Cemetery Ironwork This page provides information on the different styles of cemetery fences, as well as information on some of the major cemetery fence manufacturers. The page provides simple guidance on the preservation of cemetery ironwork. Want to learn more?? Check out the following site: http://chicora.org/cemetery_fences.htm Understanding Iron The two most common metals in American cemeteries are wrought iron and cast iron. Understanding the differences will help you better care for these materials. Wrought iron (sometimes called puddled or charcoal iron) is the traditional material of the blacksmith. It is a mixture of nearly pure iron (less than 1% carbon) with up to 5% (but averaging about 2.5%) siliceous (glassy) slags that take the form of linear fibers. It resists corrosion, is not brittle, and seldom breaks. It's soft, relatively malleable and easily worked. As a result it is often found as delicate artwork. Cast iron has a high carbon content (usually around 3%) that is easily poured into molds -- resulting in its use to replicate fence details. It is hard and brittle, and hence unsuitable for shaping by hammering, rolling, or pressing. When fractured, cast iron often has a gray, grainy appearance. There are other metals found in American cemeteries, such as mild steel (cheaper than wrought, but exhibiting far less resistance to corrosion and unsuitable for repair work) and zinc (sometimes mistakenly called white bronze). Retention of Original Elements Every effort should be made to retain all existing ironwork at historic cemeteries, regardless of condition. Replacement with new materials is not only aesthetically inappropriate, but often causes galvanic reactions between dissimilar metals. When existing ironwork is incomplete, a reasonable preservation solution to repair and maintain the remaining work rather than add historically inappropriate and incorrect substitutes. If replacement is desired, salvage of matching elements is preferred over recasting. Replication is typically not an appropriate choice since it is by far the most expensive course of action, and is often done very poorly. Sally Rolls Pavia Sun City, AZ sallypavia2001@yahoo.com ”Mankind owes to the child the best is has to give.” List Owner: GENEALOGYBITSANDPIECES-L-request@rootsweb.com Archives: http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/index/GENEALOGYBITSANDPIECES "All incoming and outgoing email checked by Norton Anti-Virus"