I need metal expertise

[powerspy]

Hello, folks! I have recently found some pieces of metal in my grandma”s attic. They do not rust and don”t give off that spikey iron smell. I tried to test them with H2O2, but it left two stains on it. Can you please tell me if this is scrap or precious metal? Thank you!

[Clens92]

Isn't it just a cast steel doorbell surround?

I've never seen any hard-furnishings made of precious metals.

[Pete]

Best way to test for metal content is to measure its specific gravity and compare against known data tables.
Before that have you used a magnet to eliminate ferrous metal ?
It does at first glance look like a silver plated base metal door handle surround, more usually brass.
Take a narrow file to a hidden part and see if there is any change in material to copper or brass or maybe steel underneath the plating ( if any that is ).

[BackyardBullion]

@powerspy

best way is a specific gravity test. I have done a few videos on these before. 

 

[powerspy]

Good evening, everyone! First of all, i highly appreciate your prompt and kind answer. I have just spared some bucks due to your kindness!

@Clens92, I don*t know for sure. No experience with metals at all! It may be, but it would better not, if you understand my wits!

@Pete The metal is not attracted. Could you please explain what is a „narrow file ”? Thank you!

@BackyardBullion Hello! I will try your test, although it may turn a bit hard to measure such heavy metals! I have heard about it before and it”s fascinating! Could you please explain the principle behind it?

[BackyardBullion]

1 minute ago, powerspy said:

Good evening, everyone! First of all, i highly appreciate your prompt and kind answer. I have just spared some bucks due to your kindness!

@Clens92, I don*t know for sure. No experience with metals at all! It may be, but it would better not, if you understand my wits!

@Pete The metal is not attracted. Could you please explain what is a „narrow file ”? Thank you!

@BackyardBullion Hello! I will try your test, although it may turn a bit hard to measure such heavy metals! I have heard about it before and it”s fascinating! Could you please explain the principle behind it?

I think I explain the principal in the video ?

Basically you are measuring the exact volume of an item by measuring it's displacement of water. Once you know weight and volume you can calculate mass (density) and then look up what corresponding metal has that density!

[Xander]

7 hours ago, powerspy said:

Hello, folks! I have recently found some pieces of metal in my grandma”s attic. They do not rust and don”t give off that spikey iron smell. I tried to test them with H2O2, but it left two stains on it. Can you please tell me if this is scrap or precious metal? Thank you!

It looks like a door latch lock handle with the handle missing.

[powerspy]

Ok, thank you all once again! I will post reply when the density test is accomplished!

[vand]

Just press it into an ice-cube.

Silver is a superconductor and will feel noticeable cool and quickly "dig into" the ice in a way that steel and other metals do not.

 

I recommend everyone does this quick test using some standard bullion to familiarise yourself with one of the properties of silver.

[powerspy]

I tried to immerse it in water and get its density measurement, but i couldn`t do the test. It is way too long, 25 cm...any suggestions?

@vand its a large piece of metal. I couldn`t observe any differences!

[vand]

well it's probably just nickel or something else then.

it is really was silver I would expect it some level of tarnishing, especially if it has been sitting in the attic for a few years.

[Pete]

3 hours ago, vand said:

Just press it into an ice-cube.

Silver is a superconductor and will feel noticeable cool and quickly "dig into" the ice in a way that steel and other metals do not.

 

I recommend everyone does this quick test using some standard bullion to familiarise yourself with one of the properties of silver.

AHHHHHHH  - "superconductor" is not the same thing as a good thermal conductor.
A room temperature superconductor would make you an overnight billionaire.

[Pampfan]

Have you tried using a magnet on them - if it sticks then it it not a precious metal.

 

[powerspy]

@Pampfan Yes sir. The magnet does not stick to it. Does this mean I should think the doorknob is precious metal?

[Pampfan]

It elimates a lot of possible metals that are not precious. 

[powerspy]

My hopes have suddenly increased. Thank you. Isn`t it possible to be made of stainless steel? Or maybe cast steel?

[reidpj]

Have you tried the 'tissue test'? Lay a tissue (Kleenex, etc.) over the door plate, and note the colour showing through.  Silver (incl. silver plate) will shine white, other metals will be duller...

 

 

[powerspy]

Hello,

I have tried the test, but i don`t really know what must be done in order to achieve proper results! Could you give a more detailed answer? Thank you!

[ShaolinStacker]

Im a Metallurgical Engineer, I can tell just by looking at it that it is cast zinc pot metal. Pot metal is non ferrous(ie contains no iron). Hence the magnet not sticking. Any questions let me know.