Plated Brass Inkwell

I don't see any marks on this inkwell. Hope its not a new piece of junk. Does anyone recognize it?

Kath

 

I hope I'm wrong, but it has a made in India look to me. But don't give up the ship!

 

I don't think so.... I'm seeing cast aluminum rather than plated brass. If that's the case it's not Indian, and I'd guess 1930s.

 

I did retake more pics. I went over this with silver polish as well. There are some wear spots. Would aluminum tarnish? Some parts cleaned off alot of black

 

Ally does tarnish, or at least, goes dull and cloudy. Using the right polish will produce a lot of black, seemingly from nowhere.

 

Thanks for all the help. I will get my new pics done and see if I can list this thing

Kath

 

It's got a really organic line to it. Get a really good look at the inside just in case. It could be even older than the 30s but I'm no inkwell expert.

 

Thanks I will do that

 

Does a magnet stick? That sure looks like a weld down the center of the bottom. I am seeing a crudeness here that belies an antique. Not sure exactly what you have.

 

Magnet does not stick to it

 

Magnets are rarely helpful. Iron or steel are rarely plated with anything but chromium, unless there is intent to deceive as in 'gold' chains with fake hallmarks which are pretty common. Then , a pass with a magnet over the mixed scrap is essential.

A discreet scratch somewhere deep enough to go through any plating will show the underlying metal or if the item is solid.

An aluminium object is easy to spot, instictively it just feels too light to be anything else, in the same way that gold often feels just that bit heavier than you expected.

 

Hubby looked at it and said its plated brass. Its heavy and has a brass color spot on the underside

 

That's that for ally, then.

There was a period when the new wonder metal was used for decorative objects.

 

I thought the shape was interesting. Didn't pay alot and I hope I can sell it. Thanks to everyone for all your input!