Welcome to the fourth edition of In The Raw, where we shine a spotlight on another remarkable material – BRASS.
A Material with a Rich History
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, and its use dates back to ancient civilisations. The Romans were among the first to use brass extensively, employing it for coins, armour, and ornamental pieces. Because it was harder to make than pure copper, brass quickly became associated with prestige and innovation. In medieval Europe, it adorned everything from church fittings to musical instruments, signifying both function and finesse.
The word “brass” has found a place in the modern lexicon, used to refer to military officers, high-ranking officials or senior leadership in business and other organisations. The exact origin of its use in this manner is unclear. Most believe it originated in the late 19th-century British army, when senior officers had gold leaves on their cap brims. Others assert that it referred to the cocked hat worn by Napoleon and his officers, which in French were called chapeaux à bras (“hats in arms”) as they were folded and carried under the arm when indoors — the British are supposed to have anglicised the French phrase as “brass”.
Modern Brilliance
In today’s world, brass remains a staple in manufacturing, design, and decoration. Its malleability, strength, and warm gold-like appearance make it a go-to material for a wide range of applications:
- Musical Instruments – Trumpets, trombones, and saxophones all owe their sound and shine to brass.
- Architecture & Design – From doorknobs to decorative trims, brass adds elegance wherever it’s used.
- Marine & Industrial Components – Thanks to its corrosion resistance, brass thrives in harsh conditions, like environments regularly exposed to seawater.
FUN FACTS:
- Brass is antimicrobial: Brass has natural germ-killing properties, making it a popular material for doorknobs, handrails, and other high-touch surfaces in public places. It can kill bacteria like E. coli and MRSA within hours.
- Brass is musically gifted: It’s widely used in musical instruments like trumpets, trombones, and tubas because it’s easy to shape and produces a rich, resonant sound. Makes sense that they’re called brass instruments!
- Brass comes in many different colours: By adjusting the ratio of copper to zinc, brass can range in colour from reddish to yellow-gold to silverish tones.
Mayoral Chain for the City of Canterbury Bankstown. An exquisite 24-carat gold-plated chain, featuring meticulously etched links, artfully integrated blue accent pieces, the city’s cherished crest, and a distinguished centerpiece.
Brass @ T&S
At T&S, we primarily use brass as the base material for many of our custom medals. It holds fine details beautifully, making it perfect for intricate crests, emblems, and commemorative medals. This solid brass core is then plated with more luxurious metals like gold or silver, allowing us to produce high-quality, premium-looking medals at a more affordable price. This method is ideal for everything from elegant corporate awards to detailed insignia for government and service organisations.
Gold cufflinks for the class of 2018, St Patrick’s College Strathfield. Stamped brass with 24-carat gold plating.
Corrective Services NSW Medal Set consisting of a main medal, miniature and ribbon bar. Stamped brass with nickel silver plating.