Relevant categories: Silver Plate,Glassware
( Above Photo: Silver Plate Centrepiece - Sheffield Epergne Cut Glass Stand Dish Bowl )
Are you looking to buy antique silver? It is important to learn what it takes to properly determine a piece of silver's value. Besides, knowing the authenticity of the piece of silver you're about to buy is also necessary.
But first, how do you know if a piece a pure silver is? Given the malleability of pure silver and difficulty crafting any meaningful object, it could be impossible to have 100% pure silver. Therefore, sterling silver is the most valuable you'll find.
You can know sterling silver by checking the '925' hallmark, which means that the silver in it is 925 parts in 1,000. The other parts could comprise other metals to give them more strength.
But the value of antique silver items is not in the metal but in the object itself. While silver jewelry isn't valuable, other antique silver items are potentially very valuable. Besides sterling silver, which is hallmarked '925', Britannia silver has the hallmark' 958.' So, Britannia silver is more valuable than sterling silver.
( Above Photo: Pair Rococo Candelabras - Victorian Silver Plate )
A clean piece of silver usually displays dents, scratches, and discoloration, which, together with hallmarks, determine its value. Valuers usually check for certain hallmarks and imperfections on the surface of the silver piece. So, if the silver has dents, scratches, or is severely damaged, it is unlikely to be very valuable.
You can also determine the value of sterling antique silver by looking for specific hallmarks representing the maker and period it was made. But importantly, you should consider whether the item is highly collectable. You don't want to buy an item and get stuck with it, unable to dispose of it.
Collectable items are valuable even with minor dents and scratches. The value of antique silver mostly depends on whether or not the feature is popular or prominent brands. In that case, the silver becomes memorabilia and highly collectable.
By attending auction houses, you can easily tell the popularity of an antique silver item. The more the number of people that fight for it, the more valuable it is. Besides, an auction house wouldn't bring an item on the floor if it isn't very sure about its value. They take time to inspect items with hallmarks and blemishes before putting them to auction.
( Above Photo: Silver Plate Epergne Centrepieces Glass Dish Serving Bowl )
When considering the value of silver flatware, you must pay attention to the same considerations as any other form of silver. An example of valuable silver flatware is the canteen, which is sophisticated, practical, and beautiful.
Other antique silver flatware is designed to serve food and beverages. So, if the flatware can serve fourteen people, it is more valuable than one that can serve more people. When buying silver flatware, always consider the number of people ta can serve.
We have a large variety of antique silver items in our store. Visit us to sample some of these items and even purchase one. We stock valuable antiques as well as recently made items for your convenience.
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