Flatware. Stamped "Pure Silver Metal"!!!!

silversaddle1 · Oct 16, 2011

Holy cow, it's the motherload!!! I just found a box full of old silverware marked "Pure Silver Metal"!!!! Pounds of it!!!

Now, to figure out what type of "silver Metal" it is. :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

Harold_V · Oct 16, 2011

Yeah, pure silver metal. Plating, that is :!:
Make things easy on yourself---if the flatware has use, look for areas that are worn through, like the backs of spoons. Look for variations in surface color/patina.
If you see nothing, do a simple test by filing a notch with the corner of a file. Test the notch with Schwerters (should react red around the notch, and green within, assuming it's plated), or use nitric. Silver should turn a slightly creamy color, with base metal yielding a blue solution.

What other marks are included? If you understand marking standards, the amount of silver (assuming they're plated) is generally noted.

Harold

silversaddle1 · Oct 17, 2011

Harold,

I'm pretty sure it nothing more than Nickel Silver. I just found it quite funny that it was stamped "Pure Silver Metal". Well it's true, it's a silver metal, but not silver itself!

Either way it's OK, as I only paid a dollar for the whole box at a auction. I'm pretty sure there is about 10 pounds of it there. Nickel does have some scrap value, as does german silver. I think most scrap yards will buy it as yellow brass.

goldenchild · Oct 17, 2011

Harold_V said:
If you see nothing, do a simple test by filing a notch with the corner of a file. Test the notch with Schwerters (should react red around the notch, and green within, assuming it's plated), or use nitric. Silver should turn a slightly creamy color, with base metal yielding a blue solution.Harold

I file into the object and use the 14k testing solution looking for that nice coat of silver chloride we all know and hate.