You can tell the difference with the help of a magnet. If you hold a magnet against the item and feel a pull, you know the piece is brass plated. If theres no attraction, then the piece is solid brass. Thats because the underlying metal is usually iron or steel, both of which are magnetic.

How can you tell if brass is antique?

Typical Features of Antique BrassColor - Red to Yellow. You can expect to see variation in the color of antique brass items. Tarnish - Surface Oxidation. Antique brass pieces often display tarnish, unless they have been cleaned. Sometimes Lacquered. Modern Antique Brass Finishes.

Is bronze a precious metal?

About Precious Metal Many metals are quite hard, with high physical strength. When polished, metals tend to be good reflectors of light. Common metals include bronze, copper and iron whereas metals used for making jewelry, such as gold, platinum, and silver are called Precious Metals.