Category Archives: Antique silver

Sterling Silver set

Sterling vs. Britannia Silver

Posted on by

Do you have a silver collection at home but aren’t sure of the silver composition? It is possible that your silverware or other antiques are silver plated, but you might also have something more valuable – sterling silver or Britannia silver. While Britannia silver is typically more expensive than sterling silver antiques, both can be indicative of valuable pieces, and it is important to know the difference between the two.

What is 92.5 Sterling Silver?

Sterling silver is a silver alloy that contains 92.5% silver by weight. The other 7.5% of its composition is made of other metals, mostly copper, and antiques often denote their sterling silver composition with a “925” or “sterling” hallmark. Historically, sterling silver has been used for a variety of eating utensils, flatware, and other serving items, and there are many sterling silver pieces that are prized as antiques today.

Sterling silver has long been heralded for its versatile applications and lustrous finish. Sterling silver is harder than gold, but it is considered to be one of the most pliable metals. This malleability makes it easy to use sterling silver to create various forms and shapes, and there are many prized antiques that are made from this metal.

 

Sterling Silver set

What is Britannia Silver?

The Britannia standard of silver was developed in 1697 as a way to prevent British sterling coins from being melted to create silver plate. Unlike sterling silver, which is made of 92.5% silver, Britannia silver is composed of at least 95.84% pure silver. The other 4.16% of its composition is made of copper and other metals. Britannia silver is also more expensive and less robust than sterling silver.

There are several marks that can indicate a piece is Britannia silver. The Britannia figure is widely recognized and was the first of the Britannia silver marks introduced to indicate. 958 silver fineness. Later, a “lions head erased” mark was introduced for the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths. The number “958” is also stamped on Britannia silver pieces.

Is Your Piece Sterling or Britannia Silver?

The hallmarks on your silver item are the best way to determine if your piece is sterling silver or Britannia. However, if you are unsure of the silver composition – or if you simply want to learn more about the value of your piece – there are resources that can help. An auction house, antique dealer, or appraiser can provide you some helpful guidance on what exactly you have with your silver piece.

How Do You Clean Heavily Tarnished Silver?

Posted on by

5 Tips: How to clean heavily tarnished silverware at at Home

Silver is considered a precious metal for a reason. The gleaming, reflective quality of polished silver is unique among metals. It has been used for a variety of high-quality items throughout history. Everything from jewelry to coins to candelabras to elegant tableware to picture frames. It is likely that your family has some silver heirlooms. There is just one catch, silver is terribly prone to tarnishing. The beauty of sterling silver is only surpassed by the amount of effort it can take to keep it shining. If you have sterling silver, you are probably wondering how to clean silver items at home. In the article we will explore the 5 best-known at home methods for cleaning your silver.

 

#1 – How to clean antique silver with a lemon and salt bath?

 

How to clean antique silver with a lemon and salt bath

 

This is a simple and easy way to restore the shine to your silver. It is particularly useful for frequent cleaning of silver utensils. Take some hot water and pour it into a bowl. Squeeze the juice of a lemon into the bowl. Add three tablespoons of salt. Place the silver item you are cleaning into the water and let sit for five minutes. Remove it and clean by rubbing it with a soft cloth to remove tarnish. For best results use a white silver cleaning cloth. A regular cloth takes more effort and produces inferior results.

 

#2 – How to clean tarnished silver with toothpaste?

 

clean tarnished silver with toothpaste

 

Use toothpaste to clean your sterling silver and your pearly whites! One of the best tips for how to clean silver items at home is to use toothpaste. A little dab (pea-sized) will do it. Simply take the toothpaste and rub onto the silver item using a circular motion to polish it and gently remove the tarnish. Leave the toothpaste on the silver for five minutes and then thoroughly rinse with water.

 

#3 – How to clean silver with baking soda and foil?

Better silver cleaning through chemistry with baking soda and aluminum foil

 

Better silver cleaning through chemistry with baking soda and aluminum foil. One of the best and most popular ways to clean silver is the combination of baking soda and aluminum foil. Boil some water, enough to reach the top of the bowl you will use. Line the bowl with the foil, placing it so the shiny side is up. Pour the water into the bowl and add 1 tablespoon of baking soda for each cup of water. The solution will bubble. Right way you should place the silver item in the bowl. Make sure it touches the foil so the chemical reaction will happen. Leave the item in the solution, 2-5 minutes will do for a minor or regular level of tarnish. Heavy tarnish might require up to 10 minutes. Remove the item and rinse it in cool water then clean with dry cloth.

#4 – See How to clean antique silver with hand sanitizer?

 

Hand sanitizer removes germs from hands and tarnish from silver

 

Hand sanitizer removes germs from hands and tarnish from silver. We are all heavily invested in hand sanitizer these days. The coronavirus pandemic means that everyone is stocking up on it. It turns out that this ubiquitous item is actually an easily available answer to the question of how to clean antique silver. You probably have a plenty of sanitizer at home, grab it and get cleaning. It is simple. Just place a few drops of sanitizer on a dry cloth and begin to buff the silver item. It is always a good idea to use a white silversmith’s cloth for optimal results.

#5 – How to shine sterling silver with vinegar?

Shine sterling silver with vinegar

 

Shine sterling silver with vinegar. Here is how to clean antique silver with the power of vinegar. This method combines vinegar, water, and baking soda. Start with a bowl of lukewarm water. Add a mixture of a ½ cup of white vinegar and 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Add your silver item to the bowl. Let it soak for two to three hours. Rinse with cold water and allow it to dry.

Christofle silver marking

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

Posted on by

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

Evaluate the Silver Marks

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

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

Use a Magnet

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

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

Listen for a Ring

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

Get a Professional Opinion

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

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

Antique Silver Tea Set Markings

Posted on by

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.

Valuation of Antique Sterling Silver Flatware

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

Posted on by

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

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

The Artistic Nature of Sterling Silver Flatware

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

Lenox Gorham
Reed and Barton
Tiffany & Co
Whiting

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

Paul de Lamerie
Hester Bateman
Paul Storr

silver flatware stamp

Valuation of Antique Sterling Silver Flatware Marks

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

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

Valuation of Antique Sterling Silver Flatware

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

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

Sterling Silver

A Guide to Help You Evaluate Antique Sterling Silver Flatware

Posted on by

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 silver flatware pattern. The pattern, like the manufacturer, can have a significant impact on the ultimate value of your item.

Step Three: Assess the Condition

The value of your antique sterling silver flatware can also be influenced by the condition of the flatware in question. If the silver has lots of scratches, dings or various types of discoloration, then the ultimately value is likely to be lower than silver flatware which is in more pristine condition. If the silver is relatively pristine, considering its age, then the value will be higher than scratched and ding-up flatware. And don’t forget about the condition of accessories such as footwear, socks, and other small yet crucial details.

Final Thoughts

You may not be able to tell the exact value of your sterling silver object (or objects) without outside assistance—in other words, an appraisal of some kind that will provide a more definite guideline for what you should be charging for your final thoughts. In cases where you are having trouble identifying hallmarks and other characteristics which can help define and value your antique silver flatware, consult with local dealers about options for identification and assessment. Ensure you get the most accurate value of sterling silver flatware with professional guidance.

925-silver-mark

Identifying Sterling Silver Patterns 101

Posted on by

If you have a set of antique sterling silverware, you might be wondering what the pattern is or if what you have is actually an authentic set of sterling flatware. The first thing you’ll want to do is look for the Sterling name on the silverware. In most cases, you’ll find the word sterling on the back of each piece’s handle. In some cases, your silver may have a different identifying logo that is used to mark sterling pieces.

Antique Marking

Is There a Manufacturer’s Mark?

Next, you’ll want to determine which of the sterling silver patterns you have. There are a good number of these patterns. It can help if you can find the manufacturer’s identifying mark. This is often also located on the handle, although this may be a company logo and not a name. You can look online to find a catalog of the different sterling manufacturers and their related logos. Finding this logo is the easiest way of identifying your sterling silver patterns.

Antique Mark

Determine the Pattern

Once you’ve learned which manufacturer created your antique sterling silverware, you can determine the pattern. Again, the internet is a great resource for this. There are websites devoted to cataloging all of the different antique silverware markings out there, and these sites often include detailed images of the various patterns. All you need to do is look at the images available and see which one matches your silverware.

925 Silver

Tips for Silver Patterns Identification

If you’re having difficulty determining which silver pattern you have, here are a few additional tips that can help you narrow it down.

  • Polish your silverware if you’re having difficulty determining the manufacturer’s mark. Sometimes cleaning it can make it easier to identify.
  • Look for “925” or another number. This identifies how much of the piece is made from  bsterling.
  • Sometimes looking for antique silverware markings that show your silver flatware set is not sterling silver is just as helpful as looking for sterling marks. If you see “IS” or “A1” on your silverware, it indicates that the piece is silver-plated, not sterling silver.
  • There are some companies that provide silver patterns identification services. You take a clear picture of your silverware pattern and email or fax it to them. Their experts then help you determine the pattern.
  • Remember that some manufacturers changed their company marks over time, especially when a company was bought out or merged with another. If the mark you find doesn’t quite match the image you see online, continue your search into that manufacturer to see if they used a different mark at some point.
Vintage Silver Trays

How To Sell Antique Silver Trays-2024 Most Helpful Selling Guide

Posted on by

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 2024!

Somewhere, as each year comes to an end, a vintage item ages gracefully. Ever since, the market has grown tremendously, and 2024 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 2024 by selling those goods for a profit.

 

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.

Wm. Rogers Silverware

Factors to Consider when Determining the Value of Wm. Rogers Silverware

Posted on by

Discover the world of Wm. Rogers silverware is a realm of timeless elegance and intricate patterns. Each piece is a testament to masterful craftsmanship. Whether you have inherited a set or stumbled upon a single piece at an antique store, understanding the factors that influence its value can be a fascinating journey. Let’s explore the key elements that determine the worth of Wm—Rogers silverware.

Wm. Rogers Silverware

1. Patterns and Symbols:

Wm. Rogers silverware sets are renowned for their exquisite patterns, each piece a testament to the masterful craftsmanship. These patterns not only add aesthetic appeal but also significantly impact the value. Some notable patterns include:

– Acme: The Acme pattern features delicate floral motifs and intricate scrollwork. Its timeless design appeals to collectors seeking classic elegance.

– Alaska: The Alaska pattern, characterized by geometric shapes and clean lines, exudes a modern vibe. It remains popular among those who appreciate minimalist aesthetics.

– Beauty: As the name suggests, the Beauty pattern showcases graceful curves, floral embellishments, and ornate handles. Its intricate details elevate its value.

– Beloved: Beloved combines floral elements with a touch of Art Nouveau. Collectors often seek out Beloved pieces for their romantic charm.

– Berwick: Berwick features a blend of floral and foliate motifs. Its versatility makes it a sought-after pattern for both formal and casual dining.

When assessing the authenticity and purity of Wm. Rogers silverware, pay attention to the silver marks. The most common mark is “Wm. Rogers Mfg. Co.” stamped on the pieces. Here’s what you need to know:

– Purity: The silver content varies. Some pieces are silver-plated, which means they have a thin layer of silver over a base metal, while others may be sterling silver, which is 92.5% pure silver. Sterling silver (marked as ‘925’ or ‘sterling’) holds a higher value due to its higher silver content.

– Date of Manufacture: Occasionally, the silver mark includes a date code. Deciphering these codes helps determine when the piece was made. The date code is usually a combination of letters and numbers that represent the year and month of manufacture. For example, ‘A1’ might indicate January 1901. Read guide on how to decipher date codes on silver marks.

– Beware of ‘IS ‘Markings: While ‘IS’ stands for ‘International Silver,’ it doesn’t indicate purity. Instead, it refers to the manufacturer. Please don’t mistake it for sterling silver, marked as ‘925’ or ‘sterling. ‘Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver and holds a higher value due to its higher silver content.

2. Condition Matters:

The condition of your Wm. Rogers silverware is not just a factor in its value but also a reflection of the care and respect you have for these elegant pieces. Remember, each scratch and wear tells a story, adding to the unique charm of your collection. Consider the following:

– Scratches and Wear: Examine each piece for scratches, dents, or heel wear. Minor imperfections are expected, but extensive damage diminishes the value. For instance, a piece with deep scratches or significant wear on the handle may be worth less than a piece in pristine condition.

– Polishing Challenges: Wm. Rogers pieces are silver-plated, unlike solid silver items. Overzealous polishing can wear down the plating, affecting both appearance and value. To maintain the value of your silverware, it’s important to use gentle cleaning methods and avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the silver plating.

3. Historical Context and Rarity:

The era of manufacturing is not just a detail but a pivotal factor. Older pieces, with their unique historical context, often command higher prices. Consider the following:

– Antique Appeal: If you stumble upon a spoon, knife, or fork made by William Rogers, mainly if it dates back several decades, treasure it. Historical context adds allure.

– Limited Editions: Some Wm. Rogers patterns were produced in limited quantities. Rarity enhances value, especially if collectors seek specific designs. Limited edition pieces are often more valuable because they are harder to find, and collectors are willing to pay a premium for them.

In summary, the value of your Wm. Rogers silverware hinges on patterns, condition, and historical context. Cherish these elegant pieces, and remember that each fork, knife, or spoon carries a rich legacy. Whether you’re a collector or appreciate fine craftsmanship, Wm. Rogers silverware continues to shine as a testament to timeless beauty. The value of Wm. Rogers silverware can range from a few dollars for common pieces to several hundred or even thousands of dollars for rare or unique items.