Posted 5 years ago
Taylorje
(1 item)
We believe this is solid silver. Japanese maybe the 1940's or 1950's. Any help identifying this and what it would have been used for would be greatly appreciated.
Need help identifying. We believe it is solid silver. | ||
| Unsolved mystery items14704 of 96439 |  |  |
Japan adopted the decimal system for silver in 1928 so if it is silver it should be so marked. Normally a jeweler will do a silver test for you for free, it only takes two minutes and you know. You can also buy a precious metal test kit online for around $10 or $15.
I believe this is a recent Chinese export, what is called Tibetan silver, which is not silver at all but a white metal silver colored alloy. You see the color and shine is not quite right, no matter how much you polish or buff, there is a black residue on the surface.
You don't mention size, but I also acquired one of these decorative plaques, a few years ago, and found to my dismay that they were plentiful on the vintage market, yet quite recent in production. Google Tibetan silver and you will find what I mean. Sorry.
https://thumbs.worthpoint.com/zoom/images1/1/0411/24/tibet-chinese-silver-plaque-art-bar_1_d0d72c04c751a1fef288f4e2a9a6a2a1.jpg
Here's an interesting link about Tibetan Silver:
https://polyclaycorner.wordpress.com/2010/01/25/tibetan-silver-getting-what-you-paid-for/
May be helpful! :^)
I wanted to welcome you to CW Taylorje, a place that we all learn about what we collect! :^D Also a place that we watch each other's backs! :^)