Guide to Sterling Silver Flatware

Sterling silver flatware can be difficult to properly identify. There are several things to look for. Older patterns may be worn and some have no marks. In addition, there is a difference between silver and sterling silver. These tips on how to identify sterling silver flatware will enable one to tell if an item is worth money or if it is just another piece of cutlery.

Assemble everything that is known about the flatware in question. All packaging or storage boxes should be examined for evidence of the origins of the flatware. There may be receipts for purchase in with the boxes. This will give an idea as to the age of the flatware. Many older pieces have handles of sterling and tops made of other material. This other material can be ivory, melamine, or other metals. If the piece is at a garage sale, flea market, or other dealer, ask about the origins of the piece. A reputable dealer will help to identify the piece. Someone at a garage sale may not know anything about silver.

Who made the piece? Examine the handles of the flatware. A silver polishing cloth is useful to remove tarnish. Leave some of the tarnish on in order to make any marques or stamps visible. Having a magnifying glass is handy. Some manufacturer's marques may be very worn or small. The marques can be anywhere on the piece. They are usually on the handles, but not always. See the photo for an example of manufacturer's marques. Compare the marques and pattern design with an example in one of the American Sterling Silver Flatware books listed above. These books will show you what American sterling silver pieces look like. English sterling silver will have different marques. Silver from Britain usually has a mark with the crown on it.

Is it sterling silver? All silver tarnishes, stainless steel and other base metals do not. Tarnish is a clue that the piece is silver. Examine the handles. Are they hollow? Many sterling silver pieces have hollow handles.

Sterling silver has the mark 925 somewhere on the piece. This designates the purity of the silver. Sterling silver is 92.5 percent pure silver. It is different from the manufacturer's marques. Without the 925 stamp, there is no way to be certain the piece is sterling silver. A piece of flatware can be silver without the 925 stamp. This mark is very small. Look for it along the base of handles, and on knives it may be along the collar where the handle joins the blade.

Using the above tips it should be easier than ever to identify the sterling silver flatware in your possession. Keep in mind that sterling flatware can be solid (usually silver plate) or hollow also known as hollow ware.