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,-,Rare Touchstone Assay Needles

Currency:USD Category:Antiques Start Price:150.00 USD Estimated At:300.00 USD and UP
,-,Rare Touchstone Assay Needles
Preview
Holabird-Kagin Americana Office
3555 Airway Drive Suite#309
Reno, NV 89511
Thursday August22, 10am-6pm
* Preview also available by appointment

Live Auction
Friday & Saturday
August 23 & 24, 2013
9am PDT starting time, both days

Location
Atlantis Casino & Resort
Grand Ballroom #4
3800 S. Virginia Street
Reno, NV 89502

Lot Pick Up
Holabird-Kagin Americana Office
3555 Airway Drive Suite #309
Reno, NV 89511
Sunday August 25, 10am-1pm

c1800s-This rare set of 9 touchstone needles represents an ancient method of testing gold for karat purity. In use, known samples of gold would be marked on each needle, and then each known sample would be rubbed down the black touchstone and labeled. The unknown gold would also be rubbed down the length of the touchstone and compared to the known karat samples--making identification of unknown karats possible through acid testing. This set includes 9 needles, marked with the following: U.S. Standard 20, 18, 16, 14, 12, 10, 8, 6, and 4. The touchstone assay method for gold and silver has been in use since the ancient Egyptians, and continued to enjoy regular use throughout human history until more sophisticated assay tests were developed. Rarely seen today, this touchstone needle set is a fantastic addition to any serious assay collection. HKA#64331