Deconstructing Weighted Sterling Items to Find True Weight

Deconstructing Weighted Sterling Items to Find True Weight

I was wondering if anyone one has ever done this? I have two sets of weighted sterling candlestick holders that I'm thinking of selling for scrap. I want to know how much of the weight is actually sterling silver.

One set is marked Kirk & Sons, Sterling, "cement filled and reinforced with rod of other metal" . Heavy little chunks.

The other set is simply marked Crown Sterling Weighted and are much lighter.

They both look like the flat bottoms are attached by the silver of the body of the candlesticks being folded/molded around the circumference of the bases.

Should I go at it with a pair of needle nose pliers to unfold it and see if the the bottoms will come off so I can remove all the non-sterling stuff inside?

Thanks for any experience - knowledge - advice anyone can impart!

 

They vary greatly by manufacturer and era.
This is an exceptionally heavy pair.

Average for medium sized pair is usually 25 grams.

The glass coaster rings go from 1.5 to 8 grams depending on maker.

 

@terry5732 - How did you do that? Did you use pliers? Is the stuff on the inside easy to take out?

 

easy once you know how....i guess..!

 

Is scrap silver still worth it? I have some stashed away. When the price went down, I stored it.

 

It varies how easily they come apart. Usually the stuff if similar to plaster and can be broken out of the opened piece with a few sharp raps. Sometimes it's a gooey mess.

 

Bev, I looked this morning and it was at $17.19 ounce. Not much considering last time I sold any for scrap it was over $50.00. I think it was 2010 or there abouts.