I bought an old western style halter that I think might have silver on it (but not sure). How can I tell? Right now I need to do a major recondition as the leather is very dry and stiff (but otherwise in good condition). I only paid $30.00 for it but I think it might have been an expensive halter at one point. Thanks in advance.
I actually know a bit about silver.
If it is silver or silver plate it will be tarnished black but polish up to a distinctive glow with a little tooth paste or silver polish . If it’s shiny in a neglected state it isn’t silver
Now how to tell solid sterling silver from silver plate is more difficult especially if it’s in good condition and not chipped. I expect a jeweler could tell you.
I grew up in the era when very cheap Mexican silver plate jewelry was in fashion, and also long ago enough that my mother had one or two solid silver house hold things and a fair bit of silver plate, and coveted more solid silver. It was also the era when metal prices sky rocketed and a lot of silver spoons probably got sold for melt value. It all needed constant polishing.
In jewelry and spoons and other objects, there is meant to be a makers mark on real sterling silver. But I don’t know if that extends to halter fittungs and if it did would be on the back anyhow. I have a Western bridle from the 1970s with a browband ornament that needs polishing but I have no idea if it’s solid silver or silver plate.
