New here. First question about two potential scraps.

**outdoort** · 04-03-2014, 03:33 PM

Hey guys new here as stated in title. My first post is in the "introduce your self" sub forum -check it out.
So I have this gate I'm pretty sure is solid copper because of the bluing/greening of the metal. I've done some research and so far I have not read anywhere that any alloys of copper turn green, only solid copper does -at least thats what my google search yielded. At first I thought this gate would be brass but I read online that brass only turns black after weathering and aging. If anyone can tell me if this is possibly brass etc. Id appreciate it. This gate was sitting in some weeds next to my garage. Most likely been there for 10 plus years! I have no Idea what this gate is, or what it is used for.

I'm wondering too if this gate may have some value beyond scrap as I've also read online that aged copper with the green sheen to it is highly sought after by collectors, home decorators, etc. What u all think?
One more thing. How much is a typical chassis of a truck worth? I have access to about 6 of them right now. Thanks very much!

Well...so much for uploading a photo. Can someone tell me first how to do that so you guys can see what this gate looks like.

**Mick** · 04-03-2014, 04:08 PM

COPPER gate - full sized? Check it out with a magnet first.

**Mechanic688** · 04-03-2014, 04:24 PM

Well...so much for uploading a photo. Can someone tell me first how to do that so you guys can see what this gate looks like.

http://www.scrapmetalforum.com/smf-s...rum-video.html

**PickerBenny** · 04-03-2014, 04:37 PM

People like those old gates - sold a few at a yard sale for some good money. I'd take a magnet to it - no magnetism means most likely copper but little magnetism could lead to brass. Either or, its scrap value is pretty solid depending on it's weight. Would like to see some photos to see if its well enough for resale.

**outdoort** · 04-03-2014, 05:15 PM

Unfortunately my computer won't play the video because my internet is too slow. I will try again in a bit. But I did go out and check the gate with a rare earth magnet a little smaller than a dime and absolutely no attraction. Not even slightly magnetic.

**outdoort** · 04-03-2014, 05:17 PM

Also this isn't a typical gate like you all may be thinking. Its about 1.5 feet wide and 6-7 feet long. No idea what the thing was for.
Okay, I was able to watch the video. I don't want to create a account with photobucket or anything like that, I just want to be able to upload a attachment?

**scrapping4ever** · 04-03-2014, 05:18 PM

scratch it and see if it is brown or gold

**wadarbr549** · 04-03-2014, 05:19 PM

if it is in decent shape i would definatley try to resale it....if it is nice looking or ornate in any way it will not have to be in excellent condition to get good money from it....from what i have seen brass and copper can both get a greenish look to them with age...i have some old apple butter kettles that are black as cole and they are solid copper..all you really need to do is scrach it and the color will tell you what it is....make sure in is not magnetic first

**ScrappinRed** · 04-03-2014, 05:32 PM

Brass turns greenish with age

**wayne1956** · 04-03-2014, 07:35 PM

Seems to me that copper would be too soft of a metal to be used as a gate.

**FLimits** · 04-03-2014, 09:51 PM

The change in surface coloration that you see on your gate is called a patina. It occurs on metals like copper and its alloys due to exposure to various atmospheric elements. The color of the patina depends not only on the underlying metal/alloy but also on the elements/compounds that caused it. When the patina is green, it's often referred to as verdigris. Brass and bronze, which are copper alloys, can definitely develop verdigris. For example, here are some brass fittings that were exposed to saltwater and air:

And here are some bronze cannon barrels with a nice verdigris:

For something like an exterior gate, wrought bronze would be a more typical material than copper.

**happyscraper** · 04-04-2014, 07:46 PM

Yes brass will turn green if left out in the elements. I would think that gate is bronze or brass. Have tried to pick up the gate? How much do you think it wieghs? Brass should bring about 1.50 per lbs at the scrap yard but I would try to sell first. (graigs list or yard sale)