Could This Little-Known Tool Be The Secret To Unlocking Hidden Wealth?
September 13, 2024
source: Flickr
Silver has always been treated as one of the most valuable precious metals, and that is why it has always been crucial to determine the authenticity and the purity of the metal especially for collectors and dealers. Among these tools which was developed in 1990 by Hampton Utilities there was a set of silver testing sticks that are used to establish whether an item is of sterling silver. These tools are still useful today and are to an extent multitools because they provide a link between the professional silversmiths and collector enthusiasts assuring the buyer of the amount of silver in a piece. Even carrying the Hampton Utilities logo, the testing sticks provides a look into the art and accuracy of the late 1900s.
Hampton Utilities is another name that might be quite unknown to the consumers of today’s world, but what it used to manufacture were quality utility products including metal testing equipment. During the 1990s, there was renewed effort in improving the methods of testing metals which was in tandem with the growth of the collectibles and antiques industry. The testing sticks with Hampton Utilities logo are probably made of sterling silver as well, which underlines the idea of using high-quality even when it comes to the tools that are used to check other silver items. This is the company that has paid attention to details in order to provide products that are accurate and durable.
To use the silver testing sticks, one follows a rather simple procedure but with great results. A part of the object is rub on the testing stone and a colored streak is formed on it. After that an acid solution is applied on the streak and the reaction gives the idea about the purity of the silver present. For instance, with regard to sterling silver which has a purity of 92. This piece is 5% silver, a color test would be conclusive as to whether it is real or not. The Hampton Utilities sticks that were used most probably had clear inscriptions on them to enable the person using the stick to easily check for. 925 sterling silver or other kinds of silver with other purities. This also points to the fact that these tools were meant to be reliable as they are made of silver.
It is essential to test the silver purity especially for the collectors and the antiques dealers as well, not only for the value but also for the conservation of the item. It is very important to distinguish between the sterling silver and the other cheap alloys as the way of treating the item and appreciating it will depend on it. using silver testing kits from credible producers such as Hampton Utilities, it was easier to distinguish between fine silver, sterling silver as well as other grades. This helped to avoid people being cheated when buying, selling, or displaying items as whatever they were buying, selling or displaying was as described. In the antiques’ market, where the history of objects and their state were significant, such tools were simply invaluable.
Although Hampton Utilities is not as famous as some other brands of today’s, the 1990 silver testing sticks are a great example of therigor and attention to detail of the time. These tools are a tiny yet an intriguing aspect of the history of silver, which provides the collectors with an opportunity to touch the authenticity of the piece they desire to own. Whether for the purpose of use in a professional business environment or for the interest of a hobbyist, these sticks and their usefulness and quality are still to this day a valuable reminder of the importance of precision in the field of precious metals.