Author Archives: AntiqueSilver

repousse sterling silver Baltimore Repousse silver items

Repousse Sterling Silver

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Have you ever wondered how some antique silver pieces can contain such detailed and extravagant designs? It is through a metal working process known as Repousse /rəˌpo͞oˈsā/. It is a French word that means “pushed back” and it relates to the labor intensive way the metal must be carefully manipulated by a skilled silversmith. It is a combination of skilled technique that dates back for thousands of years, but some of the top master metalsmiths have left a Repousse legacy.

Baltimore Repousse

In fact, repousse is such a large and distinctive aspect of antique sterling silver in American history that it is commonly referred to as Baltimore Repousse. Baltimore, MD became known as a hotbed of aspiring and highly skilled silversmiths that manufacturing firms settled down there. As more and more of the repousse sterling silver patterns emerged from these talented firms, some of the most well-known makers today got their start in Baltimore during the mid-19th century emergence of this praised metal working technique.

Baltimore Repousse silver items

Baltimore repousse was an expensive luxury reserved for the rapidly emerging wealthy class. It replaced most of the colonial style 925 silver on the tables of debutante balls and dinner parties, also French traditions. Most repousse sterling silver pieces were hand hammered, embossed and even gently pressed from the reverse side, but some, like flatware, were made using a press mold. However, the antique silver markings would be stamped onto each valuable piece. Identifying those markings today can help an antique silver dealer valuate your piece.

The Who’s Who in Repousse Silver

Some of the most valuable pieces today bear the markings of names like:
Tiffany & Co
Jenkins and Jenkins
Schofield Company
Stieff Silver Company
And Samuel Kirk, the silversmith who is credited the most with bringing repousse sterling silver to Baltimore.

Stieff and Kirk later merged while some of the silver manufacturing firms were handed down to sons and merged with other partners in the 20th century. The Baltimore firms are no longer operational today. Steiff and Kirk were eventually bought up by the famous Walter Scott Lenox of which we know as the American company today; Lenox.

jenkins and jenkins silver stamp

Tiffany Repousse silver is some of the most valuable on the market today. A single spoon can bring hundreds of dollars. Stieff Repousse sterling silver is also highly sought after by collectors. If you have a piece of silver, or a set, hollowware or flatware, it is important to know what you have. Just because it may have an intricate design doesn’t mean it is worth top dollar. Even some of the famous names in silver made silver plated pieces.

Taking your pieces to a professional will allow you to have your crafted piece of history evaluated and assessed. Antique silver buyers will be able to tell you, based on the markings, who made your piece of repousse sterling silver, when it was made, if it is sterling silver or silver plated as well as the town it was assayed in. All of these factors play a vital role in determining the value to you and the value to collectors should you decide to have your piece formally appraised for estate purposes or to sell at auction.

 

Silver Markings

Where can I Look For the Silver Markings to Determine the Value

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Nowadays, silver’s applications in the world are beyond measure. But silver is not an inexhaustible resource. In recent years, mines have been unable to meet the current demand. To keep pace with the constant fluctuations of the supply and demand of the silver market, ‘old’ silver gets melted down and are used again.

This ‘old’ silver is known as scrap metal but doesn’t necessarily equate to worthless. Markings on antique silver dictate its value. You may be asking where can I look mine up and what do they mean?

Determining your Silver Markings Value

stamp on a common vase

Some antique silver marks make the pieces or sets invaluable to collectors. Some of the most highly sought after markings are rare in nature and can bring thousands to tens of thousands of dollars at an auction. Other markings may be more common, with less of a demand in the collector’s world.

However, the demand for scrap silver may be higher and bring a higher payout. Here are the three main applications of silver in today’s global economy that influences the demand and value of scrap silver pieces:

1. Industry

Silver is used in many ways due to its unique properties of being durable, lustrous and conductor as well as corrosion resistant. It is commonly used in batteries, automobiles, switch panels, elevator buttons, traffic controls on railways, radiography, coins, bars, jewelries and more to improve operations and make human’s living much easier and smoother.

2. Investments

Silver is added to many portfolios as a way to diversify investments and capitalize on its enduring value as a precious metal. It can be invested in many ways, including tangible bullion, medallions and coins you can keep with you or by enrolling in accumulation plans based on stock values or trust accounts. When appraised by an expert will prove to be a valuable asset as an investment.

3. Jewelry and Décor

Jewelries and décor items has been produced with silvery metal and will continue to produce in coming generations. Craftsmanship is elegantly displayed and easy to showcase. It is also used in fine photography, your home’s insulation and even solar panel cells to reduce the carbon footprint of our generation. Jewels and decoration items are also the making of money through markings on silver objects.

As you can see, determining your silver markings value depends on a multitude of factors, not just the value established by a collector. Although that can be the most important one to keep in mind.

Where Can I Find Silver Markings?

stamp on a spoon

Markings are mostly found on the underside or back side of the pieces so as to preserve the aesthetic quality of the craftsmanship. They may be found at the base of sculptures and candelabras or the handles of spoons and the back of platters. Coins may or may not have markings. Some are stamped with marks to denote sterling, but fraudulent markings are common with coins.

What do Silver Markings Mean & How to Know the Meaning?

The truth is that there are over 12,000 different silver markings, they all tell unique historical details. Professional appraisers will be able to tell you what they mean and what value they hold. Having your piece inspected will help you to determine the worth of your silver piece according to the market and what it is worth to you personally.

4 Quick Ways To Tell Real Fake Silver

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

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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

4_Quick_Ways_To_Tell_Real_Fake_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.

Henry Moore Biography, Art, and Analysis of Works | The Art Insight

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Henry Moore was born and raised in Yorkshire but traveled far and wide, learning all that he could about art in all its forms and the world around him. From an early age, he knew that he wanted to pursue art. However, his family was not very accepting of his work at this time, and he had to put off formal training and education for quite a few years. He explored many avenues in life before becoming a renowned artist, talented, and revolutionary. While a Henry Moore sculpture may sound unfamiliar to you now, there was a time when his name would have gained near-instant recognition. However, after his death, his reputation was significantly diminished.

Henry Moore

When Did Henry Moore Make His First Sculpture?

Throughout his childhood, art was not heavily supported by his family. In fact, he went through a wide variety of jobs before becoming exclusively an artist. If he was not able to pursue art young and had to work elsewhere later, it begs the question of when his first true sculpture came into existence. Not only that, but after all that time waiting, what was Henry Moore’s first sculpture? Pushing toward his ultimate artistic goal, Moore worked as a teacher, a soldier, and a physical therapy instructor. He returned to teaching later in life. It was there that he received his first public commission. West Wind was the first of eight separate relief sculptures Moore completed between 1928 and 1929. The piece depicts a man in a semi-abstract form that is integrated into the wall of London Underground’s headquarters.

Art Insight

His Work Changed Over Time

In July of 1929, Moore married Ms. Irina Radetsky. For a while, she posed for his art. His art focused more often than not on his humanitarian values and a repeated motif of mother and child, along with his reclining figure making several appearances. He goes through several stylistic periods throughout his life. For example, he begins his carving period with his first reclined figure piece, carved out of brown Hornton stone. This piece is influenced by Aztec art, predominantly. As his art progresses, this figure makes several reappearances.

In fact, it makes another appearance shortly after the first reclining figure is released, as his art evolves again. This next piece takes a far more surrealistic yet still constructivist approach and is a 4-piece configuration of stones (called Four-Piece Configuration) that creates the essence of a reclined figure.

Sculpture

This combination of surrealism and constructivism continues for several years, as evident in his 1939 piece Bird Basket, which carries geometric elements of constructivism while retaining the biomorphic form of surrealism. It explores not only what he can do with the sculpture itself but what can be said about the negative space surrounding it as well.

Finally, in some of his later pieces, Moore explored both internal and external forms. Much like how the hard shell of a lobster claw hides the soft meat, his hard exteriors hide different textures or materials within. This was exemplified in his piece Helmet, in which he explored the differences between hard and soft in one cohesive piece.

While the decision of which of these masterpieces is Henry Moore’s best sculpture remains up for interpretation, no one can deny that he was among the best and most important artists of the 20 th century. He brought a perspective no one had considered prior and held extreme influence in the artists following him.

To know more, visit us: www.antiquesilver.org

Sterling flatware

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

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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.

Sterling flatware

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.

925-silver-mark

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.

Sterling Silver Marking

Silver Appraisal: Know the Current Market Value of Your Silver

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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.

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Antique Silver Flatware

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Your Sterling Silver Antique Flatware

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Do you have some antique silver flatware you’d like to sell, but aren’t sure where to take it? There are a number of different places you could sell your silver, but not all of these places are going to give you what it’s truly worth.

Antique Silver Flatware

To Collectors

If you know someone who collects silver pieces, you may decide to offer your silver flatware to them. Collectors are going to be very particular about what they buy, though, so don’t expect to get a good offer if your silver isn’t in good condition, isn’t a complete set, or isn’t that old. They may also attempt to negotiate by pointing out defects or discussing the rarity of your set. Be cautious when selling to collectors, especially if you don’t know them well.

Online

If you type “where to sell antique silver flatware” into a search engine, you’ll likely get a number of online dealer sites. You can put your silver pieces up for sale here, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you have to have excellent pictures that truly show the condition of the flatware. Second, remember that many serious buyers don’t really shop online since they can’t examine the quality of the pieces themselves. You may get less than you’d like selling online.

At an Auction

Another way to get cash & money for silver pieces is to take them to an auction. While there may be serious bidders here, remember that you will have to pay a commission to the auction service.

To a Buyer

Finally, there are some professional antique silver flatware buyers out there who purchase pieces to later resell. They often know the value of the pieces and are willing to pay that amount, especially if they know someone they call sell the flatware to for a profit.

In your selling journey, remember that research and preparation are key. Understanding the market, knowing the history and value of your antique silver flatware, and choosing the selling method that aligns with your goals will help you make informed decisions and maximize your chances of getting a fair price for your valuable pieces.

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image of someone pouring tea out of a silver teapot

Antique Silver Tea Sets – Best Tips for Prolonged Use and Beauty Retention of the Set

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One of the most beautiful pieces of silver you can have is a sterling silver tea set. These sets are elegant but also quite functional. Antique silver tea sets are often passed down through families and come to be known as treasured heirlooms. Unfortunately, as with any silver, these tea sets need to be kept in good condition in order for them to remain looking as great as they do. If you have an antique silver tea set, here are some tips for keeping it looking beautiful and functional.

Use It

One of the best ways to keep your silver tea set looking great is to use it regularly. While some antique silver tea set collectors are concerned that regular use will result in the set tarnishing, the opposite is actually true. When you frequently use your silver tea set and clean it properly, it will actually remain looking as elegant and beautiful as the day you inherited it.

Polish It Regularly

Whether you use it frequently or infrequently, you do need to make certain that you polish the tea set at least yearly. If you use it more often, you may want to polish it after each use or at least every few months. When you see spots on your tea set that look brown or light gold, you know it’s time to give it a polish. The best way to do so is to use standard silver polish and a soft cloth.

You can use some basic household items such as toothpaste or cornstarch to polish your silver, but you can also buy specific silver polishes. Just make sure the polish is designed for use on silver. This is the safest option to keep your silver tea set looking amazing. For tea sets that have very intricate etched designs or have areas that are hard to get into, you can use a cotton swab or even a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean it.

Rinse Out the Set After Use

Many silver tea set buyers look inside the tea pot and carefully inspect each item to make certain they were cleaned after use. Always rinse out your tea set before you put it up, but also be sure that no water is left. Wipe out all of the water before you put your tea set up since it can cause spots to appear. Make certain you clean your tea set if it comes into contact with anything that contains citrus, vinegar, or other corrosive foods. These foods can quickly cause damage if left in contact with the silver.

Storage

If you’re looking to buy sterling silver tea sets online, always ask how the tea set has been stored. Silver needs to be kept away from excessive heat and air. Ideally, it will be kept in an airtight chest or drawer. Many silver sets designed for use with hot beverages actually come with some kind of airtight container to store them in. Again, make sure that the tea set is completely dry before you store it in any of these containers. You should also wrap each piece in felt, cotton, or an acid-free paper before storing it.

Pawn Shops Near Me That Buy Antiques at the Top Price

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If you’re looking to sell your antique silver and want to ensure that you receive the top price for your valuable items, look no further than Antique Silver Buyers. Located in Largo, Florida, a trusted destination for antique silver, At “Antique Silver Buyers”, we understand the value and significance of antique silver pieces. Our team of experienced appraisers specializes in assessing the worth of silver items, including antique flatware, tea sets, trays, candlesticks, and more.

 

Where are the best places to sell antiques

 

An antique can represent different things to different people. It might represent a piece of history that has been preserved to continue to be appreciated in the present. It might have a great deal of sentimental value and represent family history and departed loved ones. A fine antique can be seen a thing of artistic beauty that will enhance the décor of a room. It might be simply a valuable item that can be sold for money. That last one is often the crucial one when you need to sell an antique. Where are the best places to sell antiques? We will explore that in this article.

 

Use the Internet to Find Local Antique Buyers

Use the Internet to Find Local Antique Buyers

One of the first and most obvious tools for finding antique dealers in today’s digital age is the Internet. A simple search will enable you to cast a net that will capture results showing a wide range of local antique buyers near you. In fact, depending on where you live, you may feel a little overwhelmed by how many search results you receive. You can begin to research the various stores and individual buyers who pop up in your search engine results to find someone who might be the right buyer for your family heirloom. If you do receive a lot of result it can also be helpful to narrow them down by focusing on the type of antique you are selling. Some buyers who are interested in early American artwork might not be interested in World War II memorabilia and vice versa. At Antique Silver Buyers, we specialize in buying antique flatware, Bowls, Juliet Cups, Trays and other antiques. We can also help you find local antique buyers.

 

Consult an Expert

Consult an Expert

When people have antiques that they want to sell they often ask, “Where can I sell my antiques?” This means that the first step in selling an antique is usually getting an appraisal from an expert to determine the item’s value. Guess what? When you have the appraisal done you can ask the expert if they are away of any local antique buyers who might be interested in your piece. At Antique Silver Buyers, we offer expert appraisals and advice on how to sell your antique at the highest price.

Know the Value of Your Antiques.

 

Know the Value of Your Antiques.

Whether you are selling just a couple of antiques that you inherited from you grandmother or you are serious about selling antiques as a small business, you should be aware of how the value of your antiques is determined. Professional antique buyers will consider a number of factors when determining value. These factors include the condition of the item, whether it has been restored, whether it bears a manufacturer’s mark, the provenance, how rare it is, and (perhaps above all) how much demand there is for the item among antique buyers. At Antique Silver Buyers, we have the knowledge and expertise to accurately appraise the value of your antique and help you sell it for the highest price.

 

Look for Local Antique Buyers in All the Right Places

Customer experience matters the most!

When getting the best price for your antique is your goal it is often best to find buyers in unusual places. You can Google, “antique buyers near me,” but that won’t always get you the buyer who will offer the best price. There are places online like Craig’s List, eBay, and Etsy where you might get a great offer. There are auction houses and estate buyers who are on the hunt for fine antiques and willing to pay top price. Professional home designers and decorators are also always looking for the right antique piece. You can find a local antique buyer in places you might not expect! At Antique Silver Buyers, we know where to find these buyers and we can help you find the best places to sell antiques and get the best price. Contact us today to get started.

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