All About Antiques

Authentic Gorham Chantilly flatware is identified by the Gorham hallmarks (a lion, an anchor, and the letter ‘G’) alongside the word “Sterling” stamped on the back of the handle. Introduced in 1895 and designed by William C. Codman, genuine pieces feature a distinct, asymmetrical scroll design inspired by the French Rococo style of the Louis…

Antique silver spoons are identified by hallmarks, construction method, and style period. Sterling silver is marked 925 or carries a lion passant on British pieces, while silver plate shows EPNS or similar stamps. Key styles include Fiddle, King’s Pattern, and Old English, each tied to a specific era from the 1700s onward. A genuine pre-1900…

Authentic Reed & Barton Francis I silver can be identified by the “REED & BARTON” maker’s mark alongside the “STERLING” stamp on the reverse. Introduced in 1907 by designer Ernest Meyer, genuine pieces feature 15 distinct fruit and flower cluster motifs that vary by piece type, with a heavy, three-dimensional cast quality. Imagine you are…

The most collectible sterling silver flatware patterns are Francis I (Reed & Barton, 1907), Repoussé (Kirk Stieff, 1828), Grand Baroque (Wallace, 1941), and Chantilly (Gorham, 1895). These patterns command premium prices at auction due to their intricate craftsmanship, historical pedigree, and sustained collector demand. Authentication begins with hallmark stamps—”Sterling” or “925”—alongside the maker’s mark.

Identifying a silver flatware pattern without marks relies on analyzing the handle shape, the specific decorative motifs (like repoussé florals or geometric Art Deco lines), and the overall weight or gauge of the metal. Genuine antique silver patterns often have crisp, deep detailing that modern reproductions lack, and distinguishing between sterling silver, coin silver, and…

Authentic antique silver can be identified by analyzing the assay marks and maker’s marks, verifying the piece’s weight and dimensions against historical records, and requesting a detailed condition report. Genuine sterling silver (925/1000 purity) will always bear specific hallmarks, whereas silver plate or base metals often feature misleading “EPNS” or pseudo-marks designed to deceive online…

Genuine antique silver can be identified by locating specific hallmarks, such as the word “Sterling,” “925,” or a lion passant symbol indicating British origin. True silver possesses a distinct, non-magnetic quality and a warm patina that differs from the harsh shine of modern chrome. Always check hidden areas like the base or inner rim for…

Selling antique silver on eBay for the best price requires accurately identifying the metal content (sterling silver vs. silver plate), deciphering the maker’s hallmarks, providing high-quality photos, and writing a keyword-rich title. Authentic sterling silver will almost always bear a standard mark like “Sterling,” “925,” or specific pictorial assay marks depending on its country of…

With silver spot prices hitting historic highs in 2026, selling your antique silver depends heavily on its classification. Sterling silver (marked 925 or Sterling) and early American coin silver (90% purity) are commanding premium prices, while silver plate items retain value primarily through their maker and intricate design rather than melt value. Imagine you are…