Yellow Gold Plated Brass Terminal or Decorative Furniture Mount
Hardware / Decorative Mount · Yellow Gold plating over a base metal (likely brass or bronze).
Purity: Likely non-gold or low-karat plated; exhibits characteristics of gold-washed brass using an alloy of approximately 99% base metal and <0.1% gold.
Type
Hardware / Decorative Mount
Purity
Likely non-gold or low-karat plated; exhibits characteristics of gold-washed brass using an alloy of approximately 99% base metal and <0.1% gold.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold plating over a base metal (likely brass or bronze).
Weight
Estimated 2–5 grams depending on metal thickness; feels light, consistent with industrial thin-gauge metal.
Description
A rectangular metallic plate with a yellow-toned finish, featuring two raised prongs on the reverse side. The item is covered in white adhesive residue, suggesting it was once surface-mounted to a non-metallic object.
Key Features
Rectangular geometry, integrated retaining prongs, brushed surface texture, and white mounting putty.
Color & Finish
Dull yellow with a satin-brushed finish; shows significant oxidation, surface scratching, and adhesive residue (white putty).
Hallmarks & Stamps
No visible precious metal hallmarks or purity stamps; lacks maker symbols consistent with investment-grade gold.
Dimensions Estimate
Length: 40-50mm; Width: 12-15mm; Thickness: approx. 0.5-1.0mm.
Gemstones & Inlays
None; purely functional or structural component.
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable; features two integrated metallic prongs/hooks intended for insertion into a mounting surface.
Chain & Links
Not applicable; solid rectangular metal plate with bent-over tabs.
Craftsmanship Details
Stamped and bent sheet metal; industrial grade with minimal finishing work and visible tooling marks.
Authentication Indicators
Red flags for solid gold include the uneven oxidation (tarnish), the thinness of the material, and the functional industrial prongs which are rarely found on solid gold items.
Origin & Maker
Unknown industrial manufacturer; likely a component of office furniture or a display case.
Era & Period
Contemporary Functional (Likely late 20th to early 21st century mass-produced hardware).
Age Estimate
Likely 10-30 years old based on the oxidation patterns and the type of adhesive residue present.
Cultural Significance
Represents the industrial move toward 'faux' luxury materials in office and home furniture during the mid-to-late modern era.
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor; significant residue, surface scratches, lack of luster, and bending in metallic tabs.
Value Estimate
Negligible; essentially scrap value for copper/zinc (brass). Not worth the cost of refined gold recovery.
Care & Maintenance
Remove adhesive with isopropyl alcohol; polish with a soft cloth to restore some shine to the base metal.
Similar Items
Small gold bars (1oz PAMP), brass nameplates, gold-colored trophy plates, and picture frame mounting hardware.
Interesting Facts
Items like this are frequently mistaken for gold bars by novices, but they are actually 'architectural hardware' designed to mimic the aesthetic of gold at a fraction of the cost.