Vintage Military High-Voltage Switches

[powerbuy]

I came across several very old military switches. I was told that they were used for high voltage applications, and have had several people tell me that the contacts in these were platinum. I haven't run any tests yet, but can anyone identify this switch and the metals in it? All of the bars are solid copper, and the copper tension spring (or whatever it is) in the center of the photos consists of solid copper strips held together under tension by some sort of non-ferrous metal pieces and a brass screw.

I am adding multiple photos and welcome any input. I am hoping that the little contacts are some sort of precious metal. I plan to run some acid tests as soon as I can find my test kit...

 

[lazersteve]

Pt won't discolor or corrode when heated to red heat.

They look brass in the photo.

Test by dissolving three small pieces each in HCl, nitric, and AR noting the reaction to each and testing all three with stannous chloride, DMG, and ammonium hydroxide. Report the reaction and colors you get with each test and you should be able to id the parts.

Steve

 

[steveonmars]

Pt won't discolor or corrode when heated to red heat.

They look brass in the photo.

Test by dissolving three small pieces each in HCl, nitric, and AR noting the reaction to each and testing all three with stannous chloride, DMG, and ammonium hydroxide. Report the reaction and colors you get with each test and you should be able to id the parts.

Steve

Steve,

The stannous and DMG I know, but what are you testing with the ammonium hydroxide? Also, I tried a search on the forums for DMG but didn't get any hits, what do I need to make the DMG? I had it written down but can't seem to find it.

Thanks,

Steve

 

[lazersteve]

DMG = Dimethylglyoxime purchased via ebay or on line lab source.

Ammonia hydroxide reacts with solutions of base metals and some precious metals to give colored solids that are useful in identifying dissolved metals. Only test a small sample with ammonia hydroxide and keep pH at ro below 7. It can also be used with DMG to id nickel in solution.

Steve