Silver content

[GODISHIGH]

Hello, I got these medals at the OMSA this week and I know there original and Im pretty sure they are silver but are they pure silver or just mostly silver.
Thanks
John

[CRBeery]

Pure silver as in 100%? I highly doubt it. Most would be 800 to 935 or 80% to 93.5%. 

There are devices that tell you the makeup of these as far as silver content. I wouldn't let anyone do the old grind it on a stone and test it with acid method. Don't harm history.

[Schießplatzmeister]

Hello John:

Yes they are struck from silver alloy and are original.  The ribbons are also original.  I believe that the minimum standard silver alloy for these planchets was probably 800/1000 silver as stated above.  The ribbon rings, suspension rings, and sword devices may have been made of slightly lower-silver content allow to make them harder and more durable.

Best regards,