Mystery Ingots

I came across these the other day and my first thought was Pewter, but now I am not 100% sure. The only markings are the USCO stamp on each of the ingots and the 22 written on the bottom of the ingots. There are three ingots cast together to form one large ingot ~3' long. It isn't soft enough to shave a piece off with a knife and I haven't attempted a melting test on it yet. The surface is quite pitted on the top but fairly smooth on the bottom except the few blow out areas shown in the photos. Anybody have any ideas?

http://i1072.photobucket.com/albums/...5/999ac7e0.jpg

http://i1072.photobucket.com/albums/...5/17900936.jpg

http://i1072.photobucket.com/albums/...5/77717752.jpg

Maybe magnesium? My best guess.

Is the #22 written on there because it's the weight of it?? Is it lightweight or heavy??

Not sure if that is the weight or not. Seems to be heavier than that when you try to pick it up off the floor. I will try to weigh it tomorrow and let you know.

USCO - Union Steel Corporation of South Africa

It could be United Stainless Steel Company. usco.com.bh

Let's start with a magnet.

My guess is a zinc anode from a ship.

possible high voltage transmission component

Founded in Birmingham, AL, USCO Power Switches are used in transmission, distribution and substation applications.

Hubbell Power Systems - Products for Electric Utilities, Telecommunications and Construction Industries

I'm going to take a WAG and say that it is a test pour ingot used for quality control from batch 22.

Looks like lead to me

See if you can draw your favorite cartoon character with it on a piece of paper.

Okay got some more info just in case it help.

Weight - is just over 22 lbs on a digital bath scale mine read 22.4. It is not Magnetic. It leaves some marks behind on paper but nothing substansial might be more dirt than anything. It is pretty hard stuff you can barely leave a scratch on it using a knife. If you wanted to take a piece off you would have to use something like a hacksaw or a cutting wheel. Anyone in the Boise area know where I could take this thing to get it tested to see what it is. Don't want to spend much just in case it isn't worth anything when all is said and done.

Thanks,

Go to yard to sell and have them shoot it with gun and they will say what it is easy as that.

Does it spark when you hit it with a grinder?

It looks like iron and the hardness properties I would guess its a form of non magnetic iron alloy. Don't they make something that isn't stainless but has high manganese or nickle or something?

Taking it to the yard probably tomorrow to have someone shoot it and tell me what it is. I will post the results.

United Metals would be your best bet. Take it to the yard in boise, off Gowen RD. Pacific can be a bunch of babies about using their XRF gun. Good luck.

I am always willing to shoot anything with our Niton gun if anybody sends me a sample and includes a self addressed envelope with postage affixed. My company actually just purchased a new one that has the capability to read precious metals better than our last one. I am a little scared to use the new one right now because it cost more than I make in a year.

Any conclusion to this saga ? I'm dying to know what that thing is

I would second using the United Metals yard out on S. Eagleson Rd. I have had bad luck trying to get Pacific in Nampa to shoot anything.