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Question on how to tell if something is made of silver...

FullStepJeffsFullStepJeffs Posts: 1,874 ✭✭✭
in Precious Metals
Figured I'd ask in this forum... this question.

My father found an old pair of spurs he thinks is made out of silver. Definitely hand made with no markings what so ever detailing the type of metal used. Is there a test to verify if the metal is silver or not which is inexpensive, yet doesn't hurt the item? Just wondering.

Thanks!

Steve
U.S. Air Force Security Forces Retired

In memory of the USAF Security Forces lost: A1C Elizabeth N. Jacobson, 9/28/05; SSgt Brian McElroy, 1/22/06; TSgt Jason Norton, 1/22/06; A1C Lee Chavis, 10/14/06; SSgt John Self, 5/14/07; A1C Jason Nathan, 6/23/07; SSgt Travis Griffin, 4/3/08; 1Lt Joseph Helton, 9/8/09; SrA Nicholas J. Alden, 3/3/2011. God Bless them and all those who have lost loved ones in this war. I will never forget their loss.

Comments

  • carscars Posts: 1,904
    You can get a cheap acid test kit on eBay. If the item is silver plated it will show as silver also however.
    Its all relative
  • PerryHallPerryHall Posts: 46,238 ✭✭✭✭✭
    If the spurs are old, it's probably silver which was worth considerable less than now. In fact, in the old days, they used to make circulating coins out of the stuff.

    Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
    "Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
    "Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire

  • FullStepJeffsFullStepJeffs Posts: 1,874 ✭✭✭


    << <i>You can get a cheap acid test kit on eBay. If the item is silver plated it will show as silver also however. >>



    That's what I thought with the acid test, but was looking to find a definitive test without destroying the item... I also think with the softness of silver, the odds are they are plated.

    Again, thanks for the help!

    Steve

    U.S. Air Force Security Forces Retired

    In memory of the USAF Security Forces lost: A1C Elizabeth N. Jacobson, 9/28/05; SSgt Brian McElroy, 1/22/06; TSgt Jason Norton, 1/22/06; A1C Lee Chavis, 10/14/06; SSgt John Self, 5/14/07; A1C Jason Nathan, 6/23/07; SSgt Travis Griffin, 4/3/08; 1Lt Joseph Helton, 9/8/09; SrA Nicholas J. Alden, 3/3/2011. God Bless them and all those who have lost loved ones in this war. I will never forget their loss.
  • KonaheadKonahead Posts: 1,476 ✭✭✭
    it is shinny and looks like silver image
    PEACE! This is the first day of the rest of your life.

    Fred, Las Vegas, NV
  • BearBear Posts: 18,953 ✭✭✭
    If you wont damage the coin, silver will ring like a bell

    when dropped or spun, non silver will have a dull sound.
    There once was a place called
    Camelotimage
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