Tinware Question

[Okefinokee Outlaw]

A few months ago I purchased what was purported to be a very good quality tin cup.  After many cups of coffee with hot fingers, I suddenly noticed that what appeared to be rust was forming on the outside of the cup.  It cleaned easily with 0000 steel wool, but I'm wondering how tin could rust?  And I must be doing something wrong in the care of the cup? 

[Cherokee Reb]

The acids from your hands will sometimes etch the metal if the tin plate is thin. People pay extra for patina....

While reenacting older eras, I used a lot of copperware with tin coating the inside to eliminate corrosion and as long as it was a thick layer of tin it would last a long time. Most of the tinware, on the other hand, was thin steel with a coating of tin applied during  manufacture. If it is not hot dipped , it will rust over time. I have a lidded mug that has a fair amount of rust along all the seams . If you use a a tinned cup , plan on thoroughly cleaning and drying it and applying a thin coat of mineral oil between uses.

During the late 1800s there was a lot of enamelware in use and although the finish will crack if dropped, it is very sturdy. I have 2 large mugs I plan to use at events , so I can hide my plastic bottles.

[Books OToole]

A few months ago I purchased what was purported to be a very good quality tin cup.  After many cups of coffee with hot fingers, I suddenly noticed that what appeared to be rust was forming on the outside of the cup.  It cleaned easily with 0000 steel wool, but I'm wondering how tin could rust?  And I must be doing something wrong in the care of the cup? 

Modern "Tin-ware" is not tin.  It is steel and it does rust.  To prevent rust dry your cup rather than letting in air dry.

Books

[Okefinokee Outlaw]

Thanks all.

[Shotgun Franklin]

I've picked up pieces of French enamelware used in the Spanish Missions in San Antonio, early 1700s, so for sure Tin Ware wasn't the only dishware available.