Hammered Aluminum

Aluminum was first used as tableware in 1850, when it was more valuable than gold. But it was not until 1900, when a cheaper method of producing aluminum was discovered, that everyday household items were made of the metal. At first, some thought aluminum was poisonous and would contaminate food, but by 1910 those fears were over and companies were selling aluminum cooking pots. From the 1920s to the 1960s, decorative hand-hammered aluminum was a favorite wedding gift.