Dutch (?) Silver (?) Brooch

[ajaj]

Attached are three photos of a brooch belonging to Mom. I can clearly see "90%" on the right, but the left hallmark states, "SUfor" (?). The odd thing about this piece is that my Garrett AT Pro registers about 62 VDI for an air test; I would have expected a 90% silver piece to be screaming much higher; i.e., the conductivity seems too low. Any ideas? Thanks.

aj

 

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[taz42o]

Its silver plated, I can see the brass were the plating is worn off. The 90 means 90 grams of silver per 1000 grams of base metal.

http://www.ebay.com/gds/dutch-silver-and-silverplate-marks/10000000006798423/g.html

 

[ajaj]

Thank you for the reply. I see the photos and they are terrible; the "brass" looking areas are my hands reflected in the metal when I was taking them. I've seen a lot of plated-brass and I swear that there is no wear anywhere on the brooch. The brooch is 100% silver-colored with no plate wear.

aj

 

[bigfoot1]

best thing you will ever spend a few bucks on.....a jewelers test kit...amazon has puritest kits cheap...but get the complete one....my 2 cents

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

best thing you will ever spend a few bucks on.....a jewelers test kit...amazon has puritest kits cheap...but get the complete one....my 2 cents

yep...or you could make your own test solution. http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/what/13479-silver-aluminum.html

 

[taz42o]

Thank you for the reply. I see the photos and they are terrible; the "brass" looking areas are my hands reflected in the metal when I was taking them. I've seen a lot of plated-brass and I swear that there is no wear anywhere on the brooch. The brooch is 100% silver-colored with no plate wear.aj

The exact same "reflection " in all three pics? The same shape? I find that hard to believe.

 

[Ism]

Agree with Taz42o, It definatly shows the typical characterists of worn plating in more than one area.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

This one is supposedly marked 833 but the eBay ad doesnt show the silver marks or the backside although the photos are free. Large Silver Dutch Brooch Windmill and Sailing Boat | eBay

 

[capt-zero]

I won't get into the arguement about the plate wear. The pictures aren't clear enough and lighting artifacts can cause all sorts of confusion. However, I also can't make out the mark other than the 90 mark. Here is a site that might help you:Dutch Hallmarks - Encyclopedia of Silver Marks, Hallmarks & Makers' Marks

Regardless of the silver content, it's a very nice brooch.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

One important thing to note here is that you cannot test silver or any other precious metal with a metal detector.