Some of you may have read my little post the other day about a vintage silver bar I bought from ebay, I mentioned tests I tried to do as I was worried if it was real silver. However at that point I wasn't happy about those tests as I did not have good equipment. Since then I have bought cotton gloves, a rare earth magnet, and some proper scales. I decided to do the whole process again including this time the specific gravity test.
So I began again :)
First I weighed it
I did the magnet test
then the specific gravity test
then I did the math :(
31.95 / 3.22=
then I consulted reades (https://www.reade.com/reade-resources/reference-educational/reade-reference-chart-particle-property-briefings/25-specific-gravity-table-metals-minerals-ceramics-substance) and......
turns out this is lead ! Looking at the table we see lead oxide is 9.5 - 9.9 and we know silver is 10.4 - 10.6
I was gutted but some instinct kept telling me that this just wasn't silver. The only way I can describe it by feeling is; it just didn't feel right, and now the specific gravity test proves it is lead
So I don't have a vintage silver bar any more :( I have messaged the seller and asked for a refund and I am returning it tomorrow as soon as the post office opens.
I'm really glad I found the gravity test, it is the one test that proves one way or the other. This was the last silver item I bought from ebay and I won't be buying any more, this seller had 100% rating all good reviews :(
Now for some really good news!
I am actually rather excited and really happy as I have ordered and paid deposit on a beautiful silver heart from backyardbullion
woohoo
It won't be poured for a little while yet soon as it arrives in my home I shall do my first unboxing video :) I am looking forward to seeing what ripples I get :) it's not often one gets to openly admire ripples, and I shall gush most enthusiastically about mine :)
it be treasure time!
writing and images by Velveteen 2018