Category Archives: Antique Dealer

Antique Silver Flatware

Antique Silverware Appraisal Near Me: Know What’s the Current price of Silver Flatware

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If you’ve inherited a set of sterling silver flatware, you may be interested in knowing what its current market value is. While prices do vary from set to set and region to region, there is some basic information you can use to determine how much your silver flatware is worth. Remember, though, that there is a difference between the actual market value of a set of flatware and what someone is willing to pay for it. In some cases, you may be able to get more money for a set of flatware, but in other cases, you may have to take less if you want to quickly sell it.
Antique Silverware Appraisal Near Me

Sentimental Verses Actual Value

Sadly, antique silver flatware patterns are only worth sentimental value. This means that the silver isn’t sterling, nor is it plated. Instead, the silver layer is incredibly thin and not really worth much of anything. That’s why it’s important to look over all of the silver pieces you have for marks that indicate how pure the silver is. You want to find numbers indicating that your silver is at least 92.5% pure, which is the minimum amount required for it to be classified as silver. You also want to make sure it’s not silver plated. Modern silver pieces use very thin layers of silver, so they aren’t actually worth that much.

Determining the Price of Your Collection

In order to determine what your pieces would be worth to silver flatware collectors, you can do a few different things. The first is to try to determine what silver pattern you have and when your silver was made. Silver flatware was first made during the 12th century in England. If you can find silver marks that indicate your flatware was made during this time, you definitely have something special. In this case, collectors and even museums may be interested in purchasing your collection.

Many other silver sets and items were made during the mid-1800s. During this time, the Industrial Revolution was responsible for an economic boom. Many families wanted to show off their fortunate, so they purchased sets of silver. This led to more silver companies producing various beautiful, ornate pieces. However, it wasn’t long after that the Great Depression brought the silver trade to a halt. You’ll find that the antique flatware worth of later sets isn’t as much since it was mostly covered in silver plating so as to be more affordable.

Check Prices and Get an Appraisal

Once you’ve determined when your silver was made, you can look online to see what similar pieces or collections have sold for. This will give you a ballpark idea about what you can get for your set. Some silver sets are sound per piece (indicated by pp by the price), while complete sets may actually be sold as one lot.

Another way of learning the current market value of your pieces is to take them to an appraiser. These experts will be able to give you a good idea of what your personal silver flatware is worth. They will take into account any damage or missing pieces your set may have in order to give you the most accurate estimate.

paul storr

Exploring the Legacy: Profiles of Three Renowned Antique Silver Smith

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Craftsmen specialize in a trade. They work for many years to perfect their skill and develop their own personal style. Throughout history some craftsmen or craftswomen stand out from the crowd and become famous. The most legendary of silver smiths are Paul Storr, Hester Bateman, and Paul de Lamerie. They had set themselves apart; commissioned to create pieces for some of the wealthiest in history. As a result, their works are still some of the most highly sought after for antique silver buyers and collectors. If you have one of their sterling silver pieces, you have a high value item rooted in a rich history.

Who Was Paul Storr?

Paul Storr was a protégé. He began his apprenticeship at age 14. Most apprentices are bound to their masters for years, often until the age of 21. At that time, Storr entered a partnership, but quickly began marking with his own personal stamp using his own initials when he was just 21 years old. He was best known for his commemorative pieces and they were always embellished lavishly.

paul storr

During the late 18th Century until his death in 1844, Paul Storr was an accomplished English silversmith who was commissioned by many of the aristocratic society, even King George III. There are around 500 known works of his still around today and each one of them highly prized. To give you a good idea of what his works are actually worth, an unaltered tureen, which is a pot used for serving soup, can go for $70,000 at auction.

Who Was Hester Bateman?

Hester Bateman was also an English silver smith. Her career was from 1761 to 1790. She inherited the precious metal working business from her deceased gold smith husband, but she had great talent herself. And she successfully kept the family company going strong with the help of her sons, grandsons, and even great-grandsons! Unlike most men who would learn their trade through apprenticeship, Bateman learned by watching her husband. Her skill allowed her to be commissioned by many of the large firms in the area, but given that she was a woman and her reputation was spreading fast, they often stamped over her maker’s mark for many of her early years.

Hester Bateman

The last 10 years of her 30 year career proved her identity as a Master Silver Smith and that no one could keep her simply elegant style covered up. There are an estimated 11,000 pieces that were crafted during her career. Most of them she designed and priced with the middle class in mind, something not many silversmiths were doing during that time.

Who Was Paul de Lamerie?

Another one of the English silversmith greats, de Lamerie had an earlier start. Some say he is the “greatest silversmith of the 18th Century”. He came from the Huguenot family, precious metal workers from France who fled to London where Paul got his start. In 1712, he established his own shop. He is known for his exquisitely lavish attention to detail and a personal, intricate version of the French Rococo style.

Paul de Lamerie

His maker’s mark is probably the most highly sought after in antique silver markings. One of his tureens is priced retail right now at $335,000.

If you have a silver piece, you need to know its value. An antique silver dealer will be able to evaluate your item and most importantly tell you if it is antique silver 925. They are able to provide you with the rich history of your piece(s) and conduct appraisals. Even if your item does not carry one of these three silversmith marks, you may still have a very valuable item.

Preserving a Rich Legacy

The artistry of Paul Storr, Hester Bateman, and Paul de Lamerie has left an indelible mark on the world of silversmithing. Their skillful craftsmanship, dedication to their craft, and ability to capture the essence of their times are evident in every piece they created.

Paul Storr’s Signature Touch

Paul Storr’s journey from apprentice to celebrated silversmith was marked by innovation and creativity. His intricate designs and attention to detail earned him a reputation as a master of his trade. His commemorative pieces, often adorned with lavish embellishments, reflected the grandeur of aristocratic society that commissioned them. These pieces not only showcased his exceptional technical skills but also served as tokens of historical significance. Today, owning a Paul Storr sterling silver piece is like holding a tangible piece of history – a testament to the opulence and elegance of the past.

Hester Bateman’s Legacy of Excellence

Hester Bateman’s story is one of resilience and determination. In an era when female artisans were often overshadowed, she defied expectations and emerged as a prominent figure in the world of silversmithing. Learning her craft by observing her husband’s work, she transformed her inherited business into a flourishing enterprise. Despite challenges and gender biases, her elegant designs and quality craftsmanship earned her recognition among large firms and patrons. Her journey highlights the power of talent and perseverance, and her legacy lives on through the numerous pieces she created, catering to the tastes of the middle class.

Paul de Lamerie’s Masterful Creations

Paul de Lamerie’s intricate and lavish designs have solidified his position as one of the greatest silversmiths of the 18th century. His mastery of the French Rococo style and meticulous attention to detail set his work apart. The Huguenot heritage that he brought to London enriched the city’s silversmithing tradition, and his creations reflected a fusion of influences. The rarity and desirability of his maker’s mark showcase his lasting impact on antique silver collections. Each of his pieces is a window into a world of luxury and refinement, capturing the essence of a bygone era.

Discovering the Worth of Your Treasure

If you are fortunate enough to possess a silver piece attributed to Paul Storr, Hester Bateman, or Paul de Lamerie, you hold a treasure of historical and artistic value. The craftsmanship of these legendary silversmiths has stood the test of time, and their works continue to captivate collectors, historians, and enthusiasts alike. If you wish to unveil the true worth of your silver piece, seeking the expertise of an antique silver dealer is invaluable. These experts can provide not only an appraisal of its monetary value but also insights into its historical context and significance. While pieces bearing the marks of these master silversmiths are especially sought after, even if your item doesn’t carry their marks, it could still hold considerable value based on its craftsmanship, design, and era. Owning a sterling silver piece by Paul Storr, Hester Bateman, or Paul de Lamerie is akin to holding a piece of art and history in your hands. Their legacies continue to shine brightly, and each of their creations is a testament to the enduring appeal of exquisite craftsmanship.

Sterling Silver

A Guide to Help You Evaluate Antique Sterling Silver Flatware

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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!

Sterling Silver

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.

image of someone looking at a piece of antique silver

Antique Dealers Advice – 5 Must Look Into Considerations when Buying and Selling Antique Silverware

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If you’re thinking about buying or selling antique silver, there are some things you should consider before you jump right in. If you’ve never purchased antique silver before, you may not know all of the little tips and tricks there are to making sure you get the best deal. It doesn’t matter if you plan on becoming one of the many full-time antique silver buyers or if you’re simply looking to sell some silverware that you’ve inherited knowing how to get the most out of your silver is important.

Get an Appraisal

You can learn about your silver pieces online and estimate what they’re worth, but having a professional antique silver appraisal is much easier. The professionals who do this will be able to give you an estimate for your specific pieces, taking into account damage and whether or not you have a complete set of silverware. It’s a good idea to get an appraisal even if you have an idea of what your items are worth.

Are You Attached to the Pieces?

Before you decide on if you want to sell your silverware or not, decide if you have any sentimental attachment to it. There’s no reason to sell it if you have any kind of sentimental attachment. Even if you don’t, would someone else in your family want it? Silverware is very durable, and many families do pass down full sets of it. Make sure no one would want your collection before you sell it, especially if you sell it to a smelter who is going to melt it down.

image of someone looking at a piece of antique silver

Is It Sterling?

One of the things many antique buyers are going to want to know up front is if the pieces you’re selling are sterling. Look on the back of the flatware for “sterling” or “ster.” This indicates that the silverware is at least 92.5% silver. It may even have 925 on it to indicate that it’s 925 out of 1,000 parts silver. Anything that’s silver-plated isn’t going to be worth nearly as much. If you see “coin” stamped on your silverware, that means it was created by melting down silver coins. It’s more likely to be about 90% silver. It won’t be worth quite as much as sterling silver.

Are the Pieces Historic?

An antique silver dealer will pay much more for older pieces that are rarely found on the market. Do some research into the pieces you have to make sure they’re not rare or hard to come by. Those that are can be sold for more than most other pieces. You’ll definitely not want to sell these items to smelters since they have some historic value.

image of historic silver

Look Online

Before you buy or sell any silver pieces, go online and see what the items are selling for. You may find that you have a rare replacement piece that someone needs to complete their set or that you have a pattern that is fairly popular. On the other hand, you might find that what you have to sell isn’t really worth that much. Either way, it’s important to know what you have or what you’re thinking about buying before you do so.

Antique Buyers Near Me

How to Become a Top Antique Dealer: Few Important Tips

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Did you know that the antique market in the United States is valued at a whopping $17.6 billion? And it’s only expected to grow. If you’re passionate about the antique world, like me, you might be wondering how you can turn your love into profit. But becoming an antique dealer is not easy – it requires certain skills and traits that you need to master if you want to succeed.

As an antique dealer, you’ll be buying and selling different antique items like furniture, books, coins, sculptures, jewelry, military memorabilia, and paintings. You’ll need to have a deep understanding of these items and be able to determine their authenticity, rarity, and value. You’ll also need to know where to find the best deals and how to negotiate to get the best price.

However, before you venture into this endeavor, remember that being an antique dealer comes with significant responsibilities. To succeed in this fascinating industry, certain traits and skills are crucial. Let’s delve into these aspects to provide insights into a profession that can turn your efforts into profit.

What are antique dealers and what do they do?

Antique Dealers and What Do They Do

Antique dealers are professionals who buy and sell various antique items, including furniture, books, coins, sculptures, jewelry, military memorabilia, and paintings. They are passionate collectors of rare objects and carefully examine the authenticity of antique silver tea sets and other similar findings.

Their responsibilities include determining buying prices, performing necessary repairs, displaying items, setting selling prices, and finalizing deals. Additionally, they may share their knowledge to assist those investing in antiques.

Learn About Buyers and Where They Collect Antique Pieces From

Buyers and sellers of antique goods often search for and purchase items at auction houses, estate auctions, and antique fairs. They may acquire items from other buyers, inheritances, and flea markets. In the US, some of the top places to find antiques include:

  • Brimfield Antique Show in Massachusetts: This is the largest outdoor antique show in the country, featuring over 5,000 dealers and attracting 130,000 visitors.
  • Round Top Antiques Fair in Texas: This bi-annual event is held over 25 miles with thousands of vendors nationwide.
  • Scott Antique Markets in Atlanta, Georgia: This is the world’s largest indoor antique show, boasting over 3,300 booths and 500,000 square feet of space.

What Professionalism Is Expected from Vintage Item Buyers?

Antique/Vintage item buyers are expected to exhibit professionalism when dealing with antique items. They should have extensive knowledge about the condition, history, rarity, and popularity of the items they sell. This is particularly important when accurately identifying defects and fakes and appraising items like Tiffany silver flatware.

Practical communication skills are also a must-have for buyers as they interact with sellers, customers, and other dealers. They should be able to build rapport and trust with clients, handle objections, and conduct post-sale follow-ups to maintain positive relationships.

Find a Platform for Selling and Buying

When entering the dealing industry, choosing a platform for selling sterling silver flatware or building a collection is crucial. Online platforms with both offline and online presence offer several opportunities for selling and buying. Creating a personal website can also attract a targeted audience directly, resulting in converting clicks into customers.

Having your website has several benefits, including showcasing inventory attractively, reaching a global audience, enhancing credibility and reputation, and saving time and money by avoiding fees and commissions.

What Specialty Should Antique Dealers Have to Excel in the Industry?

To excel in the antique dealing industry, professionals should possess the following skills:

  • The ability to purchase items through auctions, trade shows, individual sellers, and online marketplaces.
  • The capability to sell antiques to the general public through stores or stalls located at antique centers.
  • Proficiency in negotiation skills for both purchases and sales.
  • The ability to study and identify the value of antiques.
  • Confidence in buying and selling antiques online.
  • Confidence in performing modest repair work on antiques.

Becoming an antique dealer is a unique journey shaped by individual niche interests. Explore online courses, webinars, magazines, newsletters, and books to further your knowledge.

Resources for Learning More about Antiques:

Many resources are available if you are interested in antiques and want to learn more about them. You can take online courses and webinars from organizations like the International Society of Appraisers, the American Society of Appraisers, and the Appraisers Association of America. There are also several magazines and newsletters that you can read, such as Antique Trader, Antiques and Fine Art, and Kovels on Antiques and Collectibles. Additionally, many books and guides are available, such as Miller’s Antiques Handbook & Price Guide, Warman’s Antiques & Collectibles, and Kovels’ Antiques and Collectibles Price Guide. These resources can help you learn more about antiques’ history, value, and appreciation.

These resources let you stay updated on the latest news and trends in the antique industry, enhancing your expertise and success as an antique dealer.

Antique Sterling Silver Bowls

How To Make Great Deals On Antique Silverware Pieces

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Antique wares are great value in terms of nostalgia, history and also aesthetics. That is why antique wares are sold for highest price many times over their actual price. It is deemed as a status quotient nowadays to be in possession of ancient items. People scour through the net and physical stores in search of gems like silver tea set and other flatware pieces.

Sterling silver, apart from being highly pure is also mostly used in making of antique pieces. The reason for that is simple, the concept of plating of silver flatware set came much later. Also, the patination (decoration on surface of flatware) made the appearance of pieces more beautiful and attractive which made their dealing price higher.

Apart from these, it is to be noted that the antique wares need thorough appraisal first to ascertain the right price.

How to Examine the silver tea set value

Silver Tea Sets

When someone decided for selling their Tiffany silver flatware like bowls, trays or any other antique, they are faced with one question, “For how much price can i sell these sterling silver bowls?” The best judge for that are the professional ancient pieces dealers and appraisers. They possess the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively ascertain the fair price for the silver items.

Some professional dealing service providers offer the best price to their consumers as they have the in-depth knowledge of evaluating silver collectibles. One can seek help from these professional appraisers to know exactly how much they can get for their antique silver tea sets

Where to sell sterling silver Flatware?

Set of Silver Flatware

Once people are sure about the price they should charge, the next question is where to sell silver bowls? One can do that manually through his or her own contacts or one can seek help from the professional dealers. The judicious way is to go for the dealers. They can connect one with the prospective buyers and also make room for better exposure for their wares. In lieu of a fair fee, one can ensure the best deal to sell antique silver bowls.

Get In Touch With the Most Trusted Buyers in Florida

There might be many reasons for people to sell off their silver wares. The reason can be quick cash or making more space or even upliftment of wares. Antique Silver Buyers never ask personal questions behind the reason of the sale. Whatever the reason is, we tend to provide the best possible service to our customers.

It is also therefore, advisable to do a through take on the silver flatware value before selling off. Also, silver being a metal with steady growth in value tends to be a very good investment for the future. Thus, buyers also need to be aware of the actual value of the flatware before. In the end, selling silverware online would also be the best way to sell your item without making any extra effort.

Lemon juice antique cleaner

How to Clean Sterling Silver Naturally?

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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.

Vinegar antique cleaner

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.

Lemon juice antique cleaner

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.

 

Antique Sterling Silver Bowls

The Great Artistry And Value Of Silver Bowls

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Antique sterling silver bowls are some of the most valuable pieces of silver collectables – and for some very good reasons:

 

Unlike silver flatware or tea pots, for example, where other materials are often used to increase strength or and durability ( See this information on weighing your silver.) Sterling Silver Bowls have no technical need for such alterations and can contain quite a high silver weight value. This can make selling silver bowls online or in person a very profitable venture.

As far as we know, antique silver bowls are one of the oldest forms of silver manufacturing going back more than 6000 years. That isn’t to say that you’re holding onto a relic from ancient Ur – you’re probably not – but it is a tradition that has had a long time to develop in style and history which is another pillar for the valuation of precious silver items.In addition to this, since they are predominantly decorative and fairly sturdy, the condition of silver bowls can stand the test of time longer than items like tea pots which tend to be thinner and come into regular contact with boiling water, tea leaves, or hard minerals

But truly one of my favourite things about silver bowl collecting is the sheer creativity and artistry that the form has taken on.


 antique-combine-image

If you wondering where you can sell your silver bowl , I would be remiss if I didn’t recommend that you contact me directly, however you have many options at your disposal. Online auction houses are the one of the easiest and most popular ways of selling Antique Silver, however you may not always fetch the price you’re looking for. Pawn shops fetch a similar scenario in the sense that when you’re not dealing with an expert you may come across someone who will pay you simply for the silver weight value of your items.

Your best bet, whether you intend to sell at an online auction or directly to a buyer, would be to contact an antique dealer directly. They will be able to give you a strong understanding of the value of your item and, if interested, make you an offer.

We all like to get the best price on their silver items, you can visit to my contact page and send me information with photos and I will offer you the best price for any antique silver.

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.