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Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions

How do you tell the difference between brass and copper?

1 Answer
How do you tell the difference between brass and copper?
To tell the difference between brass and copper, study the color of the item carefully. Brass is a yellowish-red color that is similar to gold. As it ages, it usually develops a brown patina. On the other hand, copper looks redder when new and usually turns greenish with age. If color alone isn't enough to determine the material of a piece, consult an expert who can perform additional testing. Explore a variety of copper and brass wares on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
Shop for Brass Furniture on 1stDibs
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Walnut Credenza by Ramseur
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage design...
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Brass

Large Art Déco Pendant Light, Germany 1920s - 1930s
Located in Schwerin, MV
Large pendant lamp from the 1920s - 1940s with a marbled glass shade and rope suspension in good condition. The lamp has a large shade with a scalloped top edge that opens slightly o...
Category

Early 20th Century German Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Handsewn fabric shade pendant , design by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn
Located in Vienna, AT
Handsewn fabric shade, pattern by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, hanging on a fabric-covered wire, brass-parts in the requested finish Height is customisable All electrical componen...
Category

2010s European Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Vintage Industrial Nickel Dugdills Machinist's Wall Desk Lamp Light, C.1920
Located in London, GB
Beautifully engineered workman's lamp designed by renowned lighting manufacturer Dugdills. c.1920 Smaller than usual scale, in as found condition retaining the original nickel-pla...
Category

Vintage 1920s English Industrial Table Lamps

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Fluted Walnut Table Lamps by Zina Lamp Co.
By Zina Lamp Co., Raymond Pfennig
Located in Lafayette, IN
This wonderful pair of designer table lamps were manufactured by the Zina Lamp Co. of Forest Knolls, CA. Lamp design is attributed to Raymond Pfennig. Lamps features a turned, solid...
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Brass and Acrylic Glass Pendant Lamp by Tito Agnoli for O-Luce, Italy, 1960s
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This exceptional pendant lamp is a sophisticated example of mid-century Italian design, created by the renowned designer Tito Agnoli for the esteemed lighting manufacturer Oluce in t...
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

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