How to Identify Real Brass at the Thrift Store

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Brass is one of those durable finishes that will surely never go out of style. The copper and zinc alloy can either be polished to a glamorous shine or left to patina, giving the room the perfect amount of antique 18th century appeal. It can be integrated into almost any design style, and when you find the right thing, brass pieces can even become family heirlooms.

1. Use the “magnet test”.

One of the easiest ways to determine the authenticity of a piece that appears to be brass is to use a magnet. “Brass is not magnetic, so if the magnet sticks, it’s most likely steel,” says designer Maria Vasiliou of Maria Zoe Designs. If the magnet no Hang on to your find, then there’s a good chance it’s real brass. Some brass items may have a layer of another metal beneath the surface, so be sure to test multiple areas. Keep a magnet in your bag when you go to save and you will never be without this practical tool.

2. Make a small scratch.

This method requires a little care and attention, and works best for decor you’ve already purchased and own. Use a small, sharp object, such as a paper clip, to give the object a small scratch in a discreet spot (think: the underside of a vase or container). According to Brassworks Co. for baltimore metal restoration, real brass will reveal a bright, yellow color underneath, meaning the find is all brass, not just brass.

3. Don’t be fooled by the brass plating.

As Brassworks Co. also notes, anything with a brass layer will do have a look like real brass, but is actually much thinner, less durable, and probably made of steel or zinc. Of course, it’s difficult to reliably identify real brass based on appearance alone, so try to buy directly from a local expert or reputable antique dealer. “The best way to ensure that your piece is made of real brass is to get it from a supplier you know and trust,” says Bo Knoblauch, director of design at Rejuvenation.

Not all brass will look golden and shiny at first. In fact, it may look green! “When brass is unlacquered, it’s classified as a ‘live’ finish,” Vasiliou explains. “This means that over time, when exposed to moisture and air, it will naturally darken and bring out the most beautiful color unique to solid brass.”

Some designers love this look, and many homeowners invest in original brass hardware, such as those produced by Waterworks, for its ability to change over time. However, the lack of patina does not necessarily mean that the object is not authentic. Any piece of brass can retain its original luster with brass polish.

Another way to test for authentic brass? “Pick him up!” says Vasiliou. “Is it difficult? Does it feel like it has some weight?” Real brass is usually heavier than similar metals or plastic imitations. When you come across a potential brass find at the thrift store, it should feel pretty good in your hands, which can be especially helpful to keep in mind when evaluating small home decor items.

6. Look for the manufacturer’s mark.

Per Virginia Chamlee, author of the frugal guide Great energy saving, get to know the renowned brass manufacturers and their marks. “In terms of manufacturers, one of my favorite brands that has worked with a lot of brass is Sarreid,” she says. “They are known for their brass chests that look like coffins, beautiful brass lamps and other smaller objects.”

Chamlee scored a brass Sarreid lamp — identified by a sticker on the bottom and the brand’s distinctive horse emblem engraved on the switch — at Goodwill for $9, as well as a Sarreid brass dresser for $40 on another thrift trip. “By comparison, the high-end vintage market will mark a Sarreid crate between $600 and $4,000, so finding one in the wild is a real treasure,” she adds.

While you’re at it, keep an eye out for the seam — known as the sign of very old brass. Pieces produced before the advent of factory machinery were hand-made, and according to Jacqueline Rare Antiques, “because these items were made by hand, it was impossible to make that seam disappear”.



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