All About Antiques

Authentic antique silver spoons can be identified by locating the hallmarks or assay marks usually stamped on the back of the handle or bowl. Genuine sterling silver pieces will bear specific maker’s marks, date letters, and purity indicators like a lion passant (British) or the word “Sterling” (American post-1850). Silver plate items often feature terms…

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 antique sterling silver flatware patterns include Francis I by Reed & Barton (introduced 1907), Repoussé by Kirk Stieff (1828), and Grand Baroque by Wallace (1941). Authentic pieces are stamped with “Sterling” or “925” alongside specific maker’s marks. Values depend on the piece type, total weight, and condition. Imagine you are at a…

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…

Authentic sterling silver can be identified by locating a stamped “925” mark, the word “Sterling,” or specific assay marks like the English Lion Passant used since 1544. Pieces lacking these marks are typically silver plate and possess significantly lower fair market value. Always check the piece’s weight; genuine solid silver feels denser than plated brass…