Metalwork

Atlantia A&S Criteria

Includes the construction of completed objects primarily from metal, with or without decoration. Does NOT include armor or weaponry. If piece includes non-metal work, entrant must note whether or not he did it himself.

NOTE: Mercury-gilding and some other techniques, as done in period, are extremely dangerous. Use of such techniques will disqualify an entry. Mercury-gilding or others done with modern safeguards, and noted as such in the documentation, shall not be penalized in scoring.

Information also available as PDF.

DOCUMENTATION (0-30 points. SCORE 0-10 then MULTIPLY BY 3):

Must have at least “EZ Doc” information. More is acceptable, although one or two pages (not counting visuals and bibliography) should be more than enough. If your documentation is more than three pages for exceptionally detailed and in-depth work, you should provide an executive summary. The best documentation will cover what they did in period, what the creator did in the project, and why the difference (if any). It will explain any conscious compromises made, and provide footnotes, illustrations, and references, as well as any original research or experimentation as it applies to the project. Give score based on the following considerations:

  • A minimum of: what it is, where is it from, when is it from, and references;
  • Materials used in the project;
  • Techniques and tools used during the process;
  • Research (country, period of origin, typical characteristics, etc.), visual references (books, portraits, etc.) from reliable sources;
  • Artistic design and rationale or design aspects based on intended use or purpose.

AUTHENTICITY (0-20 points) [SCORE 0-10 and then DOUBLE THE SCORE]:

Examples of obvious inauthenticity: Materials — stainless steel, cobalt, aluminum, titanium. Techniques — photo-etching, arc welding, reticulation.

  • 0: Clearly modern in any regard: in function (e.g., expandable wristwatch band), in motifs or in materials (e.g. stainless steel, aluminum) but not techniques;
  • 1-2: Generally period in design and materials, with some obviously modern elements present (e.g., techniques);
  • 3-4: Period style but obvious mixture of elements from different cultures or periods (e.g., Celtic brooch with Florentine motifs);
  • 5-6: Overall period style, materials and execution, with minor inconsistencies;
  • 7-8: Period design and execution with no inconsistencies; period materials; period techniques or reasonable equivalents;
  • 9-10: Special effort to achieve a completely period product by use of period materials, design, tools, techniques (hand polishing, stamping with hand-made tools, etc.).

COMPLEXITY (1-10 points):

Rank the ambition of the entry, not the workmanship, scale of 1-10 considering the following:

  • Difficulty of material preparation techniques attempted (e.g., rolling, drawing, hammering, tempering, annealing, etc.);
  • Difficulty and variety of direct manipulation technique attempted (easier: twisting,sawing, filing, bending; harder: riveting, cold and hot forming, soldering, planishing, forge-welding; 2-metal techniques such as lamination, pattern welding, inlay);
  • Difficulty and variety of indirect manipulation techniques attempted (e.g., mold making, casting, tool making);
  • Difficulty and variety of embellishment attempted (e.g., stamping, etching, chasing, polishing, granulation, filigree, repousse, niello, etc.);
  • Difficulty of design (intricate assembly required, use of non-metal elements, etc.);
  • Scope of endeavor (size of work relative to amount of detail).

WORKMANSHIP (3-30 points. SCORE 1-10 then MULTIPLY BY 3):

Rank the quality of execution and success of the entry on a scale of 1-10 considering the following:

  • Mastery of period style and practice;
  • Form/design: aesthetics, decorative motifs, pattern construction, etc.;
  • Function/durability: Does piece do what it should? Will it hold up in use?; 
  • Forming techniques (casting, dishing, raising, twisting, etc.);
  • Finishing techniques (planishing, filling, polishing, etc.).

[Consider the following only if used]

  • Assembly techniques (soldering, hinging, riveting, etc.);
  • Decorative techniques (piercing, etching, filigree, multi-metal, etc.);
  • Non-metal techniques (enameling, stone-cutting and setting, etc.).

OVERALL IMPRESSION (1-10 points):

Evaluate the work as a whole, rating the complete effect and appeal beyond the mere technical proficiency. Consider how you react to the entry (intuitive response) and other items not previously addressed.