Copper and Brass
 

With the value of these metals rising, everyone is talking about hoarding copper pennies, and nickels. I've been going to local thrift stores, and picking up brass trinkets. I've been getting some real nice solid brass candlesticks, vases, etc., for about what they are worth for scrap. Yesterday I picked up a couple really heavy and ornate solid brass candlesticks for $2.50 each. Today, 2 solid brass goblets for $1.00 each. A couple weeks ago, 2 large hand pounded vases for $3.00 each! The vases are really nice! After polishing these items up, they make real nice display pieces. I called a local scrap yard and they pay $1.20 per pound for brass. What I'm really hoping to find is some nice solid copper items!

Re: Copper and Brass
 

That is a REALLY sweet score.


You cant loose at this game.....as long as the FED keeps printing dollars ALL METALS ARE GOING TO THE MOON.

I will keep my ear perked for this stuff as well.


T

Re: Copper and Brass
 

What is the value of your time to procure $1 dollar gain on a transaction like this?

Re: Copper and Brass
 

Yard sale copper is rather hard to find, but yard sale brass is common. I recently found a new looking brass sun face at a yard sale for less than its scrap value. A while back I bought a lot of brass lamps for less then their scap value too. It only takes a minute to scan a yard sale to see if there are any interesting looking brass or copper items.

Re: Copper and Brass
 

That is a good question, and I thought about it. I had to go to the bank today, so I looked in the phone book, and found thrift shops that were on the way. I enjoy browsing through places like this anyway. With gas as expensive as it is, I group all of my errands together nowadays. You have to look at it that way, and hope for that big score someday!

Re: Copper and Brass
 

what are some tell tale signs of brass other then being non magnetic....

Re: Copper and Brass
 

Other than the color, and appearance, most of the items I have say solid brass on the bottom. Almost all are made in India.

Re: Copper and Brass
 

i picked up 4 pieces today at a fleamarket....that are stickered solid brass.....most of the pieces have a light magnetism but nothing like a steel or iron....this is with a very strong magnet. is this common of brass or did i get burned and now have 4 pieces of junk?

Re: Copper and Brass
 

Yeah india have some of the finest crafters of brass around.


T

Re: Copper and Brass
 

Real brass is not affected by a magnet! Brass is a derivative of copper and other non-ferrous base metals, such as tin and zinc. Most likely the pieces you have are brass plated over a steel alloy(a low grade stainless steel). Use a magnet when you shop for copper, brass, real stainless steel and aluminum.:smokin:

Re: Copper and Brass
 

Good grief people....you burn up precious gas and score a few pounds of frickin "BRASS?" this pains me deeply.


I think you would make more money, if that is your goal, collecting aluminum cans and reap the benefits of fresh air and exercise.....leave those fine handcrafted brass products of India and China to the "decorating challenged unfortunates" who display them proudly in their hovels as "art".

Re: Copper and Brass
 

ouch!
That's gonna leave a mark! :D

Re: Copper and Brass
 

It's pretty easy to tell the plated items. They tend to get real spotty, and nasty looking, rather than an even patina to them. I don't know what all of the fuss is. I'm not making any special trips for this stuff. If I'm going out running errands, I stop at thrift stores that are on my route of travel. I'm doing something that I enjoy, browsing for treasure. I'm paying scrap value for very nice ornate solid brass items. Ten years ago I would be sitting around drinking beer all day, wasting time and money, and screwing up my health. I think this is quite an improvement.

Re: Copper and Brass
 

Bullionaire "Good grief people....you burn up precious gas and score a few pounds of frickin "BRASS?" this pains me deeply."

Not really, the yard sale that I went to was on my way to where I was going. I don't go out of my way, but I do take advantage of opportunities when they present themselves.

Re: Copper and Brass
 

Used to be able to find 5-10 pounds of copper nuggets a day metal detecting the old mine dumps in the U.P.; anybody want to mount an expedition?

Re: Copper and Brass
 

I wish I could. :bear_thumb: It sounds like fun.

Re: Copper and Brass
 

Anyone ever tear into "trashed" microwave ovens? I have read that there is a decent chunk of copper in them, but I have yet to come across one.

Re: Copper and Brass
 

Did that years ago, it was a blast. I can only imagine how picked over they are now!