Copper Scales

[rtom2809]

https://imgur.com/a/CFbCW92
These are both done in copper. The one with flower at heel and toe of scales is hand engraved. Other, the pattern is imprinted using rolling mill.
[IMG]https:/imgur.com/a/CFbCW92[/IMG]

[randydance062449]

Beautiful work.

May I ask if you have sealed the copper to prevent oxidation?
If so, what did you use?

[sharptonn]

Nice look. Are these vintage or new production? I have some old (Ex)silver-plated scales which are almost down to pure brass.
Copper seems rare.

[rtom2809]

Beautiful work.

May I ask if you have sealed the copper to prevent oxidation?
If so, what did you use?

No, they have not been sealed, and will oxidize. I could even speed up to the green/blue patina copper gets. That patina would end up as a natural sealant, as far as corrosion prevention.

You may be avoiding a legit question, so as to not seem rude. So I'll ask. "Copper doesn't seem like a good material for scales.". I would agree. It does have antimicrobial properties, but so does sterling silver, and that isn't really a selling point for me. The weight isnt that far off from similar sized plastic scales. I have a comparison pic of silver I made before, but never took of the copper. Just weighed and it is 0.67oz (0.59 oz plastic/0.86oz sterling/0.67oz copper with the rolled mill pattern)


The shinny will diminish. Copper is softer and more flexible than sterling, bending easier, maybe denting if dropped. Sterling Silver is much better for scales

IMO, copper is good to test with, trying new processes, since it is cheaper and easier to work than sterling. Usually when I do something in copper, it is left unfinished, put in a container with other copper, and melted later when the bin is full.

This round, I was working on the engraved one first. The pattern gets applied to the flat metal, prior to shaping. I'd been fine tuning process to get a border to properly align with the edge of the razor. I liked how it was looking, so decided to finish it

The pattern on the other one, I was never keen on it. Mostly because the lines are pressed in, rather than raised. I was happy with the engraved one, which has lines cut in, not raised up, I figured give it another try. Glad I did, i like them both.

Nice look. Are these vintage or new production? I have some old (Ex)silver-plated scales which are almost down to pure brass.
Copper seems rare.

Thanks, I made them. I think you are correct, copper was never offered for scales. I think the old sterling ones are beautiful, and what inspires me to make. Copper, I usually only do as prototype, I guess. Sterling Silver is what I normally would make. Vintage sterling scales were only made for a few decades, often monogramed or damaged. Decided instead of waiting on auctions, I'd give a shot at making them instead.

[sharptonn]

They look really nice. I am certain that you have a background to be able to do this, engraved and rolled.
I possess a pretty nice sterling collection and admire the process and result of their make. You will be making them in no time.
NOW, I need some copper scales!