Need help I'm confused about a candelabra!

[Vhoov]

So just bought this because it passed the visual inspection. Took it apart and could not find any markings at all.



I put the silver test solution on it and it eventually turned black and left a copper stain on it...so I scratched it with a razor and it is silver again.



So I took three or four really nice slices of metal off the bottom edge with the razor and it is silver. It's a really deep gouge I made. You can see where the light catches it.



WHAT'S GOING ON HERE

 

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[Indigo Knight]

I've found that the silver test solution turns black when the base metal is diecast or pewter, and your piece looks like diecast.

If the piece is super soft or melts quickly with a propane torch, it's pewter. If it's very hard and doesn't melt, it is diecast metal.

Diecast is usually mostly zinc. It's worth about $0.50/lb right now at scrap yards that buy it as a separate metal.

 

[Vhoov]

I was wondering about that, but some pieces ring like a bell when flicked with my finger. So maybe diecast.

 

[Indigo Knight]

Diecast and pewter both "thunk" when tapped. Brass, copper, and silver ring - assuming they are thick, solid pieces.

Also, the thickness makes me think this is diecast.

 

[Vhoov]

Thank you, let me check the top pieces that ring, I'll cut into those.

 

[Vhoov]

So, whatever the base metal is up top it is also silver in color. It turned a dark green, maybe white brass?

 

[randazzo1]

It is not uncommon to have a thin layer of copper between a plated finish and the underlying metal. I was boggled by jewelry marked 925 from reputable discount manufacturers - when testing with a touchstone the outer “silver finish” would come off revealing copper underneath. I was convinced there was a global silver conspiracy lol. A friend advised I grind further and sure enough beneath the copper was solid sterling. The “silver finish” was actually rhodium, platinum etc to prevent tarnish. It electroplates uniformly w a base layer of copper over the silver.

In this case, I agree w others that the underlying metal is likely base metal.

 

[JimDon]

This does not look like silver to me. Silvered base metal is what it looks like to me. Probably from India.

 

[Vhoov]

Thank you all for the input.

 

[Rodbuster209]

I can’t say that I ever seen one that when flipped upside down and looks like yours, has ever been real silver. Good luck!