Physical and chemical analysis of iron monuments in Elbląg

This analysis offers results of a comprehensive research of seventeen selected medieval monuments in Elbląg (within the perimeters of the following streets: Stary Rynek, Studzienna, Ścieżka Kościelna, Bendarska) in terms of technologies applied in their construction.

The X-ray analysis was performed by Mr Adam Cupa of the Institute of Technology and Painting Technique at the Department of Fine Arts of Toruń University. The microscopic and EDX x-ray graphic analyses were conducted by Mr Janusz Stepiński, Ms Anna Zielińska-Lipiec and Ms Wiktoria Ratuszek of the AGH University of Science and Technology in Cracow. The spectrographic analysis was carried out by Mr Antoni Grodzicki of the Chemistry Development of Toruń University.

The quality analysis with the use of spectrographic and fluorescent equipment showed that the material obtained in the medieval stove oven was a relatively pure alloy. The samples contained only some traces of additives. The observation of its macro and micro-structure, as well as random sampling of its chemical composition gave a more complete picture of the used technology.

Thanks to the selection of the monuments in terms of their functions and due to the choice of the ones which were typical in port cities of the medieval Poland, our small team enabled a broader look into the production methods of iron objects in use at that time. On the other hand, the application of varied instrumental means allowed effective comparisons and objective evaluations of the results.

K. Kaczanowska