"Copper" stem bands

[ticonderoga]

I am coming to the final stages in restoring an Old Town 18ft. OTCA serial #173060, which was built in 1963. As I was scraping away the old dried bedding compound from the back of the stem bands, I noticed that they look like copper. Could this be? They are "softer" and more flexible than the brass that I have found on other canoes. When did they start / stop using copper? And could it be another type of metal. IF it is copper what type of screws can I use to affix them that won't cause a reaction and premature corrosion. Thanks.

PS The color of the bands looks great with the mahogany gunwales and black paint !

 

[Ed Moses]

Doubt it is copper if in fact it is the normal stem band material and not flattened copper tubing. What you probably have is "red brass" stem bands often found on older OT's than yours but they might also be replacements for the normal "yellow brass' bands. Brass or silicon bronze screws will function fine with red brass.

 

[chris pearson]

Red Brass was quite common on Old Towns. The brass has a lttle more copper added to it.