Category Archives: Antiques

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.

repousse sterling silver Baltimore Repousse silver items

Repousse Sterling Silver

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

Baltimore Repousse

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

Baltimore Repousse silver items

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

The Who’s Who in Repousse Silver

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

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

jenkins and jenkins silver stamp

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

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

 

Sterling Silver Marking

Silver Appraisal: Know the Current Market Value of Your Silver

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If you have silver, it is important that you know exactly what it is worth. This is especially important if you are contemplating selling the item. There are silver flatware collectors that will buy your item if you are willing to sell but you need to establish the true value of what you have.

First, know the type of silver you have

Sterling silver flatware are made of real silver unlike silverplate that are metals coated with silver to look like the main thing. Your first step is to establish that the item you have is sterling silver. In the United States, for instance, every silver created after 1850 is stamped with one of these three marks:

  • Sterling
  • .925
  • 925/1000

Unless the silver was made before 1850, you will see one of these stamps. If you find the stamp, you are a step closer to knowing the current value of your silver.

Finding the Value of Antique Silver

Once you are certain you have a real silver, it is time to know your antique flatware worth. An expert will be needed to ascertain the actual worth but you can make some progress on your own.

Antique silver flatware patterns are necessary to get the significant information that can let you determine the current worth of the silver or make an estimation that is close to the actual value. You will also need to find out the manufacturers of the silver. Asides from the sterling stamp, silver items have hallmarks that you can use to know the manufacturer and other important information like the date it was produced.

When you know the pattern and the manufacturer of the silver, you can check the retail price for replacement pieces online; you can also get detailed information about the age and value of your silver from most of these sites.

There are several websites with resources that can help you figure out the current market value of your silver. You can also use antique appraisers and dealers to help you with it but make sure whoever you are dealing with is reputable.

Get your FREE verbal, no obligation appraisal!

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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.

Smart Ways to Sell Family Silver for Cash

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If you’re looking for an easy way to make money, selling your silver might be just the thing. Here are seven smart ways to sell silver that will help you earn extra cash.
When you decide it’s time to sell off your family’s antique silver, you want to be sure you get the best value for it.Selling silverware, teapots, and other similar things is a bit more complicated than just heading down to your local pawn shop—at least if you want to get top dollar.To sell silver and get the most out of it, you need to know a few things. Here are a few tips on finding antique silver buyers in Florida, and getting the money that your family silver is truly worth.

Finding Out Where to Sell Silver

Second, the people who work in pawn shops are kind of a jack of all trades when it comes to purchasing and selling goods. They don’t have the trained eye that is required to truly evaluate the worth of a piece. A pawn shop employee may believe that he or she is offering you a great price and unknowingly underbid you for your family silver.
Antique Pawn Shop

Before you take your silver in, spend some time polishing it. A trained eye will see the silver’s value, regardless of whether you polished it or not. Still, silver buyers are people, too, and leaving a good impression will never hurt your position.
Never settle for the first offer you get. Remember, these people make a living by buying low and selling high. Get two or three offers, then consider which one you feel is best for your situation.
An alternative to this would be to take your family silver to a silver dealer for an evaluation as to its value. Be very clear beforehand that you are willing to pay him or her for his or her expertise in valuing the silver, but you will not be selling to him or her (that removes any incentive to provide a lower than usual valuation). Then, using that valuation as a baseline, shop around and see what kind of offers you can get.

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Silver collections appraised

A Brief Look Into The Elegant World Of Antique Silverware Collectibles

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Last time, we discussed the history and significance of antique silver tea sets. As I previously stated, and as we all know, antique things are exquisitely constructed and designed by skilled artisans. These intricate pieces are the great inspiration of historical artworks, which can never be matched with the modern world.

We’re talking about silverware, which is meticulously engraved to create stunning designs on the surface of silvery tea sets. Let’s take a look at some examples of silvery tea sets that may be purchased or sold.

What is the Best Place to Sell Sterling Silver Flatware for a nice profit?

Antique and modern sterling silver tea sets for sale or flatware’s can be found in a number of ways. For the modern shopper, online auction houses like ebay, Live auctioneers & many more which can be an excellent resource.

At eBay, you can find many trusted dealers who deal with every kind of antique, vintage, and estate sterling silverware. Additionally, you can expect a seamless selling experience and get the expected amount when selling sterling silver flatware online.

If you are looking for a dealer in your area or want to directly contact dealers online, there is also the Silver Queen website, which is the top-most dealer in Florida. Here, you can sell and also buy sterling silver items. I’ve always preferred visiting local antique shops and digging for secret treasures.

selling sterling silver flatware

 

What is the current market value of selling or buying silverware?

I’m often asked by my friends, “What should I expect to pay for this or that?” or, “What is the current silver tea set value ?” These questions makes me smile a bit because there are countless things to consider -I’ve outlined some of them here – but I also understand my friends confusion and concerns.

The truth is, a silver tray can range anywhere from $35 to $80,000 & also the market value(shopping) of silver per ounce is $24.49. Apart from these, A silver buyer can readily pay $800 to $1,200 for a standard 32-piece sterling silver flatware set.

It really comes down to a few simple questions: Are you looking for something highly collectible or just something you would enjoy having in your home? And the other question is, how much are you willing to spend? There is really no difficulty in finding these answers if you have proper knowledge of market value of silver and gold items.

silver tray

Learn about one of the most beautiful historical silverware set- Salver Tray

An Etruscan black pottery tray(Salver tray) from the 7th or 6th century B.C.E. is the earliest example of a tray that we have been able to date (Pre-Roman times). The Etruscan tray may not be the oldest in existence, but it does imply that the existence of a tray is centuries old, having existed millennia before becoming widespread in aristocratic and rich crafting..

Many different styles of design and decoration have emerged over the years, from the simple salver and the handled tray are lined with beautifully crafted brims are the simplicity of the modern era. If you have one and want to sell it, you can easily contact us and get profitable amount also appraisal of the items.

antique-silver-tea-set

Sell Your Silver Flatware Set to the Trusted Buyers Near You

There are many expert antique dealers in your area who will be more than happy to take the time to walk you through what they have in their collection and, hopefully, have some very interesting stories to tell you about it’s history, condition & worth.

 

antique silver collection

5 Facts Everyone Should Know about Antique Silver Collections

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Are you interested in collecting antique silver pieces? Antiquing is an exciting hobby, and it is one that can pay off financially in the long run. If you have an antique silver collection – or if you are thinking about starting one – keep these facts in mind.

antique silver collection

­ Antique Silver Collections Can Consist of 50-­100 Pieces or More

An antique silver collection doesn’t mean that you need to have hundreds or thousands of pieces. Even 50 pieces can be a pretty substantial collection, especially when you consider the value of the silver. If you have less than 50 pieces, go ahead and sell them- you can make huge earnings by selling few pieces of silver (being a precious metal).

You Can Collect One Thing or Make All Antique Silver Fair Game

If you are an antique silver enthusiast, you have several options when it comes to your collection. You can focus on obtaining the same type of item – such as silverware, silver flasks, vases, or any other item that interests you – or you can simply focus on finding unique items that are made out of silver. Just don’t be afraid to mix and match different types of patterns, especially if you’ll be using or displaying your silver pieces throughout your home. Different patterns can create a unique and interesting aesthetic within your collection.

­ Silver Collections Are Easier to Sell than Other Antiques

When it comes to selling antiques, silver collections are one of the easiest items to sell. Silver is a valuable, precious metal, as silver products are typically made from a pure silver alloy with a small proportion of a base metal. Antique dealers are usually excited to get involved in the sale of an antique silver collection, as there is often significant value for everyone involved.

­ Use the 80/20 Value When Selling Your Collection

The 80/20 rule comes from the Pareto principle of business, and it means that 80% of sales tend to come from 20% of the products. When it comes to antiques, the same can be assumed – about 80% of the monetary value of your collection will be concentrated in 20% of your silver pieces. Not all of your items will have a significant dollar value, so when selling your items, you should try and put most of your effort in the most valuable pieces. An antique dealer can help to identify the most important pieces in your collection.

­ Auction Houses Love Collections

If you have an antique silver collection and are ready to sell, a local auction house or dealer will likely be excited to get involved. Collections are easier to sell than individual pieces, especially when you consider the value of silver. If you need assistance in selling your collection, you should have no trouble finding assistance just make sure to seek out a couple of estimates to ensure you are getting a good deal.

Collecting antique silver can be a rewarding and valuable pastime, and at Antique Buyers, we can provide you with a market analysis to find out just how much your collection might sell for at an auction. By taking proper steps when caring for and selling your silver items, all of your hard work and years of dedication to your collection will pay off.

antique-silver-tea-set

Uncovering the Real Value of Your Parents’ Antique Kitchenware

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Hold up just a second before you go ditching that antique silver spoon collection your Mom handed down to you, or scrapping the antique kitchenware, you might want to do a quick search for “silver buyers near me”.

There’s a world of difference between silver buyers of antique silver and scrapping, pawning, or selling silver in a yard sale. Doing some research on the subject of Antique Silverware Buying & Appraisal is worth its weight in gold.

antique-silver-tea-set

Antique Silver and Silver Tea Set Buyers

A fortune could be hidden in your parent’s (and even grandparent’s) kitchenware. Antique silver potentially has much more value than if you sell it by weight alone. Antique silverware buying and selling is big bucks when there’s a history behind the piece or pieces. Even the decorative artwork on your antique silver can boost the value. It’s best to consult a silver tea set buyer or antique silver buyer when you are in the market to sell.

Finding a Trustworthy Buyer of Antique Silver

Unfortunately, especially with the boom of online silver tea set buyers and antique silver buyers cannot all be trusted. Even selling to a local buyer can be risky. You’ll want to check out any potential buyer you plan to do business with.

Find out if the business is local, or if it’s online, be sure there’s a longstanding internet presence that’s not flighty. Look for verifiable references that aren’t just on the company’s own website or social site. Check for credentials and length of time in business too.

Why Trust Antique Silver Buyers?

Antique Silver Buyers is a name you can trust as a silver tea set buyer, antique silverware buyer, and buyer and appraiser of antique silver of most any kind. We’ve been in business for 25 years and have a myriad of happy customers that sing our praises. Many are repeat customers we’ve had for years.

Based in Florida, Antique Silver Buyers is dedicated to doing business face to face. We believe that the appraisal, selling, and buying of antique silver should be a personal encounter that can only be conducted properly when it’s done eye to eye. We want to meet you and make your experience an ultimate one.

When it comes to selling your antique silver, turn to a trusted buyer you can trust. Turn to Antique Silver Buyers.