Author Archives: AntiqueSilver

Antique Silver Spoons

Are Antique Silver Spoons Worth Anything?

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Do you know? The interesting history behind the silver spoons? In middle ages, during babies baptism (christening by some faith traditions), silver spoons were gifted as a tradition. It is to be said that gifting such precious pieces were considered to be mystic and ward off evil spirits. From middle ages to present time, people still keep antique silver spoons in their home. After all it’s a symbol of wealth.

Apart from these, due to their aesthetic and monetary value, such pieces are always contemplated to be valued good. But the question is that is it valued premium as compared to other silverware? What things makes it valuable? Let’s find out…

Antique Silver Spoons

What makes an antique silver spoon truly valuable?

Many antique dealers from all across the world always quote old silver spoons are one of the great choice of the collectors. The vivid variety excites every vintage silver buyers to own the collection.

To make it more easier for you to understand, we’ve noted down the list of things which are examined. Check them out:

1. History

First thing that tells ancient silver spoons are worth anything is their historical presence. In today’s fastest-growing industries, antique items are recognized as a treasure. So, the older the item, the higher its worth.

2. Design and carvings

The other thing considered when appraising the old piece is its design. You must be familiar that carvings on the spoons highlight beauty and craftsmanship. More beautiful and unique designs, the more chances of an increase in the price.

3. Quality

Ofcourse, a good condition pieces are always chosen to be sold or bought. If the quality is fine, i.e., no damage and 100% originality, you can expect your vintage silver spoons to be preciously worthy.

4. Craftsmanship

Brands like Roger, Gorham, Frank Smith, Christofle, & other old silver companies make silver spoons and put their brand marking. If the craftsmanship is done by a famous brand, changes are extremely higher. Also, if the crafting done 500 years ago then you can benefit alot more from the silver buyers out there.

So, these are the 4 things which are analyzed by an antique silver appraiser to fetch out the right price. Hence, antique silver spoons are worthwhile to buy and sell.

Important note:- It is also to be said that size of the silver spoon play an important role in analyzing the price. The larger the size, higher the price. But sometimes, the above-mentioned points when comes in a favor of smaller ones, the worth can increase than the larger ones too.

What to do next?

After reading this blog post, you are now well aware about the worth of silver spoons. Now you’re ready to sell your silverware.

We at Antique Silver Buyers, we buy and appraise every types and era of silverware. If you have been searching for where to sell silver near me, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to sell or appraise your antique silver pieces and receive highest premium.

We would love to hear from you and assist you with our personalized services. 🙂

Antique Silver Tea Set Markings

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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.

Silver tea pot with stamp

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.

All About Antique Silver Tea Sets

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Antique silver tea sets are highly valued and sought-after collectibles due to their historical significance and aesthetic appeal. The value of these pieces depends on various factors, including the maker, age, and condition of the set. To determine the value of an antique silver tea set, it is essential to look at the hallmarks, which can provide insight into the maker and age of the set.

Hallmarks can be found on each piece of an antique sterling silver tea set, including the tray, and should match. However, the markings can be confusing and may require some research to understand. Professional appraisers may also perform an acid test to determine the silver content of the set.

A true silver service consists of a tea pot, sugar bowl, and milk jug (creamer), but some sets include additional pieces such as sugar tongs, teaspoons, cups, and saucers. The most valuable sets include a silver serving tray. A sterling silver set can start at $1,000, while a silver-plated set is typically less valuable, although the maker can also impact the value.

Antique silver tea sets are not only valued for their monetary worth but also for their historical significance. The tradition of afternoon high tea dates back to the early 17th century, and the use of silver tea sets became popular as tea became more accessible through trade with India. Many European tea sets from this time period show a strong oriental influence in their design.

To obtain an accurate appraisal of an antique silver tea set, it is recommended to visit a professional antiques dealer such as Sarasota Silver Buyers. With many years of experience in evaluating antiques, they offer the best price throughout central Florida. While antique silver tea sets require upkeep, their beauty and historical significance make them a valuable addition to any collection.

Determination of Value

Antique silver tea sets never seem to go out of style, but beautiful as they are they require a great deal of upkeep. If you are looking to sell or just value your piece this short guide will assist you in learning about your silver tea set. Valuing a tea set depends on looking at the marks to determine maker and age, and the items included in the set.

History and description of tea services

Silver tea sets, or services, are part of the past when afternoon high tea was offered as a small meal. If important guests were coming by, the silver tea set would be used. ‘High tea’ began in the early 17th century after Europeans observed the formal tea in the Far East, and the tradition grew by the middle of the 18th century with trade with India increasing access to tea. Often a strong oriental influence can be seen in European tea sets of this time period.

A true silver service sterling silver. At the bare minimum, these sets include the tea pot, sugar bowl and milk jug (creamer). Some sets include sugar tongs, teaspoons or even occasionally, cups, and saucers. The best, and most valuable, include a silver serving tray.

Determining value

Hallmarks can be found on each piece of an antique sterling silver tea set and these hallmarks should each match, including the tray. The markings are a bit confusing, but with some study of a good quality guide, you should be able to distinguish most of them. A professional appraiser might perform an acid test to tell the silver content, although services produced after 1850 should have a mark of ‘sterling,’ ‘.995,’ or ‘925/1000’ to state the sterling composition. Other sets would be silver plated or weighted silver, and will not be as valuable.

Based on age, maker, and the pieces included, value can be a wide range. A sterling set can start at $1,000, while a silver-plated set is much less- though the maker will matter. Services without a tray are less valuable, and those with additional pieces are of course more desirable.

It can be hard to determine the age and authenticity of a silver tea service, so for an accurate appraisal it is best to visit a professional antiques dealer.. At Antique Silver Buyers, we offer the best price throughout central Florida and have many years of experience in evaluating antiques.

Determining the True Value of Antique Silver Pieces

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Determining the true value of antique silver pieces requires a combination of knowledge, research, and expertise. By following these steps, you can accurately determine the value of your antique silver piece and make informed decisions about selling or preserving it. Here are some steps to follow:

antique-silver-estate-silver

#1 – Identify the silver hallmark: The hallmark on silver items indicates the manufacturer, date, and purity of the silver. This is the first step in identifying the true value of your antique silver piece. It’s important to research the specific hallmarks of the manufacturer to determine the authenticity of the piece.

#2 -Evaluate the condition: The condition of an antique silver piece is a critical factor in determining its value. Silver pieces with scratches, dents, or other damage will have a lower value than those in excellent condition. Restoration and repairs may also impact the value.

#3 -Determine the rarity and demand: Rarity and demand are significant factors in determining the value of antique silver pieces. Items that are rare or in high demand will generally have a higher value than common items. Research the specific item to determine its rarity and demand.

#4 -Research the market: Research the market to determine the current value of the specific antique silver piece. Look at recent sales of similar items, and take into consideration the condition, rarity, and demand of your specific piece.

#5 -Seek professional appraisal: If you are unsure about the value of your antique silver piece, seek out the services of a professional appraiser. A reputable appraiser will examine the piece, identify the hallmark, evaluate the condition, and provide you with an accurate appraisal of its value.

#6 -Consider selling options: Once you have determined the true value of your antique silver piece, consider your selling options. You can sell it to a private collector, an antique dealer, or through an auction house. It’s important to research each option and determine the best fit for your specific item.

Here’s some additional information related to determining the true value of antique silver pieces:

If you have some antique silver pieces that you are interested in selling, you might be wondering – how much is silver worth? In order to get the best deal for your antiques, it is important that you know the value of your items, and fortunately, there are many places to look for this information. If you need to know the real silverware value of your collection, try out some of these helpful suggestions.

Check Out Online Antique Websites

The Internet is a great place to find out more about the antiques in your collection, including what they might be worth. You can check out online sale sites like Live Auctioneers and eBay to see what similar items are selling for. There are a lot of websites that attract antique enthusiasts, so you might also want to connect with others in an online forum to get opinions on your antique silverware value.

Walk Through an Estate Sale

An estate sale that is selling antique silver pieces similar to yours might also be a good place to find out more about your antique silverware value. Do some research online to find estate sales with antique silver on the list of sale items so that you don’t waste your time, and then take a walk through to see how those items are priced.

Consult with an Antique Dealer

If you have an antique silver piece and want to know how much it is worth, an antique dealer will be a good resource. Whether you want the value of an antique silverware set or silver jewelry, an antique dealer will have the knowledge and expertise to determine how much your collection is worth. With experience in antique silver pieces, knowledge of popular hallmarks, and the skill to determine sterling silver from silver plated items, you’ll leave with a good idea about the worth of your item.

At Antique Silver Buyers, we specialize in providing customers with a market analysis of their antiques. We can provide you with a pure silver, silverware value, or the amount your collection would likely sell for at an auction. If you are interested in selling, we’ll place a bid on your collection for just under the value. You’ll leave with money in your pocket without worrying about finding a buyer for your items.

Visit an Auction House

Auctioneers have experience with a variety of valuables and antiques, and they sell them off to the highest bidder. Chances are good that a local auction house or auctioneer has sold antique silver pieces just like yours, and they may remember how much the item sold for. An auctioneer might even be able to verify the authenticity of your antique silver piece, which is crucial in obtaining maximum value for your pieces.

Don’t sell your antique silver pieces for less than they are worth. If you want to get the maximum return on your antique investment, take the time to do your homework. When you know the true value of your antiques, you can work to get the best deal on their sale.

Vintage Silver Trays

How To Sell Antique Silver Trays-2023 Most Helpful Selling Guide

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To write that the year 2022 has finally ended makes me feel so melancholy. The new year will start out with plenty of fresh opportunities. It’s that time of year again, my dear readers, when we talk about the lucrative segments of the antiques marketplace.

Best Antiques To Sell In 2023!

Somewhere, as each year comes to an end, a vintage item ages gracefully. Ever since, the market has grown tremendously, and 2023 will be a fantastic year to sell antiques for top dollar as creativity and exceptional craftsmanship are becoming more and more in demand among collectors.

The question now is, what kind of antique will fetch you a high price? The solution, then, is vintage silver trays. The demand for silver flatware has increased significantly among antique collectors, who are prepared to pay top dollar for silver antique flatware.

As a result, if you hold antique silver goods, you can start 2023 by selling those goods for a profit.

vintage silver trays

Sell Antique Silver Trays And Flatware For Premium Rates.

Now you need to consider a few characteristics of antiques if you want to sell them for the highest potential price. How ancient are the artifacts, for instance, or what significance do they hold? Any of them used by a notable person, at a historic occasion, or something similar?

It’s vital to consider the item’s origin narrative while estimating its potential value. In layman’s terms, this is similar to an appraisal of a silver antique.

As the item’s owner, you should be aware of every piece of information that can assist you in closing a profitable transaction. Additionally, be careful to preserve the products in good shape as long as you haven’t sold them. If you don’t know how, you can read a care guide on how to prevent tarnishing on your antique silver flatware. Make sure to consider this factor because the item’s condition is crucial and can either make or break the sale.

Whom Should I Sell My Antique Silver To?

Where all of these products should be sold is another issue that comes up. To that, “research” is a fairly straightforward response. Consider your alternatives, make a shortlist of reputable silver antique buyers online and offline, and then decide to whom you want to sell your silver antiques.

Nevertheless, by doing so, you can get a lucrative deal while selling silver antiquities. If you have trouble valuing your items, look around and go to shops that offer free silver antiques evaluations so you can know how much the things are worth and avoid getting shortchanged.

Christofle Silver Plate Marks

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Silver plating was a revolutionary innovation that was both developed and perfected by Christofle company founder C. Christofle. With silver plating, it suddenly became possible to democratize the trade of silversmithing in order to make beautiful silver pieces more affordable for customers. With silver plating, customers who had previously coveted items in the Christofle line, but were turned off by the price had a way to get the pieces they loved.

Silver plating was the heart of the Christofle legacy, and it could be used for every product category except for jewelry. However, even with silver plated items, it was still important that pieces be easily identifiable as part of the Christofle line. That’s why the company chose to use special hallmarks indicating the manufacturer and the amount of silver in the plating. Today, many customers have questions about the items in their collection and the amount of silver they contain.

 Standard Full Mark

The first Christofle standard full mark was used from 1841-1862. Sometimes referred to as the “CC” oval mark, this silver mark consists of an oval with a balance and the image of a bee in the center. On each side of the balance is a capital “C,” and the two letters stand for Charles Christofle. This oval marking is usually accompanied by several other marks:

  • The inscription “Christofle”
  • A number referring to the piece number in the production line
  • A number representing the silver content, with each digit in a separate box

Christofle Silver Plate Marks

The Evolution of the Silver Mark

Beginning in 1862, a second standard full mark was used. The main difference from the earlier mark as that the “CC” mark was now put inside of a square box called the “poincon de responsabilite.” Instead of a bee, there is now an image of a rosette (flower). Another new element was the designation of the silver content in square-shaped boxes rather than the former lozenge-shaped boxes.

In 1935, Christofle introduced the third standard full mark. Instead of using the initials “CC,” it now contained the initials “OC.” The OC refers to “Orfevrerie Christofle” or Silversmith Christofle. The “OC” marking is enclosed in a lined regular box.

Silver Marking

Antique Silver Dealers Can Evaluate Your Piece

If you have a Christofle piece and need to know its value, Florida silver buyers are a great resource to determine what exactly you have. At Antique Silver Buyers, we can evaluate your silver item or collection to determine its authenticity and whether it is sterling or plated. With a wealth of knowledge about silver plated hallmarks, we’ll give you an idea about how much your collection would sell for at auction. If you are in the market to sell your piece, this information will be valuable when you decided on a price.

Hallmarks -Do you know how to identify the country or era your antique silver piece is from?

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Do you know how to identify the country or era your antique silver piece is from? Hallmarks are the official stamps placed on a crafted piece of silver to properly identify many of its properties. They are easier to find than they are to interpret unless you have the help of a professional collector. Antique silver hallmarks attempt to tell the story of who made the piece, when it was made and various other tidbits of information that hold vital interest to collectors and determine the value.

Origin of Antique Silver Hallmarks

Originally, marks were stamped into the silver using a hammer and punch for the sole purpose of regulating the trade during a time when some craftsman were producing ‘drossy’ work. This took place in England through the regulating guild known as the Goldsmiths’ Company, for the sole purpose of ensuring that a standard was upheld. The Goldsmiths’ Company began their work as a guild in 1300 during the peak of a silver boom, and was established in 1327 with the issuance of a royal charter from Edward III. They operated out of the Goldsmiths’ Hall in London and immediately began inspecting pieces and keeping official records. They coined the term used for stamping the silver as Hallmarks because the silver pieces had to be brought to ‘the Hall’ for assaying and marking. They are still hallmarking today and stand as a leading international expert.

 

antique hallmark

Interpreting Hallmarks on Antique Silver

Today, many nations have their own hallmarks to uphold standard regulations surrounding the industry. Because England was the first to implement such a system, they are the most widely circulated. Here are some of the most common:

1. The Leopard Head

The very first documented reference to a Hallmark was the leopard’s head. The iconic symbol stood for the ‘guardians of the craft’ and was the assay mark from the Goldsmiths’ Company of London. At one point it was crowned and remained so until 1821, when the crown was removed. Today, it is still used as the London assay hallmark.

2. The Lion Passant

This hallmark was instituted in 1544 and is one of the most common throughout all of British silver because it denotes the national standard purity of the piece. It is of a lion poised for attack and may or may not have a crown upon the head. If it has an authentic lion passant, the antique silver piece is made with 92.5% silver and is officially Sterling.

3. The Britannia Standard Mark

Lion passant hallmarks were replaced across much of England during 1697 to 1720 by the Britannia standard mark. The standard purity level of silver was raised during this time period to 95.84% and was indicated by Britannia (the female personification of the island of Great Britain) sitting down with a shield at her left side. Scotland and Ireland did not adopt this standard, while London no longer used the leopard head during this time period, but rather a side facing lion to denote the higher standard.

 

antique image

As you can see, the world of antique silver hallmarks is a complex and historically rich system that many collectors and dealers spend their lives researching. If you have silver you want to know more about, whether to sell or begin your own collecting journey, bring your piece to one of our antique experts.

How to get the actual and not by-weight prices for Antique Sterling Silver Trays?

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If you’re planning on selling your antique sterling silver trays, you want to make certain you get the correct value for your pieces. There are two different types of prices for silver: the actual value of the piece and the by-weight value. There is often a very wide gap between these two prices, too. So how do you determine which is better?

Trays

The By-Weight Price

The by-weigh price is literally how much the silver that makes up your antique silver-plated trays is worth. If you took the trays, melted them down, and sold the silver, this is the price you would get for it. It’s determined by weighing the piece in Troy ounces. One Troy ounce is .911 of a U.S. ounce. For a tray that is pure silver (at least 92.5% silver), the price per Troy ounce is around $16.00 as of March 2018.

But the Actual Price May Be Much more

Say you have a silver tray that was made in the early 1800s. You could melt it down and get a little bit of money for it, true. However, you would be losing a lot of value. The tray is likely worth much more to silver tray dealers. If it’s a rare find or in outstanding condition, you’ll get a lot more money for it than if you sold it for the silver.

Determining the Actual Value

So how do you determine what silver tray buyers are likely to pay? There’s not an easy formula for figuring the actual value. Instead, you have to do some research. You need to examine the tray and determine when it was made and who made it. Then you need to research and determine how rare the piece is and if there’s a major demand for it. You can see what other people have paid for similar trays, too. This research should help you determine exactly how much the tray is worth to collectors.

 

 

What Makes Antique Silver Flatware Valuable?

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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.

Silver Flatware

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.