What kind of sterling silver is this?

[vscience]

I recently found this old belt and buckle. The buckle is marked "Sterling. Mexico". Nothing else. It has a unique overlay design so I'm confused if it is all sterling? The overlay clearly looks different. Any thoughts?

 

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[kingskid1611]

Not sure but it is older. Maybe a different type of metal inlay?

 

[huntsman53]

In answer to the Title question, I was going to answer "the kind made from Silver"!! All joking aside, the design overlays appear that they may be steel that has been blued unless they used a technique to tone the overlays then coated the entire buckle and belt retainer (or whatever they call them) to keep them from further toning.


Frank

 

[Nitric]

I would say no! Not sterling. The color doesn't look right...Could be the pics though......In the past I ran into a ton of this stuff, after filing and acid testing MOST of it was not actually sterling.........But, there is that chance that I'm wrong on this....So have it tested to be sure......Don't rely on anything, (Basically, There are exceptions, or means further inspection). that says sterling and Mexico! That green hue, is kind of an indicator......And the purposely black tarnished look, to "antique" it maybe to resemble enamel even......

I could be completely wrong, just doesn't look right to me!

 

[seekerGH]

Its is not 'sterling', but an Erling Christoffersen Buckle from Mexico.

Nice find!

 

[BagLady]

It's very nice either way.

 

[vscience]

You're amazing! Here, all along, I thought the "St" was worn off. Thx!

 

[seekerGH]

Sorry, didnt mean to lead you astray, but I was goofing around!

 

[galenrog]

I would challenge anything from Mexico (and many other countries) that is marked as sterling. Are any parts magnetic? That is test #1. Magnetic = NOT silver.

Are there any spots worn or discolored to a brass or copper color? This indicates silver plating. Metal worn to brass or copper color = NOT silver.

What does the test kit indicate? Any reaction NOT listed as silver as indicated by your test kit = NOT silver.

Please note that in many cases of items manufactured outside the US hallmarks are lies. Only testing can be trusted.

 

[hvacker]

Many things from my Southern neighbor are marked with what ever the maker thought would make a sale.
Not so different from "German Silver" that's not silver at all. Then like now the mark might not mean much.
Whatever you have it's probably more interesting regardless what it's made of. Silver's not worth much
these days.

 

[vscience]

Oh, no problem. I did a little research on Erling Christoffersen and his design style was no way similar to my buckle. Thanks for the feedback.

 

[mcl]

This one is so close! I thought I had it. Then I realized there are just some really subtle differences.. dang.

 

[fistfulladirt]

There is only one kind of Sterling silver, that which contains at least and on average, 925 parts out of 1,000 of pure silver.