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Ice Bucket

Posted: Tue Nov 17, 2015 2:35 am
by kardinal
I am thinking the origin of the piece is Asian, maybe Japanese?
Not sure if solid silver or plated. The bottom is marked "Silver" and the rest is illegible.
What bugs me is that goldish spot on the base. The strange thing is that when I look under magnifying glass and under certain angle and light it appears silverish.
Any thoughts?
Thanks
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Re: Ice Bucket

Posted: Tue Nov 17, 2015 7:11 am
by Qrt.S
Most likely plated. The text above "SILVER" is on purpose made illegible in order to deceive buyers unaware of how silver usually is marked.

Re: Ice Bucket

Posted: Tue Nov 17, 2015 8:02 am
by kardinal
Thanks for the reply.
I also did a deep cut at one of the handles ends and it appears to be silver tone inside, as shown on the picture.
If plated, probably brass or similar alloy I guess. But how pliable is brass? The handle is somewhat easy to bent when you have to attach and deattach from the bucket.

Re: Ice Bucket

Posted: Tue Nov 17, 2015 8:09 am
by Qrt.S
Brass (copper/zinc) has a yellow color and is relatively brittle. German Silver (copper/nickel/zinc) looks like silver and not so easy to bend. This alloy is often plated. Wine coolers are also often made of plated German Silver.