Expert: Rex Ransome - 2/24/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi,
I have an 8 arm chandelier I believe is original to a house I bought. So my guess
is 1920s.  A magnet doesn't stick to it, so I assume it is really brass.  Also
looking inside the ceiling cap tells me it probably brass. It has all but two of its
original crystals which I found I can order  fairly close to the original size.  Any
chance it might be worth something?
Thanks ahead of time for any help you can give me.
Ann

ANSWER: Hi, it does look from the 1920s/30s and appears to be a nice one. Pot metal also does not stick to magnet, and were produced in the 50s/60s/70s as repros of these. Look on Ebay for similiar.... value around $500-$600. Thanks

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much.  Is there any way to tell the pot metal from the brass?  Also,
can I use a regular brass polish to clean it up?  Thank you again for the very fast
reply.
Ann

Answer
Hi, brass will be heavier, but you probably won't know the difference. One way is to scrape or deep scratch an area. If it remains brassy then it is brass. If it is pot metal, then where you have scarred will show silvery gray underneath the finish. Thanks