Gold-Plated Brass Female Spade Electrical Connector
Electrical terminal/hardware (not jewelry or bullion) · Gold-plated industrial finish; copper-based alloy underlying.
Purity: None/Minimal: Gold-plated or flashed; likely less than 0.1 microns of gold over a base metal (brass/copper/alloy).
Type
Electrical terminal/hardware (not jewelry or bullion)
Purity
None/Minimal: Gold-plated or flashed; likely less than 0.1 microns of gold over a base metal (brass/copper/alloy).
Gold Type
Gold-plated industrial finish; copper-based alloy underlying.
Weight
0.5g to 1.5g
Description
An industrial electrical component designed for wire termination. It features a flat, rectangular female receptor meant to slide onto a male spade terminal. The gold-colored finish is intended for corrosion resistance rather than luxury or investment.
Key Features
Crimpable neck for wire attachment; tension-retaining inner leaves; lateral 'wings' for structural stability during insertion.
Color & Finish
Vivid brassy yellow with high-shine plating; visible green oxidation (verdigris) at the crimp point and surface scratches reflecting base metal.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No purity hallmarks; small industrial indentations at the neck for crimping purposes.
Dimensions Estimate
Length: ~15-20mm; Width: ~6.3mm (standard spade width); Thickness: ~0.5mm metal sheet.
Gemstones & Inlays
None
Clasp & Closure
Friction-fit female spade terminal with side-wall tensioners; crimp-style wire reception.
Chain & Links
N/A; industrial stamped metal construction.
Craftsmanship Details
Precision-stamped from a single sheet of alloy metal; industrial die-cut edges with machine-rolled side walls.
Authentication Indicators
Red flags: The presence of green corrosion, visible silver-tinted scratches, and a stamped sheet-metal construction indicates this is not solid gold.
Origin & Maker
Unknown industrial manufacturer (common in automotive or consumer electronics).
Era & Period
Contemporary (late 20th century to present)
Age Estimate
Likely manufactured within the last 10-20 years.
Cultural Significance
None in a jewelry or numismatic context; represents industrial standardization in the electronics industry.
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor; significant scratches, tool marks from previous crimping, and visible green corrosion (verdigris) at the top indicative of base metal oxidation.
Value Estimate
Negligible/Scrap Value: Only valuable for base metal recycling; melt value is effectively zero as the gold plating is too thin for cost-effective recovery.
Care & Maintenance
Not applicable for jewelry; for electrical use, ensure surfaces are free of corrosion and the crimp is tight.
Similar Items
Male spade terminals, ring terminals, and bullet connectors; often compared to solid gold components by mistake in scrap bins.
Interesting Facts
Gold is used in electronics not for its beauty, but because it is an excellent conductor that does not tarnish/oxidize like silver or copper, ensuring a reliable electrical connection.