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.
This guide shows you how to identify genuine sterling silver flatware, recognize important hallmarks, identify the maker and pattern, and assess the piece’s condition.
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 uses a thin layer of silver over a different base metal, creating the appearance of solid silver at a lower cost. Sterling silver is silver marked with a Sterling stamp. This stamp indicates that the silver contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% 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 silver flatware pattern. The pattern, like the manufacturer, can have a significant impact on the ultimate value of your item.
The manufacturer and pattern can play an important role in determining the price of sterling silverware, especially for collectible and antique pieces.
Step Three: Assess the Condition
Condition is another important factor when determining the price of sterling silverware, as well-preserved pieces may have greater collector appeal.
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.
A professional evaluation can help you better understand the price of sterling silverware based on its authenticity, maker, pattern, condition, and other value factors.
