Chemical Composition: ICP-MS/AAA data from sample, Mixed Copper Alloy:
Cu, 84.47; Sn, 5.33; Pb, 2.03; Zn, 7.55; Fe, 0.15; Ni, 0.09; Ag, 0.03; Sb, 0.15; As, 0.19; Bi, less than 0.025; Co, less than 0.005; Au, less than 0.01; Cd, less than 0.001
J. Riederer
Technical Observations: There is no evidence of deep-seated corrosion. Green and some blue corrosion products have grown on the metal surface with no pitting of the metal and minimal evidence of a red cuprite under-layer. There are root-like impressions in the corrosion products (which neither prove nor disprove antiquity). The surface is well preserved under the green layer.
The handle and vessel were cast separately and joined using lead. The 1-mm thick plate of metal forming the bottom of the vessel is also attached with lead; the vessel was cast with no bottom. The walls are very thick in all areas (3 to 4 mm in most areas and up to 7 mm at the rim). Crude file marks on the mouth and on the lead joins are the result of finishing the surface after casting. The relief detail in the handle’s attachment plate appears to have been cast.
Henry Lie (submitted 2002)
