A closer look
Bronze, brass, plating and coloured surfaces cannot be distinguished reliably from one photograph. A museum material label belongs to its recorded object. For an untested listing, “copper-coloured, composition unverified” is more accurate than “pure copper.”
How to continue
Continue looking: write down visible details and keep interpretations in a separate column. Record viewing conditions, the photograph date and missing information. Revise when evidence changes, so the next reader can see what supported each judgement.
Scope: this is an editorial close reading. References support only the named collection examples or care principles, not authentication of shop stock or claims of religious efficacy.