Industrial Scrap Gold Electrical Contact Component
Industrial Gold Component / Electrical Contact · Yellow Gold Industrial Alloy, likely containing significant copper and nickel for hardness and durability.
Purity: Estimated 10K to 14K (41.7% to 58.5% gold content). The surface displays a brassy hue common in lower-karat industrial alloys or heavy plating.
Type
Industrial Gold Component / Electrical Contact
Purity
Estimated 10K to 14K (41.7% to 58.5% gold content). The surface displays a brassy hue common in lower-karat industrial alloys or heavy plating.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold Industrial Alloy, likely containing significant copper and nickel for hardness and durability.
Weight
1.5 to 2.5 grams. The item is small but appears dense and solid.
Description
This is a small, rectangular yellow gold alloy plate, appearing to be a functional electrical contact or mechanical component salvaged from an industrial application. It features a central mounting hole and a distinct 'stepped' shoulder design. The top of the thin neck shows signs of being sheared or broken away from a larger assembly, with visible solder residue indicating it was once part of a conductive circuit.
Key Features
Functional geometric shape, central aperture for mounting, notched top section with solder residue, and a high-copper yellow alloy color.
Color & Finish
Pale, brassy yellow with a matte, industrial finish; displays mechanical wear, surface scratches, and remnants of solder at the top.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No official purity hallmarks are visible. There is a faint circular indentation that may be a manufacturer's tooling mark or a partial stamp, but it is not a standard gold hallmark.
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 10mm x 12mm with a thickness of 1-1.5mm. Central aperture is roughly 3mm in diameter.
Gemstones & Inlays
None. This is a purely functional industrial component.
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable. The item features a circular hole for mechanical fastening and solder points for electrical connection.
Chain & Links
Not applicable; solid rectangular plate construction with notched shoulders.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-stamped and punched from a sheet of alloy. The edges are sharp and clean, consistent with high-volume industrial manufacturing rather than hand-crafted artisanship.
Authentication Indicators
The color suggests a low-carat gold alloy; however, the lack of hallmarks and the specialized shape strongly suggest an industrial part rather than a piece of jewelry. Red flag: industrial parts are often gold-plated brass or copper rather than solid gold.
Origin & Maker
Likely a component from a high-end relay, switch, or specialized electrical connector; manufacturer unidentified.
Era & Period
Contemporary Industrial (late 20th century to present).
Age Estimate
Produced within the last 30-40 years, based on the precision of the mechanical punch and lathing.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'hidden gold' in modern technology, where precious metals are utilized for their physical properties rather than aesthetic value.
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor (as jewelry), functional (as scrap). The piece shows significant mechanical distress, tool marks, and remains of base-metal solder.
Value Estimate
Primarily melt value. If solid 10K, value is approx. $30-$50 USD depending on exact weight. If plated, the value is negligible (less than $1).
Care & Maintenance
Keep dry; if the item is plated, abrasive cleaning will remove the gold layer. If intended for scrap, no maintenance is required.
Similar Items
Gold-plated circuit boards, dental gold scrap, or gold-filled jewelry findings. Unlike jewelry, this part is designed for utility.
Interesting Facts
Gold is used in industrial contacts because it is the most non-corrosive conductive metal, ensuring that electrical connections do not fail due to oxidation over decades of use.