Vintage Industrial Finished Beveled Finishing Washer
Hardware / Fastener / Industrial Component · Generic Industrial Manufacturer (Unbranded)
Pattern: Standard Beveled / Countersunk Style
Type
Hardware / Fastener / Industrial Component
Maker
Generic Industrial Manufacturer (Unbranded)
Material
Likely Zinc-Plated Steel, Stainless Steel, or Nickel-Plated Brass; contains no precious metal (silver)
Dimensions
Estimated outer diameter 10-15mm; estimated weight < 2 grams; standard small hardware sizing
Description
A small, circular beveled finishing washer intended for used with a flat-head or oval-head screw. This utilitarian piece features a standard industrial form with a sloped profile designed to sit flush against a surface while providing a neat trim around a fastener's head.
Key Features
Tapered/conical profile; center hole; distressed surface finish with pitting and oxidation
Material & Composition
Likely Zinc-Plated Steel, Stainless Steel, or Nickel-Plated Brass; contains no precious metal (silver)
Finish & Decoration
Dull oxidized/aged finish with surface pitting and verdigris-like spotting; utilitarian industrial design
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible; standard hardware components of this size typically lack stamps or purity marks
Construction Details
Machine-stamped or die-cut from sheet metal; beveled through cold-forming/pressing
Functional Features
Central bore for passage of a screw or bolt; load distribution and aesthetic trimming for countersunk fasteners
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable; lacks handles or grips as a fastener component
Craftsmanship Details
Standard machine-made quality; edges show typical die-stamping texture; no evidence of hand-wrought craftsmanship.
Authentication Indicators
Lack of silver hallmarks (stamps like .925 or 'Sterling'); surface oxidation appears as gray/brown rust rather than silver sulfide tarnish; overall shape is consistent with mass-produced hardware.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely mass-produced in a factory environment; origin undetermined as typical for unbranded hardware
Era & Period
Modern / Industrial (mid-20th century to present)
Age Estimate
Unknown; 10-50 years based on surface oxidation and wear patterns
Cultural Significance
Represents the mass-production era of industrial hardware and standard construction fasteners.
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor; significant surface tarnish, oxidation, and possible corrosion. Not suitable for high-end silver collection standards.
Value Estimate
Minimal; negligible market value (less than $0.10); typically sold in bulk quantities.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a wire brush or mild solvent if structural use is intended; not a precious metal piece requiring silver polish.
Similar Pieces
Cup washers, countersunk washers, and grommets from brands like Hillman or Grainger.
Interesting Facts
Finishing washers are often used in automotive, cabinetry, and boat building to distribute pressure and hide rough Drill holes.