Are these candle holders lead?

[konsole]

I've seen these at thrift stores, and this particular one was at a yard sale that the owner said to just take it. It weighs 10-oz even though its only about 2" tall and only the frame is metal. The metal frame is malleable and has either a lead or pewter look to it. Supposedly its some sort of candle holder and the sticker that is partially there says "Crate & Barrel pillar candles". Obviously if its lead there isnt a whole lot here, probably only 8-oz but it was free so I got curious.

http://s27.postimg.org/k272r0j03/DSCF1012.jpg

[richhodg66]

It's probably pewter, which is nearly pure tin. You did good if it is.

[MaryB]

Stained glass came lead probably.

[Cowboy_Dan]

:razz:
Stained glass came lead probably.

Wait, is it possible to extract lead for lead-containing glass? Probably not economical unless it's free, though.

P.S. Sorry for the hijack.

[imashooter2]

Possible? Sure. Practical? Not so much.

[zuke]

Stained glass lead, so it's close to pure lead.

[konsole]

Stained glass lead, so it's close to pure lead.

Looks like its getting melted in with my stick-on wheel weight lead then.

[MaryB]

smash them, shake off the glass fragments, smelt. See what temps they melt at

[FLHTC]

Stained glass lead, so it's close to pure lead.

Not all of it is. The more rigid came is zinc. Much of the "H" channel is lead but much of the "U" channel is zinc. I dabbled in that hobby many moons ago.

http://warnerstainedglass.com/search/search.aspx?type=dept&strSearch=178

[RogerDat]

Sounds like you would need to watch your temp to avoid getting the zinc. Solder on the joins is a bit of tin.

[rollmyown]

Not all of it is. The more rigid came is zinc. Much of the "H" channel is lead but much of the "U" channel is zinc. I dabbled in that hobby many moons ago.

http://warnerstainedglass.com/search/search.aspx?type=dept&strSearch=178

That explains why the leadlight lead I have turns to porridge (oatmeal) on processing.
Thanks, I'll leave it with the recycler next time I'm there.

[konsole]

I don't think the one I pictured has any zinc in the frame. I've smashed out all the glass and the remaining metal frame is quite malleable, either pure lead or close to it, or maybe pewter?

[FLHTC]

I don't think the one I pictured has any zinc in the frame. I've smashed out all the glass and the remaining metal frame is quite malleable, either pure lead or close to it, or maybe pewter?
Pewter isn't quite malleable but don't be too quick to rule out zinc. When i got out of the hobby(15 years ago), many of the manufacturers of came were switching to lead free alloys so your metal is more likely to contain some zinc, then be pure lead.

[konsole]

What would be the purpose in adding zinc to the lead if the two dont mix well? If its to harden the lead then wouldnt antimony make more sense?

[FLHTC]

What would be the purpose in adding zinc to the lead if the two dont mix well? If its to harden the lead then wouldnt antimony make more sense?

LEAD FREE means no lead. You can't add zinc to lead if it's not there. Even the stained glass solder is lead free now.

[konsole]

wait, ok sorry but now I'm confused. We have been bouncing around between lead/zinc/pewter. I really don't think there is much if any zinc because zinc is very hard and the entire metal frame is quite soft and malleable. To me the whole frame looks like pure lead or very close to, because of the dark matte color of it and its softness, possible pewter but with leads common use in stain glass then it seems more likely lead then pewter. If you really think there is zinc in any amount then fine and I'll have to throw it out to avoid zinc contamination. I should just throw it out since it has either zinc, or is really not enough lead to worry about anyway.

[RogerDat]

I think the point made earlier was melt it at a temp below 750 and zinc won't melt, lead and tin will. If it melts at that temp you can use it if it doesn't you can't.
Or you could use some acid to test for zinc. No bubbles it's good. But not melting is a pretty good way to separate the good from the bad when making ingots.

I notice in you signature line you have ingots for sale. Why P/U only? USPS flat rate shipping added to your price selling price per lb. would still be a reasonable price.