Industrial Brass and Copper Mechanical Electrical Component
Hardware / Non-Silver Decorative Object · Indeterminate; likely an industrial electrical manufacturer such as General Electric, Westinghouse, or Square D
Pattern: Non-patterned industrial hardware; utility-driven geometric design
Type
Hardware / Non-Silver Decorative Object
Maker
Indeterminate; likely an industrial electrical manufacturer such as General Electric, Westinghouse, or Square D
Material
Brass and copper alloy; lacks any silver content or precious metal composition
Dimensions
Approximately 2 inches in length; estimated weight 30-50 grams based on brass density
Description
This is an industrial mechanical assembly, likely salvaged from an electrical switch or circuit component. It features a heavy brass base with articulated copper arms used for conductivity. It is not a decorative silver item or heirloom.
Key Features
High copper content in the contact strips; geometric brass block; mechanical spring-tension appearance
Material & Composition
Brass and copper alloy; lacks any silver content or precious metal composition
Finish & Decoration
Mill finish; raw industrial metals with natural oxidation and tarnish from utility use
Hallmarks & Stamps
No silver hallmarks; contains two small circular indentations likely from a casting mold or alignment jig
Construction Details
Machine-stamped and cast; features bent copper contact strips and a solid brass carrier block
Functional Features
Mechanical contact points, pivot arms, and conductive surfaces for electrical relay or switchgear functions
Handle & Grip Details
N/A; no ergonomic grip as this is an internal mechanical part
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial quality; sharp machine-cut edges and standardized stamping indicative of mass production
Authentication Indicators
The yellowish-gold hue (brass) and reddish-pink hue (copper) immediately distinguish this from silver (.925) or silver-plate
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely USA or China; manufactured via high-volume industrial assembly lines for the electrical trade
Era & Period
Modern Industrial Era (late 20th century to present)
Age Estimate
Circa 1980-2010 based on the style of the mechanical contacts and stamping quality
Cultural Significance
Represents the transition to modular electrical components in 20th-century infrastructure
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor; heavily tarnished, showing signs of industrial wear, grease, and carbon buildup on contacts
Value Estimate
Intrinsic melt value of base metals (brass/copper), typically less than $1.00 USD
Care & Maintenance
Requires no specialized silver care; would be treated as scrap metal; avoid polishing as it has no aesthetic value
Similar Pieces
Circuit breaker contacts, relay switches, or automotive grounding clips
Interesting Facts
Items like this are frequently found in scrap metal processing or salvaged from heavy machinery and are valued for their base metal scrap weight