🥄 Antique Silver & Silverware Identification & Value
With antique silver the first and biggest question is sterling vs plate — solid sterling (92.5% silver) carries real melt and collector value, while silver-plate (a thin silver layer over base metal) is worth far less. The hallmarks tell you which: look for '925', 'STERLING', or British assay marks, versus plate marks like 'EPNS', 'A1' or 'Silver on Copper'. Beyond the metal, value comes from maker (Georg Jensen, Tiffany, Gorham and old English makers lead), age, weight, hand-work, condition, and whether a piece is a complete matched set. This guide reads hallmarks and separates sterling from plate, then gives hedged value ranges built from melt value and sold prices — an educational estimate, not a formal appraisal.
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Value & identification guides
Gorham Chantilly Sterling Flatware Value
1895 pattern, made since · Gorham Mfg. Co.
$30–$5,000
Tiffany & Co. Chrysanthemum Sterling Value
1880 pattern, made since · Tiffany & Co.
$200–$80,000
Reed & Barton Francis I Sterling Value
1907 pattern · Reed & Barton
$60–$8,000
Frequently asked
How do I tell sterling from silver-plate?
Check the marks: sterling is stamped '925', 'STERLING', or (British) a lion passant plus assay marks; plate is marked 'EPNS', 'A1', 'Silver on Copper', or a maker name with no purity number. Plate also often shows base metal worn through on high spots. When unmarked, weight and a professional test settle it.
Is silver-plate worth anything?
Usually little — it has no meaningful melt value because the silver layer is microns thin. Value is mostly decorative or by maker/pattern; a complete plated tea service or a sought-after pattern can still sell modestly, but nothing like sterling.
Should I polish or clean antique silver?
Gently and rarely. Over-polishing removes metal and can wear away hallmarks and a desirable patina, lowering value. Collectors often prefer honest age; light, careful cleaning is fine, harsh buffing is not.
Value ranges are indicative educational estimates based on category, era, maker and condition — not a formal appraisal. Ranges reflect sold prices only.