Nickel-Plated Steel Decorative Fastener Collar
Hardware / Fastener Component · Unbranded industrial manufacture; likely a mass-market hardware supplier for furniture or mechanical assembly.
Pattern: Non-patterned industrial design; standard circular beveled profile.
Type
Hardware / Fastener Component
Maker
Unbranded industrial manufacture; likely a mass-market hardware supplier for furniture or mechanical assembly.
Material
Nickel-plated steel or zinc alloy; lacks silver content. The base metal is magnetic or high-density industrial alloy rather than precious metal.
Dimensions
Diameter approximately 1.5 - 2 cm (0.6 - 0.8 inches). Estimated weight 5-10 grams. Very small, consistent with a washer or screw-cap cover.
Description
This is a small, circular industrial fastener, likely a decorative collar or screw cover used in furniture assembly or light machinery. It features a beveled edge and a central clearing hole. The reflective surface is a thin metallic plating over a base metal, which has begun to pit and flake through hard use.
Key Features
Concentric internal machining rings; beveled outer edge; central aperture; industrial plating over non-precious base metal.
Material & Composition
Nickel-plated steel or zinc alloy; lacks silver content. The base metal is magnetic or high-density industrial alloy rather than precious metal.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish nickel or chrome plating with significant surface abrasion and flaking. Decorative features are limited to a beveled outer rim and circular concentric machining on the interior.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible. No purity marks (925, Sterling) or maker marks are present; lack of hallmarks is a primary indicator of non-precious material.
Construction Details
Machine-struck or die-cast; interior circular grooves indicate lathe turning or industrial stamping processes.
Functional Features
Central aperture for a screw or bolt; recessed interior to accommodate a fastener head (counter-sunk design).
Handle & Grip Details
None; item is a static hardware component.
Craftsmanship Details
Low-grade industrial production. Edges are rough, and the plating is thin, indicating a focus on utility over longevity or luxury.
Authentication Indicators
Complete absence of hallmarks; physical appearance of the 'silver' as a thin coating flaking off; industrial machining marks; inappropriate weight-to-size ratio for solid silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely mass-produced in a modern manufacturing hub (e.g., China or Taiwan) for the global hardware market.
Era & Period
Modern Era (late 20th century to present); lacks the hand-finishing or stylistic cues of historical periods.
Age Estimate
Late 20th century to contemporary (c. 1980 - present) based on the industrial plating technique and wear patterns.
Cultural Significance
Represents the shift toward mass-produced, replaceable hardware in 20th-century consumer goods.
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor. Significant plating loss on the edges, surface scratching, and signs of impact damage (dents on the rim). Noted tarnish is actually oxidation of the base metal.
Value Estimate
Negligible market value ($0.05 - $0.50); valued as a functional hardware scrap piece rather than a collectible.
Care & Maintenance
Not suitable for silver polish. If used in hardware, keep dry to prevent further rusting of the base metal. Plating cannot be easily restored.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with vintage silver-plated buttons or silver washers, but distinguished by the lack of back-loops or stamps.
Interesting Facts
Items like these are often mistaken for silver coins or jewelry findings by novices due to their shiny metallic finish when new.