Dear Peter,
Thank you for your quick and usefull reply. I will refine my analysis to
make sure about the tin and lead content.
Thanks again.
Best regards,
Peter
----- Original Message -----
From: "Peter Northover" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, January 16, 2006 10:17 AM
Subject: Re: Composition of a Roman metal key
> Dear Peter,
>
> Leaded bronze was the alloy of choice for a number of Roman artifacts,
> especially when they were being cast to shape or close to shape - some
> sorts of bronze vessel, statuary, ornaments etc. and high lead levels are
> common. Low tin bronzes with tin below 5% do occur although they are a
> minor part of the range of alloys the Romans chose. A couple of examples I
> can think of offhand are small pestles and mortars used for cosmetics or
> medicines.
>
> Yours,
> Peter
>
>
> --
> Dr Peter Northover,
> Materials Science-Based Archaeology Group,
> Department of Materials, University of Oxford
> Tel +44 (0)1865 283721; Fax +44 (0)1865 841943 Mobile +44 (0)7785 501745
> e-mail [log in to unmask]
>
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