Odd Silver object with mounted stones - New photo added in response

[IndianRiverSonrise]

The following item was found on one of the treasure wreck beaches on the Treasure Coast. It acid tests silver, but appears to have the remains of some gold plating which you might be able to see in the picture, but I am not sure if that is gold plating or something else. It is hollow. I don't know what the stones are. The four holes on the front and back go all the way through. There also appears to be a hole that goes through the object, going from what I would take to be one side to the other. I'd appreciate any thoughts on what it might be. The following pictures are in the order of what I would consider to be the top, side, bottom. The sides are slightly in from the edges of the top and bottom. The item was also posted on treasurebeachesreport.blogspot.com.

 

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[lostcauses]

Re: Odd Silver object with mounted stones - Age or any info appreciated

looks to be made in Mexico; with glass stones.

 

[ashleen]

Re: Odd Silver object with mounted stones - Age or any info appreciated

To me, the stones kinda look like amber.

 

[NGE]

Re: Odd Silver object with mounted stones - Age or any info appreciated

Looks like amber to me tooo....NGE

 

[IndianRiverSonrise]

Re: Odd Silver object with mounted stones - New photo

To me, the stones kinda look like amber.

I'm adding a new photo to show how the two holes on the sides could possibly be used to hang the object. I get the feeling it would be used to gather some flesible straps or something. I think this might be the correct orientation for the object. Does this help?

 

[Eu_citzen]

A pendant?

 

[seger98]

Looks like it could be decoration on luggage or something like that. I wouldn't think a pendant would have holes going through it in different places like that! My 2 cents!

 

[AU24K]

As to the stones, Amber is usually more of a yellowish color. Mexican opals are close to the color of the stones in the photo. Also, there is a gemstone called carnelian(sp?), but it is a darker, more reddish color.
Scott

 

[Eu_citzen]

Scott amber has many variants in colour, including blue, green...
There is no way I know of colour wise to tell the difference from carnelian, opal, amber. It simply isn't a reliable way to telling what it is.

Carnelian as a variant of agate so it is rather hard (refer to Moh's scale) while opal and amber aren't that hard.

seger98 I think practically speaking it would be stronger if you have the holes the way this piece has it.. Rather then a metal ring to put i.e. the chain in??

 

[IndianRiverSonrise]

Re: Odd Silver object with mounted stones - New photo

The closest thing I've found was in a book on ancient weaponry that I was browsing today. There was a similar (but different enough to make it very questionable) item that I saw on a sword scabbard. The item was different in that it had one stone in the middle, was more round in shape, and had three chains attached, one to the NE, one to the NW edge, and one to the bottom. It looks like if this is something similar, it would have a place for four chains. I don't know what it was used for. I was in a hurry. Wish I had my camera with me. Unfortunately I don't even remember what load if any it was holding or if it was just decorative. I hope I can find it again sometime.

To me, the stones kinda look like amber.

I'm adding a new photo to show how the two holes on the sides could possibly be used to hang the object. I get the feeling it would be used to gather some flesible straps or something. I think this might be the correct orientation for the object. Does this help?

 

[Monty]

I am pretty sure I have seen that type art on the Myan and Incan ruins. I think it is supposed to represent a frog. Other than that I don't know how it was used. Monty

 

[IndianRiverSonrise]

I am pretty sure I have seen that type art on the Myan and Incan ruins. I think it is supposed to represent a frog. Other than that I don't know how it was used. Monty

I've followed up on this in some books, and I would say you have something there. From what I've seen so far, which is far from conclusive, it most resembles the Aztec stuff. I also saw stones on somewhat similar silver items that were mounted in a similar fashion. I wouldn't say I've found anything conclusive yet, but the line of research shows promise.

 

[Woodland Detectors]

well, regardless of what it is, It is a real beauty! congratulations on a very nice find!

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

I am pretty sure I have seen that type art on the Myan and Incan ruins. I think it is supposed to represent a frog. Other than that I don't know how it was used. Monty

Yes Monty I think you got it. Im looking for one with that exaggerated tail bone...

 

[IndianRiverSonrise]

I am pretty sure I have seen that type art on the Myan and Incan ruins. I think it is supposed to represent a frog. Other than that I don't know how it was used. Monty

Yes Monty I think you got it. Im looking for one with that exaggerated tail bone...

I agree. So far, from what I've seen in books, it looks Aztec to me maybe.

 

[BioProfessor]

What's got me confused is the condition of the metal. Most all old silver I've seen coming from salt water is pretty black. There is also green patina on the back. More like copper than silver. Just not enough reaction there for me to conclude it has been there that long.

Just my 2 cents.

Daryl

 

[lostcauses]

the back is most likely nickle silver and the front sterling, common of Mexican jewelry. From the first photo it may also have a mixed metal front. Aztec and Mayan motifs were used in such. Most likely 40s or so. Stones will most likly be glass. It appears to be a link of a bracelet.

 

[BioProfessor]

Since Nickel Silver (German Silver) is about 60% copper with the rest nickel and possibly some zinc, the patina matches. I agree that this is most likely one piece of a necklace or bracelet. I would put it in the water much later than the 40's though.

Daryl

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Yes it appears to be two dissimilar metals soldered together and hollow inside. I dont think its 1715 fleet because of the way it is made, two different metals used, thin possibly plated metal, cheap stones, and lack of severe corrosion or encrustation. Just guessing though. The necklace may have rotted away and probably connected to the 4 outside holes otherwise the frog hangs upside down. Interesting unusual find.

 

[IndianRiverSonrise]

Just went back to test the metals because I don't think I tested the back before. Results: the front and back acid test the same - silver, but not as strong (consistent deep red) as my sterling test needle. It appears to be not a real pure silver, but seems to have something else mixed in, perhaps copper. When the green patina on the back is removed, the look of the underlying metal is silver. It does not look the color of copper. I wish I could remember the circumstances of the find. I also agree that silver usually turns black in salt water. Is it not black because of the alloy (I have no idea) or is it not black because it was not in the water but maybe came from a dry sand area? Again, I don't know, but it looks to me like it hasn't been in the salt water much if at all.