Weighing and the density test

Mass tells on fakes.

Weigh accurately and, where safe, estimate volume by displacement to get density. The reference points are worth memorising: gold about 19.3 g/cm³, lead 11.3, silver 10.5, copper alloys roughly 8.4–8.9.

The method is kitchen-simple: weigh in grams, then lower the object into a measuring vessel of water and read the millilitres displaced — grams divided by millilitres is density. Water only, and never with porous, fragile, or actively corroding objects.

A piece far lighter than solid metal of its size is likely plated, hollow, or a base-metal substitute; gilded lead and filled “gold” both betray themselves on the scale.

Small objects magnify measurement error, so treat the result as a range, not a verdict. Record weight and dimensions in every case — they cost nothing and settle arguments years later.

From the guide library inside Collectors Catalogues, a free app for cataloguing antiques and finds with honest, museum-grade records.

More on skills

Reading patina — What surface color tells you — and doesn’t.

Spotting casting seams — How an object was made narrows its date.

Recognising modern copies — The tells of a later reproduction.

General signs of a reproduction — What later copies get wrong.

Reading hallmarks and maker marks — A punched paper trail.

Using UV and magnification — Seeing what the eye misses.

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