I NEED HELP

[Conito@55]

I need your opinion about this pocket watch back cover Do you think it's silver or aluminum? How can I find out?

 

[tamrock]

It looks silver or could be nickel-silver, which is not an alloy of silver. I've never seen an aluminum pocket watch case. Though I do have a vintage wristwatch that has an aluminum case, which I believe that to be rare.

 

[TORRERO]

I’m betting silver, they don’t make watch covers out of aluminum 🤷🏼‍♂️ plus those number stamps mean something, quickly rubbing it on the palm of your hand and see how black your hand turns should tell you something. I don’t think aluminum turns your skin black… I’m not sure

 

[DizzyDigger]

I agree with Torrero...those stamps and numbers mean something. Looks
like silver to my eyes...very doubtful aluminum.

 

[pepperj]

The "G P" or "G B" stamp in a partial oval is a Sponsor's Mark or Maker's Mark, identifying the company that manufactured or imported the case.

• GP: This often refers to George Panton & Son, a prominent British tool and watch wholesaler that imported Swiss cases.
• GB: This may refer to Gerl Beuche, a Swiss manufacturer, or George Bishop, another importer.

Having no actual assay stamp as a number, passant lion, or another if manufactured in another country it is more than likely a case that is German silver or something similar.

• Nickel Silver / German Silver: This is a common material for "silver-looking" cases from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It contains no actual silver, but is an alloy of copper (around 60%), nickel (around 20%), and zinc (around 20%), prized for its durable, silvery-white appearance.