item details
NameBorax
Productioncirca 1900
Classificationequipment
Materialsborax
Registration NumberGH006875
Credit linePurchased 1997 with New Zealand Lottery Grants Board funds
Overview
This borax was formerly owned by Mayer & Kean Ltd, a jewellery-making company operating in Wellington from 1912. This is a cone of white substance wrapped with a white paper label that has "Made in England, Borax" printed on it in blue.
Borax is used in soldering to keep the metal that is being melted shiny and not discoloured by the flame. This is done by painting the surface of the metal with borax before the flame is applied.