Buntmetall vs. Zink

[Darren]

Hello,

Can someone offer clues to how one might determine what material was used to manufacture a piece (buntmetall or zink)? Some clues would be helpful.

Thanks,

Darren

[ben bijker]

Hello,

Can someone offer clues to how one might determine what material was used to manufacture a piece (buntmetall or zink)? Some clues would be helpful.

Thanks,

Darren

only thing I can think of is the weight, but this is only useful when you already have the weight of similar pieces to compare it with...

regards,
ben

[kokstok]

Here are some pictures of the same medal left is buntmetal right side is zinc. The pictures shows the differance.

[kokstok]

reverse

[Darren]

Thanks ben and kokstok for your help. I can see that there are clues with both weight and finish. The buntmetall piece seems to have a nice patina, while the zink is dull. Are the zink pieces more brittle in nature?

regards

[ben bijker]

Thanks ben and kokstok for your help. I can see that there are clues with both weight and finish. The buntmetall piece seems to have a nice patina, while the zink is dull. Are the zink pieces more brittle in nature?

regards

Zinc absorbes the finish over the years, as is quit obvious on kokstok´s pics.
Another sign is `bubbling` of the finish, like small blisters.
But, if thye finish is perfect, the only way to determine the metal will be the weight I guess.

If you have a nice zinker in good condition, it will have developed a nice patina as well.
(at least: if the finish is the same)



regards,
ben

[Richard]

Isn't the Westwall medal on the left bronze? I didn't think these were made in buntmetall.
Richard V