Common 20th Century Artifacts – A Guide to Dating -Aluminum Foil

 

Historical archaeologists and others trying to date historical sites by means of the artifacts found on them are increasingly interested in common items manufactured during the lifetimes of people still living. This dating guide is intended to provide a simple source for the most common artifacts found in archaeological or historic contexts.

Cathy Spude compiled the following dating information for use by the public and professionals.

• Aluminum Foil
• Bottles, General
• Bottles, Beer
• Cans, General
• Cans, Beer
• Cigarettes
• Closures, Bottle
• Plastics and Synthetics
• Other Artifacts
• References Cited

Aluminum Foil

1825: Aluminum first isolated (Encyclopedia Britannica 1973 (1): 693).

1855: Introduced in Paris Exposition (Encyclopedia Britannica 1973 (1): 693).

1886: Modern electrolytic method of producing aluminum discovered by Charles Martin Hall in the United States and Paul L. T. Heroult in France (Encyclopedia Britannica 1973 (1): 693).

Ca. 1920: Beginning of commercial production of aluminum foil; used to wrap tea, candy, gum and cigarettes (Sacharow 1978:111).

1939: Aluminum foil being used to wrap dried fruit, cream cheese, and for beer labels (Sacharow 1978: 111).

1940-1945: Increased demand for aluminum foil packaging (Sacharow 1978: 112).

1947: Upward trend in world production of aluminum begun (Encyclopedia Britannica 1973 (1): 694).