How Do I Know ???? if My Christofle Silver is Silver ???? Silver Plate?

Posted on October 25, 2024November 9, 2024 by AntiqueSilver

Do you have a prized Christofle silverware set that you save for special occasions? If so, it is quite possibly one of your most valuable possessions, but is it sterling silver? Christofle was responsible for an innovative new technology that created silver plated items, providing customers with luxury at a more affordable price. While both sterling and silver plated Christolfe pieces are beautiful, you’ll want to know the difference between the two, especially if you intend to sell your pieces in the future.

Evaluate the Silver Marks

Since the early 1800s, Charles Christofle used a series of unique markings in order to identify his products to the world. However, this mark has varied with time, so an experienced antique silver buyer is sometimes needed to identify exactly what the mark means. Early markings included the initials “GC” or “CC” along with a scale in the center. Later silver markings included the word “Gallia” above a cockerel for the Gallia silver range. Many pieces also include a stamp of the word “Christofle” next to the maker’s mark.

The markings can also distinguish silver versus silver plated pieces. A sterling silver mark on a Christofle piece will usually be printed as “925” – an indication that the piece is composed of 92.5% silver. If this mark isn’t present, or if there is another number (800, for example), you can feel confident that your item is actually plated rather than sterling silver.

Use a Magnet

If the markings on your Christofle are no longer clear, you can perform a simple test at home that will give you a good idea about the silver composition. Silver does not have strong magnetic effects, so if you hold a magnet up to your Christofle and it sticks strongly, you should feel confident that the piece is only silver plated. Likewise, if the magnet doesn’t stick, it is more likely that you have a sterling silver piece.

If you aren’t confident that your silver piece is really Christofle, the magnet test won’t necessarily mean that you have a sterling silver piece. There are many other materials that aren’t magnetic and simply resemble silver, and other manufacturers use these metals to produce Christofle-esque items.

Listen for a Ring

Sterling silver tends to make a lovely sound similar to a bell ringing when you tap on it. This is especially true when you tap it with another type of metal. Plated silver will produce more of a dull, thumping sound.

Get a Professional Opinion

If you still aren’t completely sure about whether your Christofle piece is solid or silver plated, there are many professionals out there that can provide insight. An auctioneer, antique dealer or estate sale business could examine the item and tell you more about the origin and its composition.

Whether you have a Christofle silver plate, flatware, or another antique piece, the experienced Florida silver buyers at Antique Silver Buyers can help. In addition to telling you more about your piece, we will also provide you with a market analysis of the value.

Which 19 th Century French Animalier Sculpture is Regarded as the Best?

Posted on October 22, 2024November 9, 2024 by AntiqueSilver

Isidore Bonheur, a prominent French Animalier sculptor, was born into a family of artists with a wide range of talents in 1827. Like the rest of his family, he inherited a skilled hand in various art forms. However, he had a particular mastery over bronze sculpture and a passion for the trade. Bonheur’s sculptures were incredibly detailed and realistic, and he was known for his ability to capture the essence of animals in his work. To this day, many still regard him as the best sculptor to grace art’s magnificent history in the Animalier genre.

Isidore-Jules Bonheur Had a Range of Talents

Bonheur’s most well-known piece is his bronze horse sculpture, Le Grand Jockey. The most famous casting shows a jockey patting his winning horse on the neck in exquisite detail, down to the veins in the horse’s legs and neck. The sculpture is an excellent example of Bonheur’s mastery of his craft and attention to detail.

In addition to the horse sculpture, Isidore’s bull and bear sculpture remains a favorite of fans of his work. The piece depicts a battle between a bull and a bear in which the art expertly demonstrates incredible tension while maintaining a high level of detail and realism. However, though they are some of the most famous, they are far from the only Bonheur pieces you may have seen.

Isidore’s older sister, Rosa, frequently collaborated with him. They made pieces in pairs, complimenting both art styles and bringing the pieces together. This was generally true regarding his domestic cattle, sheep, and/or equestrian pieces. However, he did not stop at these common animals and frequently did pieces with more wild elements, such as lions, bears, and hunting groups, on his own.

He Earned Lasting Recognition

While many artists, such as Vincent Van Gogh, received little to no recognition before their lives were over, Isidore received great respect during and after his life. To this day, his works are among those most highly praised at the French Animalier school. He is consistently ranked among the finest of his time and has left a lasting impression on the path that the Animalier style of art has taken. His talent was never taken for granted or denied by onlookers.

Bonheur earned lasting recognition for his work, and art enthusiasts still admire his sculptures today. A life-sized casting of his eight-point stag piece is currently on display in the Perigueux Museum. He also completed three monuments still standing today, including a piece he created for his late sister, whom he met in his final two years. The other two are lions he crafted to guard the Palais de Justice.

Throughout his life, Bonheur was commissioned outside of his home country of France, including palace pieces for King Edward VII of England and two large bulls to decorate the palace of the Sultan of Constantinople. His works are immortalized not only in person but also in literature. Bonheur’s life has been explored, analyzed, and appreciated in over a half dozen books between 1914 and 1971. The internationally renowned sculptor has gone down in history and will continue to inspire art enthusiasts for years.

In conclusion, Isidore Bonheur was a master of French Animalier sculpture, whose attention to detail and ability to capture the essence of animals earned him lasting recognition. His sculptures continue to be admired by art enthusiasts today, and his legacy continues to influence the French Animalier art style. Bonheur’s life and work have been explored in literature, and he has left a lasting impression on the art world that will continue to be felt for years.

Polishing Perfection: How to Clean and Polish Your Silver Flatware Like a Pro

Posted on October 15, 2024November 9, 2024 by AntiqueSilver

Are you the recipient of your aunt’s silver flatware collection? Regardless of if you inherited your flatware or have been collecting it for decades, you need to know how to clean silverware so it will be as gorgeous as the day you got it.

Silver flatware is a beautiful addition to any table setting, providing a touch of elegance and sophistication. Unfortunately, silver is prone to tarnish and over time can become dull and discolored.

Luckily, with proper care for silver and continued maintenance, your silver flatware can stay looking shiny and new for many years to come. This article will provide an overview of how to clean and polish silver flatware whether it’s to sell silver flatware or to pass it on to generations to come.

Steps to Cleaning Antique Silverware

Cleaning antique silverware requires being knowledgeable of what to do and what not to do with you valued keepsakes. Following the steps below is heavily advised so you don’t ruin your antique silver flatware collection.

The first step in caring for silver flatware is to ensure that it is properly stored. The best way to store silver is in an airtight container with a cloth or velvet lining to help prevent tarnish. It is also important to keep silver away from moisture, air, and sunlight which can all cause tarnishing.

The next step in caring for silver flatware is to clean it properly. A non-abrasive solution of warm water and mild dish soap is the best way to clean silver. It is important to use a soft cloth or sponge and to avoid using abrasive materials or harsh chemicals. If the silver is heavily tarnished, a soft toothbrush can be used to gently scrub away the tarnish.

Once the silver has been cleaned, it is important to rinse it with clean water and dry it with a soft cloth. It is also important to buff away any water spots that may remain.

The final step in care for silver flatware is to polish it. It is best to use a specialized silver polish or a mixture of baking soda and water. It is important to use a soft cloth when polishing and to avoid using abrasive materials.

Inspecting Your Antique Silver Flatware

In addition to the steps outlined above, it is important to regularly inspect silver flatware for signs of tarnish or damage. Tarnish can be removed with a silver polish or a mixture of baking soda and water. If silver flatware is damaged, it is best to take it to a professional for repair.

Caring for silver flatware is important in order to keep it looking beautiful and to avoid the need for costly repairs. With proper storage, cleaning, and polishing, silver flatware can stay looking shiny and new for many years to come.

Sell Silver Flatware

There are a number of different ways to sell silver flatware. Depending on the condition of the flatware, you may be able to sell it through an auction house, pawn shop, antique shop, or online auction websites such as eBay. You may also be able to find buyers through classified ads or by posting an advertisement on your local community bulletin board. You can also set up a booth at a flea market or craft fair to sell your silver flatware. If you have a large collection of silver flatware, you may want to consider having it appraised by a professional to determine its value.

As long as you have taken care of your treasures, you should have no problem when you go to sell silver flatware.

Antique Silver Tea Set Markings

Posted on October 8, 2024November 9, 2024 by AntiqueSilver

Understanding the hallmarks on an antique silver tea set is an important part of determining its value and authenticity. It is always best to consult with a professional appraiser who has experience with antique silver pieces to ensure an accurate assessment.

Hallmarks can be a bit confusing at first, but with some research, it is possible to identify them. They typically include letters, symbols, and numbers that provide information about the maker, the city or country where the set was made, and the silver content.

For example, the hallmark “925” indicates that the piece is made of sterling silver, which is 92.5% pure silver. The hallmark “EPNS” means that the piece is silver-plated, while the hallmark “Coin” means that the piece is made of a silver alloy that contains a high percentage of actual silver coins.

It is important to note that the absence of a hallmark does not necessarily mean that the piece is not valuable. Some antique pieces were made before hallmarks became mandatory and some makers chose not to use them. In these cases, a professional appraiser can help determine the authenticity and value of the piece.

Tea sets made from silver are quite the addition to an enthusiast’s collection. Whether you set it on display or gently use your antiquated set on special occasions, knowing as much as possible about the tea set will bring it back to life. But how do you know what your set is worth and where its story begins? There are many books that catalogue the various antique silver tea set markings, but seeking a knowledgeable professional will save time and money.

Where to Begin

The short story is that the first silver teapot that we know of is dated only to 1627. The cups and saucers that complement the teapot weren’t even considered until 1648. To get a better understanding of why silver tea sets are not much older despite the precious metal being mined and refined for thousands of years to that date, you have to look at the history of tea.

Tea has its origin as a medicinal drink in the Orient. While many myths date the source of tea back to 3000 BC, the official story dates the birth of tea to the Han Dynasty, sometime during 206-220 BC. They used porcelain bowls, lacking in the handles we think of today. Sometime during the Song Dynasty, 960-1279 AD, the first tea pot for brewing emerged. As tea became more and more popular, making its way into different parts of the world through trade, the tea set began to emerge into what we know it as today. But tea was expensive to drink. Records indicate that one pound of tea was worth $100. It is no surprise that tea sets were only held by the wealthy enough to afford the affluent brew.

Origin of Antique Silver Tea Set Markings

It is when tea made it to Europe and the British monarchy around the turn of the 18th century that the silver tea set was revealed in all its propriety. Queen Victoria unveiled the first known complete silver tea service set that included the full six pieces of the teapot, sugar bowl, kettle, creamer, coffee pot and bowl for waste. As a result of an abundance of silver from a recent silver boom, silver tea sets began making their way across the parlors of society’s affluent. These handcrafted sets were subject to the establishment of the hallmarking system set in place a few hundred years earlier.

There are usually two to four markings stamped onto the set to denote a few distinguishing characteristics. The first being whether or not the set is sterling or silver-plated. As tea became even more popular, tea sets were manufactured using a less expensive method of silver plating so the middle classes could enjoy the beverage.

Another marking would tell you who made the piece and another would show when it was made. An assayer’s mark will reveal where the piece was assessed for purity and duty marks will show if a tax was paid to the crown or not. Sometimes more than one duty mark was stamped to show the tax paid multiple times.

There is a rich history to tea and the birth of silver tea sets. The place to start in revealing the history behind your antique silver tea set is to have it assessed by a professional appraiser.

Guide to Identifying Silver Flatware Marks: Everything You Need to Know

Posted on September 17, 2024October 9, 2024 by AntiqueSilver

Sterling silver flatware is one of the most commonly collected items due to the vast availability arising from the Renaissance time period and sets being handed down from generation to generation. For hundreds of years earlier during the Middle Ages,the way people ate was not as important as finding the food to eat. After trade began to open back up and the arts and sciences were rebirthed, utensils for eating became a part of the revitalized culture.

Flatware was a canvas for artistic expression and a way to show off new found wealth. Over the years, new designs were breathed with creative inspiration and distributed across the world into almost every home. The peak period of sterling silver flatware was between the years of 1840 through 1940, yet the tradition of gifting flatware is still customary today.

The Artistic Nature of Sterling Silver Flatware

Silversmiths identified their work by marking each piece with their maker’s mark. As their reputations swelled we are well acquainted with some of them today:

Lenox Gorham
Reed and Barton
Tiffany & Co
Whiting

And then there are the names of the silversmith legends that are known for not only producing some of the finest silver pieces; their marks set the standard for collectors all around the world:

Paul de Lamerie
Hester Bateman
Paul Storr

Valuation of Antique Sterling Silver Flatware Marks

In addition to Makers’ marks, there are many other marks that tell the story of each piece or set of flatware and help to determine its worth much like art is today. Many of the famous names in sterling silver craftsmanship established their own firms to continue on their legacies. Complete sets from one of these firms may bring more at auction or individual, highly sought after pieces handcrafted from Gorham himself may bring the higher dollar value.

It all depends on the makers’ marks in addition to marks that are rarer than others. Some marks were only used for a short period of time. As a result, there are fewer pieces in circulation. Some pieces were also stamped with a duty mark to show taxes were paid on the piece, as silver pieces were seen as minted currency throughout much of history and subject to taxation. Pieces stamped more than once are considered rarer and hold more value.

Other factors include pieces that no longer have a place in our society such as a fork specifically for nuts or a stuffing spoon. With some sets containing hundreds of pieces compared to our modern 20 piece sets, it is hard to imagine what all the pieces were used for yet to a collector, each piece is significant.

The display of marks on sterling silver flatware can be as diverse as the designs themselves and include much more information than just who made it. It takes a devoted professional to identify and valuate each piece or set. If you have any flatware you would want to know more about, we are always happy to take a look and let you know if your items are worth appraising.

Tips on How to Care for your Antique and Vintage Silver Flatware Sets

Posted on September 12, 2024October 9, 2024 by AntiqueSilver

Caring for your antique sterling silver flatware isn’t that difficult, but it is something you have to make sure you do. Otherwise, your silver may tarnish or be damaged in other ways. Here are a few tips that will help you keep your silver looking amazing.

Use Your Silver

The first tip for caring for a set of silver flatware is one that surprises some people: use it. If you regularly use your silver, you’ll notice when it needs cleaning. If, on the other hand, you leave it in a drawer and only take it out for a special occasion every now and then, it has a lot of time to tarnish. Silver flatware collectors understand that silver was meant to be used, and they keep some of their sets in the kitchen for regular use.

Do the Dishes Promptly

It’s important that you clean your silver flatware after using it. If you let it sit, especially if it sits in water or has food on it, it can begin to tarnish quickly. Rinse it off using hot water after using it and dry it off before you put it away. To make sure you don’t decrease your antique flatware worth, only use a mild dish detergent and don’t leave it to soak in water.

Be Careful what You Wrap it in

If you’re only using your flatware every now and then instead of daily, make sure you store it in a flannel bag or a box that is lined with flannel. This will help prevent your antique silver flatware patterns from being scratched or damaged. You also want to make sure you never wrap silver in anything that contains a lot of sulfur. It can turn the silver black if you do. You also want to avoid wrapping silver in newspaper or plastic or using rubber bands to hold pieces together.

Antique Silver & Vintage Silver – Differences you need to know before you look to sell?

Posted on September 10, 2024October 9, 2024 by AntiqueSilver

Do you know the different between an antique silver flatware set and a vintage silver set? Unfortunately, many people assume that the terms “antique” and “vintage” are interchangeable. They aren’t, and the difference between the two can be a very large sum of money. You need to know how antique differs from vintage before you sell your silver flatware.

Flatware Has a Long History

Sterling silver flatware sets have been around for centuries. This means the idea of what’s an antique is different than it is for other things. For example, the Antique Automobile Club of America considered a car to be an antique if it’s 25 years old. That’s definitely not true of silver!

There’s Not a Set Standard

One thing antique silver flatware buyers often try to do is convince those who aren’t collectors that their flatware isn’t old enough to be considered an antique. The reason why this is fairly easy to do is because there’s no set standard of when flatware becomes an antique. It can also depend on the flatware manufacturer, the country it was made in, and more.

A Helpful Definition

While there’s no set standard, many people do follow a common scale for judging flatware. If it was made after 1950, it’s definitely not antique or vintage—it’s a set of modern flatware. For sets made prior to 1950 but after 1900, give or take a decade or two, vintage is usually the term used. If you have true antique silver flatware for sale, it should have been made before 1900.

How it Affects the Value

Obviously, the older the flatware is, the more valuable it can be. An antique set of silver flatware that can be dated to the 1850s is more valuable than a vintage set from the 1920s. Of course, condition and whether or not you have the full set does play a part in the value. Overall, though, older silver generally fetches a higher price.

What Makes Antique Silver Flatware Valuable?

Posted on September 8, 2024October 9, 2024 by AntiqueSilver

It is a well-known fact that some of the most resourceful things in history were created in ancient eras. Through the use of colors and patterns, the people of that time portrayed their culture in their work. And only God knows what kind of rare metals they utilized in their artistry to ensure the longevity of the finished products. Antique silver flatware would be a perfect illustration of this type of scenario. These silver metal flatware items from years ago still stand out from the standard creations of the current era.

And as we are all aware, many people now consider antiques to be a form of asset or investment. Nowadays, owning antiques is seen as a status symbol, and people can profit by selling them to antique collectors for higher prices.

How To Get Higher Returns On Antique Silver Flatware?

If you own any antique silverware and are searching for a “reliable antique silver buyer near me,” don’t worry; I’m here to assist you in determining how to sell your antique silverware for the highest possible price.

Here are some suggestions for how to sell used flatware for the highest price:

Origin & Cultural significance

The origin and cultural significance of an antique are two of the most crucial elements that influence its value. Its history represents what makes it exceptional.

Condition

The condition is also an extremely important component. It’s crucial that the items are in good shape, because if they aren’t, it may be very challenging to sell them for a good price. It is clear that no buyer would want to invest in damaged or broken pieces. Perhaps broken pieces can be traded if the antiques are extremely rare and old—that’s when they will fetch high prices.

Hallmark

Since silver is one of the most valuable metals and every item made from it is hallmarked, items bearing a hallmark are generally considered to be more credible and, therefore, better purchases by consumers. As a result, silverware that has been stamped or hallmarked can be sold for more profit.

Rarity

Not to mention, when selling antique silverware, the item’s rarity has a significant impact on price. You can anticipate making more money on the sale of a rare or exotic item. As a result, it’s critical that you sort your silverware according to how rare it is and quote a price at which you’d be willing to sell it.

Final thoughts!

By using these recommendations, you can sell your old and vintage silver flatware for a profit. It’s a great way to make money while you’re at home by simply selling some old items that might not be useful to you any longer, but on the other hand, they might be very valuable to someone like an antique silverware collectors out there.

A Guide to Help You Evaluate Antique Sterling Silver Flatware

Posted on August 26, 2024August 26, 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 silver flatware 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.

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