Unknown beach find

[hunterV3]

Went out beach hunting the other night to beat the heat. Found 27 clad coins, tons of foil and bottle caps. Also found this piece. It looks like tarnished silver (doesn't show well in pictures) plated onto a light colored gold? There are no visible spots for a loop as if it were a charm. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Breezie]

Without seeing it in person, it's hard to say, but I think you have 2 choices:
#1 Sterling Silver, and the rainbow goldish color is patina. Salt water and salt can do strange things to silver.
#2 Silver plated over copper.

It looks to be a the charm part of a 'cage' charm. These were very popular in the 1950's where a charm would be placed in a bird cage looking piece, and the entire piece was either on a necklace, charm bracelet, or ring. Judging by the size of yours, I would say it was in a necklace.

Here's one on fleabay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-SILVER-...m&pt=Vintage_Fine_Jewelry&hash=item3a5cd1daf2

Nice find, Breezie

 

[Tuberale]

Looks to me like a cast silver piece. Can you show the back? It might have sterline or .925 stamped on it somewhere.

 

[West Jersey Detecting]

I know this is an old post, but my buddy found a heart just like that one in Strathmere after Irene...Did you find it there?

 

[hunterV3]

Neil, I can't believe this came up again. It was in Ocean City near the South end of the boardwalk. I bought a silver/gold test kit a few weeks ago and it is silver. Little bit of weight for the pile! Were there any attachment points on your friends? There is nothing on mine to indicate a hook, loop, etc.