Sterling Silver Collectors Guide: Know The Silver You Own

Antiquing also involves a thrill of the chase. Individuals undertake a research to find artifacts that fit their vision. Folks get much satisfaction when they finally find the piece they’ve been looking for. Things have changed in the past year due to COVID-19, as more people have turned to the internet for buying and researching antiques.

As you rummage through your attic and see what treasures you can find, it is going to be a moment of wonder if you happen to have a silver flatware around. Silverware sets tend to get passed down for generations within a family.  So you may own flatware that is over 100 years old and came to you from your great grandparents. However, if it doesn’t fit with your taste and is taking up a lot of space you might consider selling it for a good amount of money. 

antique silver flatware

First, determine if it is sterling or silver plated 

Silver flatware can either be sterling silver or silver plated items such as spoon set, knife or fork. Flatware also items like serving platter, plate or tray. Holloware are also silver plated or sterling silver, but are usually formed into a piece that is hollow inside, like a teapot, creamer or serving bowl. 

The easiest way to determine real sterling silver or silver plated is by looking at the markings from the manufacturer on the individual pieces. Silver plated pieces have typical marks of “silver plate,” “plated,” “EP” for electroplated, or “EPNS” for electroplated nickel silver. The piece is most likely silver plated if there aren’t any markings. 

Sterling silver flatware is always marked. American made sterling flatware is marked by “sterling”. Silverware are often marked with the number 925 which indicates 92.5% concentration of silver in sterling silver objects. Some flatware are also marked as “coin” which means that the pieces are made from melted coins. These are usually about 90 percent silver.

As silver plated flatware have very little resale value, it is best to use them because it is expensive to remove the silver plating. Dig a little deeper if you determine your set is sterling silver flatware and have a better idea of the set’s true value. 

You must decide definitively that you are ready to sell your sterling flatware set as with anything else that you would want to sell. If the items are passed down as a family heirlooms, the decision is going to be a difficult one. So, think it through that you would rather sell the set than pass them down to another generation in your family.

Pattern, Age and Condition Matter to antique silver flatware buyers

Buyers are looking at condition, age and the pattern with sterling silver flatware, or silver plated flatware. Pattern is the design of the items such as knives, forks, spoons and plates and trays. The designs tie the entire set together and patterns are sought after as the current decorating trend. Bring your set to a trusted precious metals specialists as they weigh and evaluate and in most cases immediately offer you a fair price based on the condition of the set and the market price of silver. Condition is also considered as, the closer an item is to its original condition, the better are your chances to expect the desired price.  

So, it is important to clean your silver flatware carefully and learn from an expert how to preserve its value. Be ready to get top dollar for sterling silver flatware sets after you are done with your research and place your bet in the trusted hands. 

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