Ok, what the heck? I bought an unknown silver German pen 8-10 months back for less that $100, what the heck is up with this auction. I want it, but im not paying $300. This is ridiculous. Can anyone tell me what makes this soo special is someone's eyes?
http://www.ebay.com/...utorefresh=true
What the heck!?
Started by brando090, Jun 23 2012 04:15 AM
12 replies to this topic
#7
Procyon
-
- Members
- 725 posts
journeyman
- LocationSouthern California
Posted 24 June 2012 - 04:08 AM
One of the amusing aspects of this auction is that "German silver" actually contains no silver at all. It is an alloy of about 60% copper, 20% nickel, and 20% zinc. This gives a bit of a yellowish cast to the metal, which may explain why the pen essentially looks gold-toned in the photos.
The percentages vary in different formulations, but that is sort of the basic "German Silver".
The percentages vary in different formulations, but that is sort of the basic "German Silver".
Edited by Procyon, 24 June 2012 - 04:09 AM.
Schrödinger's cat walks into a bar. And doesn't.
Regards,
Allan
#9
david i
-
- ADVISORS
-
- 7,515 posts
ADVISOR
- LocationEast Coast USA
Posted 24 June 2012 - 04:37 AM
What!
No silver.
You didn't win it...???
d
David R. Isaacson MD. Website: VACUMANIA.com for quality old pens with full warranty.
Email: isaacson@frontiernet.net
Email: isaacson@frontiernet.net
#12
Procyon
-
- Members
- 725 posts
journeyman
- LocationSouthern California
Posted 24 June 2012 - 05:47 AM
Well, the term "German Silver" does mean exactly what I said earlier. However, in looking at other information I have seen how confusing this can be. Germany allowed several grades of actual silver to be used - one of which was 83.5% silver - slightly less silver content than sterling. This may explain the 835 marking on the pen in question. So perhaps this pen does actually contain silver. In some sense, this could be "German silver" because it contains silver and it was made in Germany. But that is not the usual meaning of the phrase. It is definitely a mistake by the seller to use the phrase "German silver", if his product actually contains silver.
Many items have been made of "German silver" (also called nickel silver). Some of these are jewelry, eating utensils, and guitars - especially National brand resophonic guitars. For more information, google "German silver".
Many items have been made of "German silver" (also called nickel silver). Some of these are jewelry, eating utensils, and guitars - especially National brand resophonic guitars. For more information, google "German silver".
Edited by Procyon, 24 June 2012 - 05:50 AM.
Schrödinger's cat walks into a bar. And doesn't.
Regards,
Allan
0 user(s) are reading this topic
0 members, 0 guests, 0 anonymous users
