Aluminium

kronckew · 16th November 2006, 06:18 PM

let us not forget that aluminum (or aluminium here in the UK) was considered a precious metal, and cost more than gold up until the invention of and the start of commercial production from the hall process invented in 1886. aluminum is so cheap now we forget that it once was the height of extravagance and ostentation, and it's use on weapons in the mid 1800's might be the sign of a high status item, as long as the craftsmanship supports it. the original link above is echoed in the following:

ref: http://www.world-aluminium.org/history/index.html

this one is particularly interesting: http://www.world-aluminium.org/history/antiquity.html

16th November 2006, 06:18 PM	#7
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,215	let us not forget that aluminum (or aluminium here in the UK) was considered a precious metal, and cost more than gold up until the invention of and the start of commercial production from the hall process invented in 1886. aluminum is so cheap now we forget that it once was the height of extravagance and ostentation, and it's use on weapons in the mid 1800's might be the sign of a high status item, as long as the craftsmanship supports it. the original link above is echoed in the following: ref: http://www.world-aluminium.org/history/index.html this one is particularly interesting: http://www.world-aluminium.org/history/antiquity.html