Thanks D&b...that definitely changes things up alot....For those that are slow today, like me, and didn't take note from earlier posting....German Silver isn't silver at all and is a nickel based metal. Because of the confusion and "trickery" that people were experiencing after such "silvers" were developed in the 19th C, if the metal content of an item does not contain silver then it cannot be called silver.
Much like lots of other pieces from Mexico are being sold as silver on Ebay and the internet all the time...and they are not silver. They are Alpacca Silver (Alpaca) - an alloy imitating sterling silver. This bright silver-grey metal alloy is made up of copper, zinc and nickel (sometimes iron) and does NOT contain any real silver - just another name for Nickel Silver. This term is used in Germany, Austria Middle and Eastern Europe, Mexico, S America and Central America. Notably, in 1823 there was a contest among German & Austrian metalwork companies to develop an alloy that most closely appeared similar to silver (visually - not chemically or physically). After the manufacturer, Berndorf AG, trademarked and made popular the brand name Alpacca, it became used more than "Nickel Silver".
Definitely not saying that this individual was trying to deceive anyone...they are trying to find out info! The piece is still nice and collectible....but the value is that of the market. Would give it a value of $40 - 50 if in shape as seen and if chain is original (don't see many still attached). Girlie items are in...and this value may be a bit high...but...it is a part of history! Agree, save your money on the appraisal.
