Tombac vs. Zinc

[Snoman]

Is there a way to definitively differentiate tombac from zinc?

[petopoint]

Tombak vs Zinc

Hi,
Tombak is similar to Brass and is a much better alloy then Zinc.
A lot of the Earlier Badges and Medals were made with this Better quality
Material as well as Nickel-Silver, Aluminum, etc. As the War progressed and these materials were needed for arms production mgrs moved to a Zinc Alloy which degrades after time and isn't as strong.

[Norm F]

Useful thread:
http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=454572

Best regards,
---Norm

[John R.]

Useful thread:
http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=454572

Best regards,
---Norm

Thanks Norm, I forgot all about that thread. John

[Snoman]

Tombac vs Zinc

Thanks guys.Great info,fascinating,esp. about cupal.The particular metal in question is well worn and a smooth,shiny,dark,copper color resembling brass but "should be" zinc.Maybe it's simply well worn zinc that I don't recognize.I'll post a pic when I figure out how to do it.Thanks again,Steve