A Guide to Help You Evaluate Antique Sterling Silver Flatware

Posted on March 20, 2024March 30, 2024 by AntiqueSilver

Antique silver flatware is one of the most popular collectible antiques in the world. Due to the popularity of antique silver flatware for sale, it can be difficult for non-informed antique silver flatware buyers to properly evaluate the value of their antique sterling silver flatware. The following is an essential guide that will help antique silver flatware buyers and sellers determine the value of their sterling silver flatware. Explore our sterling silver flatware value guide for expert insights!

Step One: Is It Authentic Sterling Silver?

The first thing you need to evaluate is the type of silver used on the item. There are two types of silver that you will find on antique flatware: silver plate and sterling silver. Silver plate was made with a silver coating on top of a different base metal; this method was typically used to provide a silver appearance at a lower cost. Sterling silver is silver branded with the Sterling stamp; the Sterling stamp is a guarantee that the silver is either completely pure or made with .925 silver and .075 added copper.

In the United States, Sterling is easy to identify via the stamps which were present on all Sterling flatware made after 1850: this includes “Sterling,” “.925” and “925/100.” If your silver piece does not have any of these marks, then it is either very old (prior to 1850) or it is fake.

Step Two: Identify the Manufacturer and Pattern

If you already know the manufacturer, you will likely be able to find the pattern used for the silver piece fairly easily by searching for the manufacturer, date and general description of the object. If you don’t yet know the manufacturer, you will need to look for hallmark stamps that can indicate which company produced the antique sterling silver flatware in your passions.

Once you have identified the manufacturer, it’s time to begin looking for the pattern. The pattern, like the manufacturer, can have a significant impact on the ultimate value of your item.

Step Three: Assess the Condition

The value of your antique sterling silver flatware can also be influenced by the condition of the flatware in question. If the silver has lots of scratches, dings or various types of discoloration, then the ultimately value is likely to be lower than silver flatware which is in more pristine condition. If the silver is relatively pristine, considering its age, then the value will be higher than scratched and ding-up flatware. And don’t forget about the condition of accessories such as footwear, socks, and other small yet crucial details.

Final Thoughts

You may not be able to tell the exact value of your sterling silver object (or objects) without outside assistance—in other words, an appraisal of some kind that will provide a more definite guideline for what you should be charging for your final thoughts. In cases where you are having trouble identifying hallmarks and other characteristics which can help define and value your antique silver flatware, consult with local dealers about options for identification and assessment. Ensure you get the most accurate value of sterling silver flatware with professional guidance.

What Exactly is Sterling Silver? How to Identify Sterling Silver Quality?

Posted on January 24, 2024January 24, 2024 by AntiqueSilver

Sterling silver is a popular metal alloy used in the making of jewelry. It combines silver with other metals, such as copper, making it more wear and tear-resistant. The metal composition must have at least 92.5% silver to be classified as sterling silver. There are various methods for identifying authentic sterling silver, including the white cloth test, nitric acid test, magnet test, smell test, and hidden marking test. Sterling silver is hypoallergenic, durable, customizable, timeless, and affordable, making it an excellent choice for creating jewelry and other items. Regular cleaning and proper care are necessary to maintain its beauty and value. So, Sterling Silver is an economical and sturdy metal alloy perfect for making jewelry.

The Composition of Sterling Silver

Like gold, silver is delicate and soft in its purest form. Unfortunately, it doesn’t make it a durable material. To make it more useful, pure silver is usually mixed with metal alloys like copper to improve strength and durability. When pure silver is combined with less than 7.5% alloy, it is referred to as sterling silver. Sterling silver will contain at least 92.5% silver.

Identifying Sterling Silver

If you have a piece of silver jewelry or silverware and want to know if it’s made of sterling silver, you can take a few steps to test it.

The white cloth test. Use a soft white cloth to rub down your item gently. If there are black marks on the fabric when you pull it away, this is a good sign that the material is sterling silver.
The nitric acid test. Adding drops of nitric acid to real sterling silver won’t have any effect, but the same can’t be said about non-silver metals. When added to other options, nitric acid will lose color.
The magnet test. It is a fairly straightforward test, as magnets don’t affect silver. Holding a magnet up to the silver piece and finding that the item is attracted to the magnet should be a clear sign that you don’t have a sterling silver object.
The smell test. Take a whiff of the silver item. Does it smell something metallic? That means you’ve got something other than sterling silver, as too much copper is present. Sterling silver should not have a smell.
The hidden marking test. Genuine sterling silver – especially jewelry – will have an unnoticeable marking on it stating “Sterling Silver,” “925,” or “Ster.” If you don’t see any of these markings, you should be careful about whether or not you have the real thing.

Sterling silver doesn’t come cheap and requires a considerable investment, regardless of whether you are buying a silver antique or pendant. Fortunately, it is a worthwhile investment, as the piece’s value will increase with time.

Cleaning Your Sterling Silver

There are many metals out there that are tarnish-resistant, but unfortunately, sterling silver isn’t one of them. If you have a silver piece you don’t wear or use often, a tarnish can build up on the surface. Regular polishing using a silver cleaning is a simple and effective solution, and it is important to clean off the tarnish before it can build. Otherwise, you may end up damaging sterling silver pieces long-term.

You can save time, money, and hassle by purchasing sterling silver jewelry or antiques from a reputable dealer. This way, you can ensure that you are making a sound investment.

The Benefits of Sterling Silver

Sterling silver is a versatile and attractive metal with many benefits, making it an ideal choice for jewelry and other items. Some of the advantages of sterling silver include:

It is hypoallergenic. Unlike other metals that can cause allergic reactions, sterling silver is safe for most people. It does not contain nickel, a common allergen for many people.
It is durable. Sterling silver can last for a long time if properly cared for. It is resistant to wear and tear and can be easily repaired if damaged.
It is easy to customize. Sterling silver can be molded into various shapes and designs, making it perfect for creating unique and personalized pieces. It can also be engraved, stamped, or embellished with gemstones.
It is timeless. Sterling silver has a classic and elegant appeal that never goes out of style. It can complement any outfit and occasion and be mixed and matched with other metals and accessories.
It is affordable. Compared to other precious metals such as gold and platinum, sterling silver is much more affordable and accessible. It offers a high-quality and luxurious look without breaking the bank.

Sterling silver is a beautiful metal that can improve appearance and express personality. Whether you are looking for a simple ring, a statement necklace, or a stunning bracelet, you can find a sterling silver piece that suits your taste and budget.

How to Clean Sterling Silver Naturally?

Posted on December 7, 2023December 12, 2023 by AntiqueSilver

Learn how to naturally clean sterling silver. In the blog post shared, a comprehensive guide provides effective and eco-friendly methods to restore the brilliance of your silver items. Discover homemade solutions and techniques to remove tarnish and dirt from sterling silver without the use of harsh chemicals. From baking soda and lemon juice to vinegar and aluminum foil, we cover a range of natural cleaning methods. Our expert tips and step-by-step instructions ensure safe and efficient cleaning, preserving the beauty of your sterling silver. Visit our website now to explore our guide and keep your silver shining bright the natural way.

Do you have a tarnished sterling silver piece that you are hoping to clean, but don’t want to use any harsh chemicals? If so, you are in luck, as there are several safe and natural ways to clean sterling silver, many of which involve items that you already have in your home.

Cleaning Sterling Silver with Corn Starch

A quick search of your pantry might find you a great solution to clean your sterling silver. A mixture of cornstarch and water in the form of a paste can make your silver look like new again. Apply the paste with a damp cloth, then let it dry and rub it off with a mildly abrasive towel. If you don’t happen to have any cornstarch at home, cream of tartar could be a suitable substitute.

Vinegar

If your sterling silver jewelry or silverware has lost its shine and luster, try soaking it in a solution of ½ cup of white vinegar and 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Allow it to sit for two or three hours, and then remove it and rinse with cold water. Make sure you dry off your piece thoroughly in order to prevent tarnishing.

Lemon Juice

If you want your silver to sparkle, a mixture of one tablespoon lemon juice with1 ½ cups of water and ½ cup of instant dry milk can be a good option. The end result will be silver pieces that shine, all without the use of chemicals or store bought solutions. Not only is it a good option for silver jewelry, but the lemon solution can also be beneficial for rusty knives and other silver pieces.

Tomato-Based Paste

Tomato-based pastes like ketchup are a good way to help restore your silver pieces back to their former glory. Use a small bowl and fill it up with ketchup, and then dunk in your silver piece of jewelry. To scrub the piece, use a toothbrush, as this can help to clean the areas that are hard to reach. You should only leave the ketchup on for a couple of minutes, and then use water to rinse it. A microfiber cloth is a good option for the final polish.

Baking Soda

Sterling silver will react with moisture in order to create a layer of tarnish. Baking soda that is activated by hot water can dislodge this tarnish when aluminum is present, leaving your jewelry shiny and clean once again. To try out this option, boil enough water that your sterling silver piece can be completely submerged, and then add in a tablespoon of baking soda along with a sheet of aluminum foil. Use a plastic or wood utensil to move the item around so that all surfaces will contact the aluminum. Finally, rinse and wipe down the piece of jewelry, and you should be left with a beautiful piece.

If you have sterling silver jewelry or antiques, you don’t have to go out and buy an expensive sterling silver cleaner. By using some common and natural household items, you can get the look that you want without spending a fortune.

Sterling vs. Britannia Silver

Posted on October 26, 2023November 21, 2023 by AntiqueSilver

Do you have a silver collection at home but aren’t sure of the silver composition? It is possible that your silverware or other antiques are silver plated, but you might also have something more valuable – sterling silver or Britannia silver. While Britannia silver is typically more expensive than sterling silver antiques, both can be indicative of valuable pieces, and it is important to know the difference between the two.

What is 92.5 Sterling Silver?

Sterling silver is a silver alloy that contains 92.5% silver by weight. The other 7.5% of its composition is made of other metals, mostly copper, and antiques often denote their sterling silver composition with a “925” or “sterling” hallmark. Historically, sterling silver has been used for a variety of eating utensils, flatware, and other serving items, and there are many sterling silver pieces that are prized as antiques today.

Sterling silver has long been heralded for its versatile applications and lustrous finish. Sterling silver is harder than gold, but it is considered to be one of the most pliable metals. This malleability makes it easy to use sterling silver to create various forms and shapes, and there are many prized antiques that are made from this metal.

What is Britannia Silver?

The Britannia standard of silver was developed in 1697 as a way to prevent British sterling coins from being melted to create silver plate. Unlike sterling silver, which is made of 92.5% silver, Britannia silver is composed of at least 95.84% pure silver. The other 4.16% of its composition is made of copper and other metals. Britannia silver is also more expensive and less robust than sterling silver.

There are several marks that can indicate a piece is Britannia silver. The Britannia figure is widely recognized and was the first of the Britannia silver marks introduced to indicate. 958 silver fineness. Later, a “lions head erased” mark was introduced for the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths. The number “958” is also stamped on Britannia silver pieces.

Is Your Piece Sterling or Britannia Silver?

The hallmarks on your silver item are the best way to determine if your piece is sterling silver or Britannia. However, if you are unsure of the silver composition – or if you simply want to learn more about the value of your piece – there are resources that can help. An auction house, antique dealer, or appraiser can provide you some helpful guidance on what exactly you have with your silver piece.

How to Identify a Wm. Rogers Silver Plate? History of William Rogers?

Posted on October 7, 2023November 21, 2023 by AntiqueSilver

Who was William Hazen Rogers? He lived from 1801 to 1873, he was a well-known and widely regarded American silversmith and watchmaker. He was extremely prolific and had a long career that encompassed several different company names. He partnered with his brothers and other silversmiths during his lifetime. Together with his brothers and, later on, his son, he was responsible for the creation of hundreds of Wm Rogers silver patterns for silver, silver-plated cutlery, and serving dishes. His company and trademarks were eventually taken over by larger companies. This can make it challenging to identify his work. In this article, we will take a look at how to identify a Wm. Rogers silver plate.

History of William Rogers’ Career and Companies

William Rogers began by apprenticing with Joseph Church, a silversmith, and watchmaker, from 1820 to 1825. They became partners in 1825. Their company, Church & Rogers, manufactured silver-plate flatware and hollowware. From 1832 to 1838 he was partners with his brother, Asa Rogers, in the firm, A. Rogers Jr. and Co. The partnership expanded to include their brother Simeon from 1847 to 1853 as Rogers Brothers. From 1857 to 1861, and again from 1896 to 1873, he partnered with his son, William Henry Rogers, under the company name William Rogers & Son.

Starting in 1862, portions of the Rogers brothers’ enterprises were taken over by the Meriden Britannia Co., which, in 1898, became part of the newly formed International Silver Co.. Rogers and his brothers were associated with Meriden Britannia Co. until his death. From 1865 to 1869 he partnered with William Henry Rogers, William Henry Watrous, Thomas Birch, and William J. Pierce under the company name William Rogers Manufacturing Co. Clearly, he had a significant impact on American sterling silver marks over such a long career with so many companies.

We would not be interested in making an offer and recommend donating it or selling it in a yard sale.

Wm Rogers Silver Marks

One of the fastest and easiest ways to determine if a piece of silver was crafted or designed by William Rogers is to look for Wm Rogers silver marks. American sterling silver markings contain the mark of the manufacturer or silversmith. It indicates the purity of the silver and sometimes identifies the maker and date of manufacture. As detailed in the above paragraph, William Rogers was associated with a number of company names during different years. When you are looking at the sterling silver marks on a piece (or pieces) of silver look for one of the company names (ie. William Rogers & Son) and see if there is also a corresponding year. That will give you an idea of whether William Rogers was behind the design and manufacture of the piece.

Wm Rogers Silver Patterns

Rogers was a true artist who created hundreds of silver patterns. We have previously discussed his silver marks. They are a good place to start. Obviously, if you have a silver mark that belongs to him (or at least one of his companies) on a piece it makes it more likely that the pattern of the piece was designed by him. Keep in mind the years he was alive and creating as well. The year a piece was manufactured should raise the likelihood that he designed the silver pattern. In addition, there are guides that are helpful to silverplate pattern identification. “Silverplated Flatware- An Identification and Value Guide” by Tere Hagan is a particularly good tool for identifying Wm Rogers Silver Patterns. It is a comprehensive guide to historic silver patterns from a number of silversmiths and companies. William Rogers left behind a remarkable legacy as a silversmith and there is still a lot of interest in his work.

4 Quick Ways to Identify “Real Silver” v/s “Fake Silver”

Posted on October 4, 2023November 21, 2023 by AntiqueSilver

When you purchase a piece of antique silver, you want to make certain it’s a true antique and that it’s really made out of at least 92.5% silver. Some pieces may look like true silver, but they’re not. They’re simply pieces designed to look great but also be quite affordable. How can you tell if something you’re buying is really silver?

Here are 4 quick ways to identify silver

1. Look for the Mark

Silver should be marked with an assay mark that identifies it as pure silver. “Sterling,” “92.5” or “925” are required for silver made in Europe and other parts of the world. In the U.S., these marks weren’t always required for silver identification, unfortunately.

2. Tap It

Silver makes a ringing sound if it’s tapped. This sound is easily identifiable to those who know what to listen for. You can carefully tap silver plates, bowls, and other items to get a bell-like sound that’s fairly high pitched. To inspect silver coins, tap them with another coin or flick them up in the air. Always be careful, of course, that you don’t damage the silver. Any scratch or dent will decrease the value of antique silver.

3. Does Ice Melt on the Silver?

Another trick antique silver buyers often use is the ice trick. Silver is a great conductor of heat, so if you put ice on it, the ice should instantly start melting. If you put ice cubes of the same size on a ceramic plate and on a silver plate, the cube on the silver should melt much faster. Just remember to dry the plate after you’ve done it.

4. Polish the Piece

When you polish a piece of silver with a soft cloth, you should see some black marks appear on the cloth. That indicates that you’ve rubbed off some of the tarnish. If you don’t see this, it’s a good sign that the piece isn’t silver.

Christofle Sterling Silver Marks & A History of Christofle Sterling Silver Marks

Posted on August 23, 2023September 20, 2023 by AntiqueSilver

Christofle is a French manufacturer of fine silver flatware and other home accessories. The company was founded in 1830 when Charles Christofle, then a popular jeweler, expanded his line to include silver picture frames, porcelain dinnerware, crystal vases, and hollowware. A variety of designers and artists helped to create Christofle’s pieces, included famed Parisian silversmith Antoine Perrin, Jean Cocteau, and Gio Ponti, among others.

Like most prominent silver designers, Christofle wanted a way for his customers to identify his pieces and their authenticity. To do this, he placed a hallmark on each of his products through the use of a complex stamping process. These hallmarks are created to identify authentic silver at purchase, and they are intended to be easily seen by the user.

A History of Christofle Sterling Silver Marks

Charles Christofle was the first person to introduce French-made electroplated silver to the world. His pride over this accomplishment led him to mark his items to properly identify his work, and this mark has varied over time. Early marks included the initials “G” and “C” along with a scale in the center. Later marks include the word “Gallia” for the Christofle Gallia silver range above a cockerel. Many pieces are also stamped with “Christofle” next to the maker’s mark.

Silver Marks Since 1976

At the International Hallmark Convention in 1976, changes were made to silver marks that would be accepted in the United States, England and the rest of Europe. To identify an item as sterling silver, most manufacturers adopted the standard silver mark of 925. This indicates that the silver content of a piece is 92.5% – the mandatory amount for an item to claim to be sterling.

If you have a piece that you believe to be an authentic Christofle but it doesn’t contain the 925 stamp – or any other silver hallmark – you should be leery of both its silver content and its overall authenticity. While there are other tests that can help you determine if the item is actual sterling or is simply sterling plated, an antique dealer might be your best option to determine if you are really in possession of a Christofle antique.

Have Your Silver Examined By a Florida Silver Buyer

Do you believe that you might have a silver Christofle piece, but you’re not sure if it is authentic? The experienced Florida silver buyers at Antique Silver Buyers can help. Not only do we have experience identifying the hallmarks of Christofle items, but we can also tell you exactly how much your piece – or collection – might be worth. With a comprehensive market analysis, we’ll give you an idea about how much your antique would sell for at an auction. We’ll even purchase them (at a bid just below our market analysis) if you are interested in selling.

Silver Appraisal: Know the Current Market Value of Your Silver

Posted on August 17, 2023September 20, 2023 by AntiqueSilver

If you have silver, it is important that you know exactly what it is worth. This is especially important if you are contemplating selling the item. There are silver flatware collectors that will buy your item if you are willing to sell but you need to establish the true value of what you have.

First, know the type of silver you have

Sterling silver flatware are made of real silver unlike silverplate that are metals coated with silver to look like the main thing. Your first step is to establish that the item you have is sterling silver. In the United States, for instance, every silver created after 1850 is stamped with one of these three marks:

Sterling
.925
925/1000

Unless the silver was made before 1850, you will see one of these stamps. If you find the stamp, you are a step closer to knowing the current value of your silver.

Finding the Value of Antique Silver

Once you are certain you have a real silver, it is time to know your antique flatware worth. An expert will be needed to ascertain the actual worth but you can make some progress on your own.

Antique silver flatware patterns are necessary to get the significant information that can let you determine the current worth of the silver or make an estimation that is close to the actual value. You will also need to find out the manufacturers of the silver. Asides from the sterling stamp, silver items have hallmarks that you can use to know the manufacturer and other important information like the date it was produced.

When you know the pattern and the manufacturer of the silver, you can check the retail price for replacement pieces online; you can also get detailed information about the age and value of your silver from most of these sites.

There are several websites with resources that can help you figure out the current market value of your silver. You can also use antique appraisers and dealers to help you with it but make sure whoever you are dealing with is reputable.

How do I identify the value of antique silver candlesticks?

Posted on June 8, 2023June 12, 2023 by AntiqueSilver

Antique silver candlesticks are outstanding and charming home decor antiquities. We people love their design and style, which always makes us hunt for such precious metal items. To deal with 925 sterling silver candlesticks, there are a few factors that need reflection in order to know the right value, either to sell or purchase.

If you’re a passionate antique lover and searching for the real value of your inherited candle holder, scroll down to learn how to determine the price of old silver candlesticks and other facts about the piece.

Different Types Of Antique Sterling Silver Candlesticks

Candelabras

It is a several-branched type of candlestick with multiple lights. It is especially used for chandeliers.

Chambersticks

Commonly used in the 18th and 19th centuries and decorated with intricate designs and embellishments, with a cone-shaped tool used to hold the wax.

Fairy Lamps

Historically dated back to 135 years. It is a small, beautiful, magical glass lamp that is manufactured in multiple alluring colors.

Taper candlestick holder

Taper candle holders are typically made of metal, wood, brass, or glass, with 10%–20% silver. They come in a variety of shapes and styles to suit different tastes and decor styles.

How do I recognize the price of old silver candlesticks?

An antique silver appraiser can help you find the real value of ancient silver candle holders. There are a few factors that enable an appraiser to evaluate the price. So, if you’re willing to uncover the topic, you can visit an antique silver store where you can get your piece evaluated.

On the other hand, the following are the traits that, when in favor, can exceed the sterling silver candlestick’s value and make you a fortunate being.

1. Material

The first and foremost thing that is looked after is the material used in making candle holders. If the materials are highly precious metals or other objects with hallmarks, then the item’s value gets exorbitant.

Generation

This means the age; it’s the crucial part of determining the price of any antique. The age defines the historical presence of the candle sticks and are many decades old. Then, you’re very lucky to get the sky-high value.

Provenance

The place of manufacturing matters a lot in the evaluation process. It confirms the reality that the product was made and has historical evidence.

Quality

The condition has an important role in appraisal. How? If the item is broken or damaged, eventually its price will decrease. And if the candlesticks are in perfect condition, then you have a good chance.

Manufacturer

Last but not least, craftsmanship, the previous owner, or the brand If the silver candelbras are made by a big brand or their precious owner is a reputed person who is elite, their price gets doubled or tripled. If you possess a Tiffany sterling silver candlestick, you have a great chance to reap the benefits of your luxurious chambersticks.

So, this was the complete silver candle holder price guide that’s going to help you whenever you feel confused or you can be attentive to whether your hired silver buyer is covering these factors in the evaluation process.

Who appraises silver candlesticks near me in Florida or online?

We at Antique Silver Buyers buy and appraise precious metal fairy lamps and other home decor items at the best price. If you have antique silver candlesticks for sale, come to us or contact us online through our website to follow the effortless process to get in touch with us for a free online appraisal.