Free Republic
Browse · Search
Bloggers & Personal
Topics · Post Article

To: nopardons

It can still be silver without being sterling. Sterling is considered 92.5 percent purity which is marked either sterling or 925. European silver is often marked 800. I was serious about the ice test. It is quick and will not damage the piece. You can also do a smell test. If the item has an odor similar to a penny chances are it will be plate. Little or no odor usually means it is silver.

I know there are tests for bakelite but be careful to find one that will not damage those arms. There is also a small possibility that the piece is a marriage. The silver parts being older and the arms newer (if they are bakelite) You wrote it looked glued. Maybe a repair was done at one time.

Can you post some close up photos?


22 posted on 12/06/2023 3:18:37 PM PST by lastchance (Cognovit Dominus qui sunt eius.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 21 | View Replies ]


To: lastchance; big bad easter bunny
I've never seen plate have a hallmark; though some plate does have the name of the maker on it. And though not distinct, the mark on the base looks like a hallmark, but it is hard to tell exactly what it once said.

If it's a marriage, yes, it could be bakelite;however, nobody would have used glue made from horses on bakelite.Lightly tapping it, might tell if it is wood or another substance.

43 posted on 12/06/2023 4:34:16 PM PST by nopardons
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 22 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Bloggers & Personal
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson