Gold-Plated DB9 D-Sub Serial Port Connector Shield
Electronic Hardware / Connector Shell · Yellow Gold Plated Base Metal (typically steel or brass alloy)
Purity: Flash Plating (approx. 0.0001% by weight). This is gold-colored plating, often 24K gold flash, over a base metal like steel or brass.
Type
Electronic Hardware / Connector Shell
Purity
Flash Plating (approx. 0.0001% by weight). This is gold-colored plating, often 24K gold flash, over a base metal like steel or brass.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold Plated Base Metal (typically steel or brass alloy)
Weight
2-3 grams total weight. The actual gold content is negligible and measured in microns (thin coating).
Description
This is a stamped metal shield or faceplate for a DB9 (9-pin) D-subminiature connector, commonly used for RS-232 serial ports on older computers. While it features a gold-colored finish, this is an industrial 'gold flash' applied to prevent corrosion and improve electrical grounding rather than for decorative or investment value. The rectangular opening with curved corners is the characteristic 'D' shape of serial ports.
Key Features
Rectangular D-shaped aperture, two side-mounting screw holes, and stamped metal 'fingers' or teeth inside the shell for grounding purposes.
Color & Finish
Brassy yellow gold with a reflective, glossy finish. Visible green oxidation (verdigris) and surface pitting revealing a base metal core.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None. This is industrial hardware, not jewelry or bullion, so it lacks karat hallmarks.
Dimensions Estimate
Approx. 31mm length x 13mm height (standard DB9 shell dimensions).
Gemstones & Inlays
None present.
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable; features dual mounting holes for screw-down installation on a computer chassis or cable assembly.
Chain & Links
Not applicable; rigid stamped metal construction.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial mass-production; stamped from a flat sheet of metal and then electroplated. Precision is functional rather than aesthetic.
Authentication Indicators
The green patina is a major red flag for 'solid gold'; solid gold does not oxidize green. The lightness and thinness indicate stamped steel or brass, not solid precious metal.
Origin & Maker
Mass-produced electronic component, likely manufactured in East Asia (China or Taiwan) for general computer hardware supply.
Era & Period
Late 20th Century / Industrial Computing Era (1980s–2000s).
Age Estimate
Circa 1990-2010 based on the wear and the prevalence of D-sub serial ports in that period.
Cultural Significance
Represents the era of legacy computing and the shift toward universal connectivity standards like USB, which eventually replaced these serial ports.
Condition Notes
Poor. Significant surface wear, scratching, and structural damage to the mounting holes. Visible green oxidation suggests the base metal is reacting to moisture where the plating has worn thin.
Value Estimate
Negligible/Scrap Value. The gold content is far too low for chemical recovery to be profitable for an individual. It has no numismatic or jewelry value.
Care & Maintenance
Not applicable for preservation; however, if used for restoration, it should be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol and kept in a dry environment to prevent further base-metal corrosion.
Similar Items
VGA connector shells (DB15), parallel port shells (DB25), and standard gold-plated audio jacks.
Interesting Facts
Gold is used in electronics not for its beauty, but because it is an excellent conductor that does not tarnish as easily as copper or silver, ensuring a reliable connection for data transmission.