Category Archives: Antique silver

History Behind Silver Markings

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Uncover the fascinating history behind silver markings at our blog. Our guide explores the development of silver markings and their importance in identifying the age, maker, and origin of silver items. From the earliest hallmarks to modern-day assay marks, we delve into the intricacies of silver hallmarking and decode its various symbols. Our expert historians offer valuable insights into the context of silver marks and their role in the silver trade. Read our blog now to discover the rich history and significance behind silver hallmarks and become a knowledgeable collector or seller of antique silver.

Silver Markings – Silver has been mined from the earth for thousands of years. Old World silver and silver markings have been traced back to modern day Turkey, as early as 4000 BC. But it wasn’t until around 2500 BC that we have solid accounts of the first sophisticated mining and refinement process of the precious metal known as “cupellation.” Since that time, civilizations have risen and fallen, each leaving their own characteristic imprint on silver before it became a valued currency in America. Due to the wide variability in purity, integrity and origin silver markings were developed to distinguish and verify each piece.

The Importance of Markings

Silver Markings

One of the most imperative distinguished to make is whether the piece is sterling silver or if the piece is merely sprayed with a layer of silver atop another, less valuable, base metal, known as plating. Once you have determined if the piece is sterling or plated silver, other markings denote such valuable information such as:

– Makers Mark; this is usually denoted by the silversmiths initials of the first and last name
– Firm Name; often added along with the Makers Mark
– Date; usually just the year the piece was crafted
– Assay; this mark proves the piece was inspected and verified. It may also contain an additional standard symbol to denote purity. Silver is a soft metal and even sterling has a small percentage of another metal to give it strength.

Silver markings not only help collectors to identify key characteristics of the piece for valuation, they divulge a rich history, and to a collector, that is of great worth.

Silver Markings across Civilizations

Identifying the markings on a piece of silver is quite the task as there are hundreds of different symbols. Each civilization has created their own stamp and that stamp has evolved as different authorities have altered the design for various purposes such as taxes or even pride. Tracing them can be difficult for many reasons. Sometimes the pieces are well worn and the stamp has become hard to distinguish to an untrained eye. There are often minute details separating an assay’s mark, such as a small number or letter that helps to determine the value based on purity. Even if the markings can be clearly established, some of the registration records have been destroyed, making complete identification almost impossible to achieve in some cases.

No matter what type of piece; coin, flatware, tea sets or candelabra, there will be markings on it. If there are no markings, the piece is not valuable and could be fraudulent.

Each nation still has an abundance of well-documented markings to make identification possible, even if some of the markings have faded away with time. If you have a silver piece you would like to know more about, contact a knowledgeable professional who is familiar with the different eras and aspects of markings. The markings are what determine the value of your piece so it is important to have it identified correctly, whether you want to have it appraised for insurance purposes or if you are looking to sell the piece.

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Antique Silver Tea Set Markings

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Begin

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

Silver tea pot with stamp

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

Origin of Antique Silver Tea Set Markings

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

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

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

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

All About Antique Silver Tea Sets

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

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

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

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

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

Determination of Value

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

History and description of tea services

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

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

Determining value

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

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

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

Determining the True Value of Antique Silver Pieces

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

antique-silver-estate-silver

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Check Out Online Antique Websites

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

Walk Through an Estate Sale

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

Consult with an Antique Dealer

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

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

Visit an Auction House

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

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

Vintage Silver Trays

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

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

Best Antiques To Sell In 2023!

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

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

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

vintage silver trays

Sell Antique Silver Trays And Flatware For Premium Rates.

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

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

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

Whom Should I Sell My Antique Silver To?

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

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

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

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

Origin of Antique Silver Hallmarks

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

 

antique hallmark

Interpreting Hallmarks on Antique Silver

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

1. The Leopard Head

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

2. The Lion Passant

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

3. The Britannia Standard Mark

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

 

antique image

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

Your First Step To Understanding the Buying and Selling World of Antique Silver Flatware

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Antique silver flatware remains among some of the most collectible types of antique silver on the market. With intricate craftsmanship and impressive presentation both decoratively and in treating your house guests to a special evening, antique silver flatware collectors can place very high values on these items.

Today, I want to talk about both sides of the market. What you might expect for prices on antique silver flatware, and to help answer the question, “Where can I sell my silver flatware?”
Where can I sell my silver flatware
You’ll find lots of valuable information on my site and within these blog posts about determining the value of your silver. How to identify the quality of your silver. Even who the best buyers of silver flatware are and what selling sterling silver flatware may entail for you.

As I’ve mentioned time and time again – you can easily take the first step yourself. Silver markings or Silver Hallmarks can, in many cases, be quite easy to identify. This is an important first step as it will help you understand the purity of your silver.

This is important as I’ve seen silver plated flatware sell for as low as $50 whereas a beautiful set of Rogers sterling silver flatware could be valued at $3000 or higher. Unfortunately there is no hard and fast rule. Silver value (your silver’s weight value) and the value added by it’s history, condition and demand can drastically alter the price
an antique silver flatware buyer may be interested in paying.

silver flatwares

Once you’re somewhat confident in a basic understanding of what quality or rarity your silver may have, I always recommend that people talk to a professional to get a better, more complete picture.

If you are looking to get the best price for your antique silver flatware at a local jeweler or pawn shop, you may need to look hard to find one that pays you the true worth of your item; if you are looking to sell from the convenience and comfort of your own home, you can send me photos and information on your silver and I’ll surely give you the best deal on antiques.

If you’re looking sterling silver flatware for sale, you’re options are also plentiful. I often recommend auction houses as you can see the items in person and stand to potentially get them for a good price. Online auctions are also quite popular.

However if you prefer the more personal touch there are many local antique and pawn shops you can explore. This is a secret pleasure of mine as the process itself is becoming antiquated in its own right and once and a while you might just stumble across a great little treasure.

Either way, whether your buying or selling, I wish you happy hunting!

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Do Antique Buyers Near Me Buy Antiques at a Higher Price Than Online?

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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 also be a good way to get some fast cash. The decision to sell can be a difficult one to make, however, once you decide to sell, you will obviously want to get the highest price possible for your antique. The question becomes, where to sell antiques. Will you get a better price if you sell antiques online or if find local antique buyers? In this article, we will explore where you will get a higher price, online or in person.

Sell Antiques Online

Advantages of Selling Antiques Online

Let’s begin by looking at some reasons why you might get a better price if you sell antiques online. To begin with, when you reach out through the internet you will find it incredibly easy to cast a wide net for antique buyers. You will find a much larger pool of potential buyers much faster online. That means you are more likely get a better price.

Additionally, people who buy and sell antiques online have a lower overhead than people who have a brick and mortar shop that costs a lot in rent, utilities, and the like. They might be able to make a greater profit from buying and selling antiques, and pass on the savings to you by offering you a higher price for your antique. If you make the rounds online and do some haggling, you just might find that you can drive up your selling price more than you can by just walking into a brick and mortar shop.

Looking at Local Antique Buyers

In the digital age we live in it may seem like doing everything online has become the default way of doing things but googling antique buyers near me may just get you the price you are looking for. There is an advantage to walking into a store and dealing with an antique buyer in person. Local antique buyers often have a wealth of experience and connections. Even if they aren’t interested in buying your antique or can’t afford to pay top price, they may be able to connect with someone who can.

Another advantage to selling at local shops is the ease of access. It is much easier to bring your antique to a local shop to be appraised and get quoted a price than it is to mail it to an online buyer. There is no risk of it getting lost or damaged in the mail. There is no expensive shipping and handling to be paid. If you can go directly to the buyer and haggle over the price in person with the antique right there with you. In the end, some old-fashioned leg work, combined with an online search might get you the best price for your antique.

Decoding Hallmarks – A Guide to Reading Hallmarks on British Silver

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Hallmarks are used by the Royal Mint to identify the date, mint mark, and other information about each coin that it produces. They’re also used to authenticate antiques that were produced before the introduction of modern technology in the early 20th century.

Learn how to decode them and what they mean.

The Royal Mint uses three different hallmarks to identify its products. The first two are the year and mintmark, while the third identifies the type of metal being used. The year is usually stamped at the top left corner of the coin, followed by the mintmark. The mintmark is usually stamped below the year.

The mintmark is made up of a number and an abbreviation. The number represents the year when the coin was struck, while the abbreviation indicates where the coin was minted. For example, “R” stands for the Royal Mint, “D” stands for the Devon Mint, and “S” stands for the South Wales Mint.

The last hallmark is the type of metal being produced. This is indicated by the letter “M.” If the coin is made from copper, then the letter will be “C.” If the coin is silver, then the letter will read “A.” And if the coin is gold, then the letter will say “G.”

If you’re thinking about purchasing silver made in the UK, you want to make certain that what you’re buying is pure silver. Otherwise, you may be paying a lot of money for something that isn’t worth much at all. In order to identify the pieces you’re buying as true silver items, you need to understand British silver hallmarks. Here’s a quick rundown of what these marks include.

 

Hallmarks on British Silver

A Standard mark

The first step to identifying silver hallmarks is to look for the standard mark. There were five different marks used on British silver, and they’re easy to recognize. They are the walking lion, the standing lion, the thistle, the crowned harp, and the symbol of Britannia. If you can’t find one of these marks on the item, it was likely silver plated or was made elsewhere.

The Town Mark

The next mark to check for is the town mark. This mark identifies where exactly the piece was manufacture red. There are a number of these silver hallmarks, so you may need a reference guide to determine what town the mark on your item represents.

The Duty Mark

The duty mark was only used between 1784 and 1890. It indicated that a duty was paid on the silver. Older items may have the King’s head, indicating that the item was made between 1784 and 1837. When Queen Victoria took the throne, the mark was changed to the Queen’s head. These antique silver hallmarks are useful in determining when a piece was made.

The Date Letter

This letter indicates when the silver piece was made. The letter changed periodically, and each town often used a different font or even a different letter. Again, this is something that you will need to use a guide for, and you’ll need to determine the town mark first.

The Maker’s Mark

Finally, there’s the marker’s mark. This mark is the symbol or initials of the maker or manufacturer. It’s the final piece needed to determine exactly where, when, and who made the silver piece.