Gold Plated Brass
Gold from Electronic, Telecommunication & Computer Scrap Part 2
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Gold from Electronic, Telecommunication & Computer Scrap Part 2
RecyclingSecrets.com
by Michael Meuser
This is the 2nd in an ongoing series of articles about my experience in the electronic salvage, recycling and gold recovery business. At first, I was going to write this up as an ebook and sell it, but I decided – given the tough economic times we all face – to give it away in installments. New installments, resources, how-to articles and news can be found at www.RecyclingSecrets.com.
In my last post I began the story of how I got into the electronics, telecommunications and computer recycling / gold recovery business. I’ll tell you a bit more about it here.
This seeming very small “tip” I got from the telecommunication workers turned out to be a virtual gold mine for me and my family.
Up until the time I met these guys, all of their scrap from upgrades and repairs to telecommunication microwave repeater stations in Nevada went into the local landfills. But, because of the upgrade across the state from tube type repeater radios to solid state, the amount of scrap was just too much to handle in this manner.
They told me that they thought the scrap was going up for bid and that I should contact the local office about it. I first, though, wanted to know what it was that I was bidding on. So, I went to the local office, told them of my intentions and they gave me a key to a repeater station and told me to take notes, samples, talk to workers – in short do whatever it took to make a reasonable bid that I could live with.
I headed to Nevada with my very used dodge van. I brought back samples of microwave tubing (beautiful pure copper rectangular tubing with brass flanges), large batteries for their backup power, gold plated attentuators, connectors and the like and many many photos of gigantic steel racks, radios racks of extruded aluminum, etc. etc.
Turns out that the company just wanted a flat per pound bid for everything but the batteries and then a separate bid for the batteries. Batteries at the time were very low in value and, in fact, becoming hard to find anyone who would take them for scrap at all. I asked if I could just bid on everything else and leave the batteries behind and was told no – it was all or nothing.
I was also told that I would probably be the only contractor to bid – they clearly were not interested in the revenue, they just wanted the stuff out of there.
I bid only 1/4 cent per pound on the batteries and just a few cents on the rest. I was awarded the contract. I still remember the local office guy saying, “are you sure you can handle this?” and me saying, “sure, no problem at all.”
When I got into my van and drove back home I was in a daze. I thought, how in the world am I going to do this? The bits and pieces quickly came to me – fortunately I had grown up with a can-do attitude – a crucial part of your mental makeup if you are going to be a successful recycler / salvager.
More to come. New articles will be listed at www.RecyclingSecrets.com (news, tools, and resources are also available here) and also at the recyclingsecrets.blogspot.com.
About the Author
I got into the recycling and salvage business in the early 80s. The housing boom and recession at that time and loss of a job made me look for a new way to support my family. I found a small pamphlet titled, surplus and salvage and began applying the principles that I found within. My salvage work ranged from autos and trucks, building materials, metals to electronics and gold. A year ago or so I began to write an ebook about the electronic salvage and gold recovery experience. I was going to sell the book, but writing an entire book proved daunting so I’ve started to write it in short articles that I give away free. I know that these are hard times and I don’t want to burden you with any more expense. I hope that my experience will prove to be encouraging and useful to you.
custom made 24 karat gold plated brass speaker terminal bowl/pipe antennae
|
|
2pcs 24K Gold Plated Brass Speaker power amplifier terminals connectors Jack $3.99 |
|
|
18K YELLOW&WHITE GOLD GP OVERLAY SOLID FILLED WITH BRASS HOOP 20MM 0.79″ EARRING $9.99 |
|
|
Vintage Pair of Gold Gilt Table Lamps with Marble and Brass Plated Base $129.99 |
|
|
14K GOLD PLATED BRASS FLORAL SPRAY RING SIZE 9 – S – BRAND NEW $3.46 |
|
|
Clutch Earring Backs Hypo Allergenic Gold Plated Brass 12 Pieces $1.74 |
|
|
Crimp Beads 2mm Gold Plated Brass 288 Pc $2.28 |
|
|
Nwob Juicy Couture Heart Banner Earrings Red Brass Crystal New Gold Bow stones $10.00 |
|
|
NEW LADY 18K YELLOW GOLD SOLID GP OVERLAY FILLED WITH BRASS FLOWER CZ RING SZ 9 $9.99 |
|
|
VINTAGE SS NORMANDIE 14K GOLD PLATED FIGURAL SHIP BRASS JEWELRY BOX 1935 FRANCE $700.00 |
|
|
Candle hand made Brass Judaica Hannukah Lamp ,24 KT gold & silver plated $48.00 |
|
|
Candle hand made Brass Judaica Hannukah Lamp ,24 KT gold & silver plated $62.00 |
|
|
FUNKY RETRO SPOON GENUINE BRASS DOUBLE STUD GOLD PLATED CHAIN EARRINGS $2.99 |
|
|
Coin Drops Antiqued Gold Plated Brass 7mm 100 each Craft Charms fnb $5.20 |
|
|
18Kt. Gold Plated Brass Christmas Train Ornament New $4.99 |
|
|
2mm Gold Plated Brass Rondelle Shaped Crimp Beads (100) $0.99 |
|
|
Sheila Fajl, 18k gold plate over brass, bezel set, oval natural amethyst ring, 7 $55.00 |
|
|
NEW HEART SHAPE 18K YELLOW GOLD GP OVERLAY FILLED BRASS HOOP TALL 1.18″ EARRING $8.99 |
|
|
Vintage AMERICAN LEGION LOT: Gold Plated PINS & Brass? Numbers $49.99 |
|
|
300 Gold, Black & Silver Plated Brass Bead Tips Knot Cover Bottom Clamp 4x9mm $4.99 |
|
|
22 Grams Approx. 100 Gold Plated Brass Beads 5mm Highly Polished Round Beads $1.99 |
|
|
1 set Brass 18K Gold Plated 13mm Round Toggle Clasp BR030 $3.69 |
|
|
EXQUISITE BRASS GOLD-PLATE COMMON CUP – CHURCH SUPPLIES – NIB $127.99 |
|
|
ORNATE NODE BRASS GOLD PLATE CIBORIUM WITH COVER – CHURCH SUPPLIES – NIB $145.90 |
|
|
Jenny Bird Treasure Collar Necklace 18 karat gold-plated and brass chains w/bone $119.99 |
|
|
GRAPEVINE BRASS GOLD-PLATE COMMUNION CUP – CHURCH SUPPLIES – NIB $139.95 |
|
|
Tenor Sax with Gold Lacquer Brass Body & Nickel Plated Keys $634.95 |
|
|
VALERIO ALBARELLO Modern 24K Gold Plate Brass Swarovski CRYSTAL Candle Snuffer $9.99 |
|
|
Gold-Plated Brass Link 12x10mm Oval Setting – 4 Each $4.95 |
|
|
165 pcs Gold Plated Stardust Round Brass Spacers Metal Beads 4mm MB0013 $0.99 |
|
|
TWO-TONE BRASS GOLD PLATE CHALICE AND PATEN SET – CHURCH SUPPLIES – NIB $89.90 |
|
|
Lobster Clasp 14mm Catch Hook Brass Gold Plate 10 pc $6.45 |
|
|
Vintage Art Deco Coro Engraved Satin Finish Brass Pin $39.99 |
|
|
14K Yellow Gold Plated Brass Open Heart CZ Stud Screw Back Earrings $18.99 |
|
|
300 Gold, Black & Silver Plated Brass Bead Tips Knot Cover Bottom Clamp 4x9mm $4.99 |
|
|
22 Grams Approx. 100 Gold Plated Brass Beads 5mm Highly Polished Round Beads $1.99 |
|
|
500 Beads! Gold Plated Brass Beads 5mm Highly Polished Round Beads Appx. 110 gr $8.99 |
|
|
60 pcs Gold Plated Smooth Tube Antique Brass Metal Beads Spacers 2x30mm MB0030 $0.99 |
|
|
Vintage 1920′s Conn 2B Trumpet Pink Rose Gold Plated $3,500.00 |
|
|
OOAK Handcrafted Steam Punk Necklace Intense Brass Filigree Gold Plated Findings $15.99 |
|
|
16mm Green Turquoise on Gold Plated Brass Filigree Earrings OOAK unique! $2.49 |
|
|
OOAK Steam Punk Necklace Designed by ABEO JEWELRY brass gold plated Red Rose $15.99 |
|
|
16mm Green Turquoise on Gold Plated Brass Filigree Earrings OOAK unique! $2.49 |
|
|
MARC JACOBS Gold Plated Brass Wishbone Necklace Charm $14.75 |
|
|
10 Pcs. BRASS GOLD PLATED Audiophile RCA SHIELDING CAPS $8.99 |
|
|
Baldwin 4332010S Gold Plated Brass .075″ Swarovski Cut Crystal Ball Brass $23.10 |
|
|
NEW – Pick Guard For Les Paul – GOLD PLATED BRASS $49.99 |
|
|
Filigree Heart Unset 9ct 9k Solid Yellow Gold Pendant w/ Gold plated brass chain $73.21 |
|
|
Jewelry & Bead LOT – Metal Findings & Components – Brass, Gold Tone, Plated $5.99 |
|
|
2329FN Bead Cap Cup Gold plated brass, 6mm Flower, 100 Qty $2.49 |
|
|
Lot of 6 Gold Plated and Brass Items, Marble Trinket Dish with Cover, Small-2-3″ $24.95 |
|
|
Jenny Bird Boho Hoops 18 karat gold-plate brass with bone NIB Black Brown $39.99 |
|
|
100 corrugated 3mm SILVER plated BRASS metal beads $2.24 |
|
|
Gold Nickel Plated Brass Sculpture “Masque Oiseau” 90/300 Jean Hans Arp $3.25 |
|
|
4 antiqued gold plated brass 16mm TOGGLE CLASPS closures $4.39 |
|
|
50 ANTIQUED GOLD-PLATED CORRUGATED RONDELLE BEADS #B106 $2.79 |
|
|
100 corrugated 2.3mm SILVER plated BRASS metal beads $1.94 |
|
|
22 Grams Approx. 100 Gold Plated Brass Beads 5mm Highly Polished Round Beads $1.99 |
|
|
300 Gold, Black & Silver Plated Brass Bead Tips Knot Cover Bottom Clamp 4x9mm $4.99 |
|
|
1000 2mm gold plated crimp brass round beads S246 $0.99 |
|
|
775 Wholesale Cheap Hot Brass Round Crimp Bead End bead Gold Plated CP0005 $0.99 |
|
|
6.25 inch Modern Mesh Twist Cuff bangle Gold Plated Brass Fasion Style no Stone $33.99 |
|
|
10pcs 22x10x5mm DIY Bow Tie Filigree Brass Fashion Links Gold Plated MB0472-6 $0.01 |
|
|
5978FN BULK Bead Cap Cup Gold plated brass 7mm Ribbed for 7 to 9mm bead 1000 Qty $18.99 |
|
|
BRASS GOLD PLATED BEAUTIFUL MINIATURE GRAMOPHONE AS SHOW PIECE $45.00 |
|
|
100 Antique Gold Plated Brass Round Spacer Beads 4MM $3.99 |
|
|
Brass-plated Caddy w/Two Gold-decorated Jeannette Glass Condiment Dish Set, EC $4.99 |
|
|
HOT MASON MASONIC NO STONE GOLD PLATED BRASS MEN’S CUSTOM RING JEWELRY size 14 $30.99 |
|
|
VTG MADE IN INDIA 18KGP BRASS CUBIC ZIRONIA STATEMENT BIB NECKLACE EARRINGS SET $299.99 |
|
|
New Robert Lee Morris Gold Plated Brass Round Cellular Cross Pierced Earrings $39.00 |
|
|
Signed Robert Lee Morris Gold Plated Brass Small Classic Heart Pendant $50.00 |
|
|
Signed Brooch Pin Gold Plated Brass Assimilated Amethyst Rhinestones Flower $0.99 |
|
|
VINTAGE Brass Plate PICTURE FRAME Elegant Antique Art Deco Style Gold Color 8×10 $8.99 |
|
|
VINTAGE Double Hinge Brass Plate PICTURE FRAME Fancy Floral Deco Gold Color 5×7 $9.99 |
|
|
VINTAGE Double Hinge PICTURE FRAME Brass Plate Ornate Art Deco Gold Color 8×10 $14.99 |
|
|
STAGG Silver-plated Professional Trumpet In Soft Case with Gold Brass Bell $349.95 |
|
|
wholesale lots bulk 25Pcs Imitated Pearl rhinestone Antique brass Rings jewelry $25.99 |
|
|
4 BOOKMARKS GOLD PLATED SOLID BRASS – NEW CONDITION $6.50 |
|
|
Vintage Art Deco Brass Dangling GLASS TUBE & COBALT BEAD BIB FRINGE NECKLACE $9.99 |
|
|
New Robert Lee Morris Gold Plated Brass Pebble Drop Pierced Earrings $39.00 |
|
|
New Robert Lee Morris Gold Plated Brass Fruit Loop Pierced Earrings $50.00 |
|
|
New Robert Lee Morris Gold Plated Brass Pillow Drop Pierced Earrings $50.00 |
|
|
New Robert Lee Morris Gold Plated Brass Ballet Slipper Drop Pierced Earrings $50.00 |
|
|
vtg silver and gold plated on brass set lot4 candle sticks hngkng black 9″t tape $29.99 |
|
|
New Robert Lee Morris Gold Plated Brass Whittled Cross Pendant $60.00 |
|
|
VINTAGE CAKE PLATE FOOTED ON THE BRASS PEDESTRAL GOLD DECORATED GERMANY L.&L. $34.99 |
|
|
Vintage Gold Star Driver 22 Years License Plate Topper Brass Star $15.50 |
|
|
Amrita Singh 7 Day Bangle Set. Coral. 8 inch. NWT. Antique gold plated brass. $39.99 |
|
|
CHAMPAGNE SOLITAIRE BRASS GOLD PLATED LADY RING JEWELRY $18.59 |
|
|
CHAMPAGNE SOLITAIRE BRASS GOLD PLATED LADY RING JEWELRY $18.59 |
|
|
CHAMPAGNE SOLITAIRE BRASS GOLD PLATED LADY RING JEWELRY $18.59 |
|
|
CHAMPAGNE SOLITAIRE BRASS GOLD PLATED LADY RING JEWELRY $18.59 |
|
|
CHAMPAGNE SOLITAIRE BRASS GOLD PLATED LADY RING JEWELRY $18.59 |
|
|
CHAMPAGNE SOLITAIRE BRASS GOLD PLATED LADY RING JEWELRY $18.59 |
|
|
Rare Robert Lee Morris Collection Heavy Molten Gold Plated Brass Cross Pendant $95.00 |
|
|
Arturo Fuente Gold Plated Brass Christmas Ornament – Trolley $12.95 |
|
|
Nakamol Simulated Coral Gold Plated Brass Beads Leather Wrap Around Bracelet $35.00 |
|
|
32 VTG JEWELRY RING SHANK BRASS SILVER GOLD PLATE ADD RHINESTONE REPAIR FINDINGS $2.50 |
|
|
Vintage New Robert Lee Morris Gold Plated Brass Feather Drop Pierced Earrings $100.00 |
|
|
SOLID BRASS GOLD PLATED PORCELAIN BELT BUCKLE BARLOW DESIGN **RARE** $24.99 |
|
|
White Gold Plated Brass Dagron Bail Bead Pendant 1PC $2.99 |
|
|
Nickel Plated Brass Tray $335 Nickel Plated Brass Tray |
|
|
Aeropen International K1000G Gold Plated Brass Oval Key Ring $21.26 Gold Plated Brass Oval Key Ring. Designed with the fashion conscious buyers in mind. Satisfaction ensured. Size: 15/16 x 51/4 x 1/8 . Imprinting Area: 1 W x 11/2 H. |
|
|
Gold plated dangle earrings Tiga Surprise (Indonesia) $72.99 The trendy design of these earrings is by Hariyono in Bali. Featuring three hoops of irregular contours, the earrings are crafted by hand with 18k gold plated brass. They hang from gold plated sterling silver hooks. .925 Sterling silver |
|
|
Gold plated dangle earrings, ‘Hypnotic Shields’ (Indonesia) $67.99 Bali’s Hariyono creates a hypnotic effect with the design of these earrings. Crafted by hand with 18k gold plated brass, they feature concentric ovals with irregular contours. They hang from gold plated sterling silver hooks. .925 Sterling silver |
|
|
Gold plated dangle earrings Follow the Dream (Thailand) $34.99 Blue calcite centers the powerful design of these earrings by Khun Boom. The dyed gem is in elegant harmony with the unique glow of 24k gold plated brass. Features 24k gold plated sterling silver hooks. .925 Sterling silver |
|
|
Gold plated dangle earrings, ‘Follow the Dream’ (Thailand) $34.99 Blue calcite centers the powerful design of these earrings by Khun Boom. The dyed gem is in elegant harmony with the unique glow of 24k gold plated brass. Features 24k gold plated sterling silver hooks. .925 Sterling silver |
|
|
Gold plated dangle earrings, ‘Tiga Surprise’ (Indonesia) $72.99 The trendy design of these earrings is by Hariyono in Bali. Featuring three hoops of irregular contours, the earrings are crafted by hand with 18k gold plated brass. They hang from gold plated sterling silver hooks. .925 Sterling silver |
|
|
Gold plated dangle earrings, ‘Golden Sun’ (Indonesia) $89.95 Hariyono designs earrings that glisten with trendy elegance. The earrings are crafted by hand with 18k gold plated brass featuring a hammered finish. They hang from gold plated sterling silver hooks. .925 Sterling silver |
|
|
Gold plated dangle earrings Golden Sun (Indonesia) $89.95 Hariyono designs earrings that glisten with trendy elegance. The earrings are crafted by hand with 18k gold plated brass featuring a hammered finish. They hang from gold plated sterling silver hooks. .925 Sterling silver |
|
|
Gold plated dangle earrings Hypnotic Shields (Indonesia) $67.99 Bali’s Hariyono creates a hypnotic effect with the design of these earrings. Crafted by hand with 18k gold plated brass, they feature concentric ovals with irregular contours. They hang from gold plated sterling silver hooks. .925 Sterling silver |
|
|
Pittsburgh Steelers Gold Plated Brass Money Clip $54.99 *You may not be rolling in NFL salary earnings- but you can still keep your cash organized in style with this custom-crafted 14kt gold plated money clip.*A great gift for any true Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Measures 2 inch x 7/8 inch Custom made when ordered. Please allow 2-6 weeks for delivery. |
|
|
Philadelphia Eagles Gold Plated Brass Money Clip $49.99 *You may not be rolling in NFL salary earnings- but you can still keep your cash organized in style with this custom-crafted 14kt gold plated money clip.*A great gift for any true Philadelphia Eagles fan. Measures 2 inch x 7/8 inch Custom made when ordered. Please allow 2-6 weeks for delivery. |
|
|
Oakland Raiders Gold Plated Brass Money Clip $54.99 *You may not be rolling in NFL salary earnings- but you can still keep your cash organized in style with this custom-crafted 14kt gold plated money clip.*A great gift for any true Oakland Raiders fan. Measures 2 inch x 7/8 inch Custom made when ordered. Please allow 2-6 weeks for delivery. |
|
|
Chicago Cubs Gold Plated Brass Money Clip $54.99 *You may not be rolling in MLB salary earnings- but you can still keep your cash organized in style with this custom-crafted 14kt gold plated money clip.*A great gift for any true Chicago Cubs fan. Measures 2 inch x 7/8 inch Custom made when ordered. Please allow 2-6 weeks for delivery. |
|
|
Chicago Bears Gold Plated Brass Money Clip $49.99 *You may not be rolling in NFL salary earnings- but you can still keep your cash organized in style with this custom-crafted 14kt gold plated money clip.*A great gift for any true Chicago Bears fan. Measures 2 inch x 7/8 inch Custom made when ordered. Please allow 2-6 weeks for delivery. |
|
|
Miami Dolphins Gold Plated Brass Money Clip $49.99 *You may not be rolling in NFL salary earnings- but you can still keep your cash organized in style with this custom-crafted 14kt gold plated money clip.*A great gift for any true Miami Dolphins fan. Measures 2 inch x 7/8 inch Custom made when ordered. Please allow 2-6 weeks for delivery. |
|
|
Prym Bulk Safety Pins Gilt Plated Brass Size 0- Gold color $38.49 Prym Bulk Safety Pins come closed, and in boxes of 10 gross. Gilt Plated Brass Size 0- Gold color |
|
|
Gold plated amethyst dangle earrings, ‘Sunflower’ (Thailand) $34.49 Bathed in luxurious 24k gold, sunflowers become earrings by Thailand’s Khun Boom. She crafts them of brass, adding gold vermeil hooks and 2 carats of faceted amethyst. Gold plated .925 sterling silver hooks |
|
|
Gold plated amethyst dangle earrings Sunflower (Thailand) $34.49 Bathed in luxurious 24k gold, sunflowers become earrings by Thailand’s Khun Boom. She crafts them of brass, adding gold vermeil hooks and 2 carats of faceted amethyst. Gold plated .925 sterling silver hooks |
|
|
Gold plated dangle earrings, ‘Imprints’ (Brazil) $74.95 Designers from Minas Gerais mark the passing of time transforming leafy imprints into a magnificent pair of earrings. They are crafted by hand with 18k gold-plated brass. |
|
|
Gold Plated Round Disk Ring $6.95 Style with Substance Put gorgeous jewelry at your fingertips with contemporary wide band adjustable rings. Features a 1/2 diameter flat pad. Adjusts from size 5-8 seamlessly. Brass based, plated in 24k gold. A Delphi Exclusive. |
|
|
Gold plated necklace, ‘Wildflowers’ (Brazil) $94.95 A breathtaking Brazilian necklace of garnet, amethyst, rhodolite and chrysoprase gemstones. Tiny buds swell from slender stems to burst into full bloom. Set in 18k gold plated brass. The colors and gemstones may vary slightly from those pictured. |
|
|
Gold plated necklace Wildflowers (Brazil) $94.95 A breathtaking Brazilian necklace of garnet, amethyst, rhodolite and chrysoprase gemstones. Tiny buds swell from slender stems to burst into full bloom. Set in 18k gold plated brass. The colors and gemstones may vary slightly from those pictured. |
|
|
Gold plated onyx dangle earrings, ‘Petal’ (Thailand) $42.95 Brass petals bathed in 24k gold embrace faceted onyx in a design by Khun Boom. Crafted by hand, the earrings feature a hammered finish. Gold plated .925 Sterling silver hooks |