von Falkenhausen, L. (ed.) The Cotsen Collection of Chinese Bronze Mirrors 2. Monumenta Archaeologica 25, pp. 198–234. Cotsen Institute of Archaeology, Los Angeles (2011b).

    Google Scholar 

  62. Scott, D.A.: Some decorative techniques and corrosion on Chinese bronze mirrors in the Cotsen collection. In: Jett, P., McCarthy, B. Douglas, J.G. (eds.) Scientific Research on Ancient Asian Metallurgy, Proceedings of the Fifth Forbes Symposium at the Freer Gallery of art, pp 52–62. Archetype Publications, London (2012)

    Google Scholar 

  63. Scott, D.A.: The use of metallographic and metallurgical investigation methods in the preservation of metallic heritage artefacts. In: Dillmann, P., Watkinson, D., Angelini, E., Adriaens, A. (eds.) Corrosion and Conservation of Cultural Heritage Metallic Artefacts European Federation of Corrosion Publications 65, pp. 82–100. Elsevier, Oxford (2014a)

    Google Scholar 

  64. Scott, D.A.: The metallography of colour. Stud. Conserv. 59, 107–117 (2014b)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  65. Scott, D.A.: Metallography and microstructure of metallic artifacts. In: Roberts, B., Thornton, C. (eds.) Archaeometallurgy in Global Perspective: Methods and Syntheses, pp. 67–89, Springer, Amsterdam (2014c)

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  66. Scott, D.A.: Physical and chemical examination of the copper plaques. In: Woodard, R.D. (ed.) The Textualization of the Greek Alphabet, pp. 107–118. Cambridge University Press, New York (2014d)

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  67. Scott, D.A., Eggert, G.: Iron and Steel in Art: Corrosion, Colorants, Conservation. Archetype Publications, London (2009)

    Google Scholar 

  68. Smith, C.S.: Historical notes on the colouring of metals. In: Bishay, A. (ed.) Recent Advances in the Science and Technology of Materials 3, pp. 157–167. Second Cairo Solid State Conference, New York/London (1974)

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  69. Tammann, G.: Die chemischen und galvanischen Eigenschaften von Mischkristallreihen und ihre Atomverteilung ein Beitrag zur Kenntnis der Legierungen. Z. Anorg. Allg. Chem. 107, 1–239 (1919)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  70. Zwicker, U., Oddy, A.W., La Niece, S.: Roman techniques of manufacturing silver plated coins pages. In: La Niece, S., Craddock, P.T. (eds.) Metal Plating and Patination, pp. 223–246. Butterworth and Heinemann, Oxford (1993)

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Art History, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    David A. Scott

  2. Curt Engelhorn Centre for Archaeometry, Mannheim, Germany

    Roland Schwab

Authors
  1. David A. Scott
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Roland Schwab
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2019 Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Scott, D.A., Schwab, R. (2019). Metal Plating, Patination and Corrosion. In: Metallography in Archaeology and Art. Cultural Heritage Science. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-11265-3_6

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation