Sterling silver electro-mechanical contacts.

[byron449]

I have approx.74 ounces of sterling silver contacts that were used over 25 years ago in the automotive parts industry. I'm looking to sell. I believe they are about 95% sterling silver. I have not had them assayed but suspect there is a trace amount of cadmium present. Is there anybody interested in making me a fair offer? I can be emailed directly at [email protected].

 

[niteliteone]

Need to see some Pictures and/or part numbers

Tom C.

 

[Harold_V]

I have approx.74 ounces of sterling silver contacts that were used over 25 years ago in the automotive parts industry. I'm looking to sell. I believe they are about 95% sterling silver. I have not had them assayed but suspect there is a trace amount of cadmium present. Is there anybody interested in making me a fair offer? I can be emailed directly at [email protected].

A couple things to ponder.

There is no 95% sterling, The notation dictates silver of 92.5% content, with 7.5% copper. To my knowledge, sterling is not used for contacts. Yes, I could be wrong.

If the contacts have cadmium, and they likely do have, in my experience, it won't just be a trace. It may be an overwhelming amount, unless it is found only in silver solder that was used to attach the contact to the buss that was required. Buyers should exercise caution in any case. Cadmium can be lethal.

Harold

 

[glondor]

Some photos and a better description would be nice. Can you test what you have for silver content?

 

[byron449]

I don't have an assay report. I don't have the capability to test. There is no stem with a cap soldered on. I is a one piece unit made by Fansteel about 40 years ago. Pictures attached.

 

[metatp]

I've seen these type of silver contact that were anywhere from 70% to 99% silver. That is if they were not silver plated. What makes you think they are 95% silver?

Thanks,
Tom

 

[byron449]

These were contacts in the "old" electrical mechanical voltage regulators for automotive aftermarket. Without an assay report I don't know for sure but that figure sticks in my head. I'll go with any proven percentage.

 

[lazersteve]

If you have a manufacturers part number for the orignal relay devices you should be able to locate alloy data on the contacts from the electracal parts datasheets.

Steve

 

[goldsilverpro]

Looks like manufacturing scrap to me. I once refined a couple of (very heavy) buckets of them from a contact manufacturer somewhere in rural Kansas. The reason I say manufacturing scrap is that I can't see how a person could remove them from an assembly in such pristine condition. Maybe I'm wrong. Can you see any wear on them? The ones I ran contained a little cadmium and some palladium. Dissolve in nitric; filter; cement on copper; rinse well; dry; melt; silver cell; melt; sell.

 

[byron449]

They assayed at 78.25%. Somewhat lower than my estimate. I have already accepted a satisfactory offer and liquidated.