I bought a heavy metal candelabra , how can I identify the metal?

Question

The tarnish is a smoky pink color on top of black, but not rust. I scrubbed a little of it off and it was silver underneath- With a lumpy (ish)apprearance- . At first I thought it was cast iron but it wouldnt be silver if it was. So my next guess is steel as it was purchased in the west midlands of the UK. Then I thought it might be pewter...I want to clean it with out damaging it and I dont know the first thing about metal identification.. any help would be much appreciated!

Answer 1

Quality light fittings are usually varying quality brass. If it's silvery lumpy metal, it's often called 'pot metal' or 'Spanish Brass', and is just a mix of cast scrap zinc and/or aluminium/alloys, often used on imported lighting and often gilded over in 'gold' to look like solid brass, or any other metal.

http://www.caswelleurope.co.uk/potmet.htm

Answer 2

First step is to check it with a magnet - any old magnet like a fridge magnet will do. If the magnet sticks to the candelabra, its made of an iron based metal, either cast iron or steel. If it doesn't, its something else. If it has a lumpy appearance, it could be spelter - that's zinc. The problem is that to go any further, you will have to break a little off the piece, or find somewhere on the base where you can rub it with a file or even rub it with a grinding wheel. The colour of the newly exposed surface or the colour of the sparks produced by a grindng wheel provide better clues about the type of metal.

Answer 3

most likely it will be pewter. Possibly cast white metal with a plating, but highly unlikely. I would have to see it to tell you

Answer 4

I would purchase the cleaner that states usable on all metals, or take it with you to a professional, they would identify it, and advise you ..
good luck

Answer 5

make an internet search

Answer 6

never heard of that band