How to Tell Silverplate on a Menorah
- 1
A magnifying glass helps to locate worn areas of finished metals.lupe image by Ralf Feltz from Fotolia.com
Use a magnifying glass and inspect the bottom of the menorah for common areas of wear. Check wherever the object rests of a flat surface and look for a difference in the color of the plating. A yellowish hue or copper tinge may be visible through worn spots on the silver plate. - 2
Precious metals are hallmarked.333 gold 1 image by Ron-Heidelberg from Fotolia.com
Inspect the base of your menorah and look for a “hallmark” the manufacturer pressed or stamped into the metal. A hallmark designates a precious metal that meets a standard of purity. Sterling silver items may have the number .925 or other variations of hallmarks. - 3
Use an eye dropper and nitric acid to test for silver plate.medicine dropper image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com
Reveal the presence of alloys used in manufacturing your menorah. Turn it upside-down and with a pen knife, make a small scratch on an inconspicuous spot on the base. Use an eye dropper to place one drop of nitric acid on the scratch; if the liquid turns green that indicates a finish containing copper, brass and/or nickel; all used in the plating process. Wipe off the nitric acid with a piece of cloth.
Source...