Realcent.org

Picked up a couple of table lamps from a dumpster. The pieces in the picture are all pretty heavy. Magnet test was negative (I used a very strong magnet). So are these solid brass? Could it be some type of stainless steel?

Thanks

Test with a file, my guess is die cast.

I tried scratching a piece with a flat screwdriver. Both the shiny outside and the dull inside of one of the pieces scratched easily. What does this mean?

ilyaz wrote:I tried scratching a piece with a flat screwdriver. Both the shiny outside and the dull inside of one of the pieces scratched easily. What does this mean?

Nothing. You need to scratch the finish off the surface to see what type of metal is underneath. You did the magnet test already, good. Now get a file, sandpaper, or whatever you can find and really scratch the surface. If you only see yellow metal, it's solid brass. If you see silver metal, it's brass plated something. Brass plated stainless would be rare. The stampings are most likley brass. The fancy casting is plated pot metal, or a zinc alloy casting. The light sockets are brass, or all I have ever seen are, so start with them to get a idea of what you are looking for.

Well did ya take it to the yard? How did it turn out?

Cptindy wrote:Well did ya take it to the yard? How did it turn out?

not yet

I simply don't have enough stuff to take it to the yard yet.

I just took apart a heavy brass lamp today. I found the weight to be due to the lower parts being cast. Mine were neg on magnet as well. If the inside is not smooth or is bubbly or granular then its a good chance its not brass. Lamps I have found are heavy so as to keep upright usually the weight is cast or a chunk of steel in the base.

BTW, a good test, smack it with a hammer, HARD. Cast will break. Brass will dent in my limited experience.

k9ranger wrote:BTW, a good test, smack it with a hammer, HARD. Cast will break. Brass will dent in my limited experience.

Your second post, genius! That's a no brainer. Brass doesn't shatter like pot metal.

Great advice.

Welcome to Realcent