sterling silver / copper antiques?

Hi all, I was just curious what everyone's opinions were on collecting sterling silver antiques for scrap. There are a lot of not rare sterling silver or copper clad antique items, like candleholders, bowls, goblets and saucers. I know some of it has some antique value, but most of it exists on the web in gobs, and the markets are flooded with it (not to mention most people aren't going to be buying non-rare antiques in this financial climate any time soon.)

The items cost range from 2.99 to 6.99 on average, for small items that are perhaps clad only (as far as I can tell). Is it cost-effective if prices go up, for brass, copper and sterling silver (90%)?

Yea way to much of a gamble

On gold refining forum- they're harvesting silver from plated flatware from garage sales and Good Will.

Silver is $30 bucks an ounce right now!!!

Some are even looking for gold filled or plated eyeglass frames!

Check out some of the discussions http://www.goldrefiningforum.com
Precious metals usually involve more tech/and chemistry than scrap steel and appliances.

I have a few sterling silver candle holders (a few being like 5). They are about a foot tall. I've got them sitting in a misc. pile, what do you think the yard will take them as?

I dont know how many of you guys know it but the switches in washer and dryers contain contacts that contain silver also. Most all kinds of everyday switches contain a small amount of silver on the busbars on the contacts......

Originally Posted by Rich

I have a few sterling silver candle holders (a few being like 5). They are about a foot tall. I've got them sitting in a misc. pile, what do you think the yard will take them as?

Candle holders have a very thin foil of sterling around a plaster or other material. you basically need to rip that off and beat it with a hammer. about a month ago I had a small one (4 or 5 inches tall ) that fetched about $5.50. there is also a steel center bolt or somesuch that will give it a bit of strength.