I need a crash course in buying sterling items

Pokermandude

I have an opportunity to pick through some of my aunt's old things (most came from my grandparents). Sounds like there's a number of silver items: tea sets, trays, maybe some flatware. But I am a newbie and don't know what to look for as so far as how to tell what's plated/weighted/etc. Any pointers?

57loaded

don't mess with family.

Pokermandude

I'm not lowballing offers or anything. These are items that my aunt is passing onto the grandkids. If I have a choice between some weighted/plated silver items, and some solid sterling ones, I'd want to be able to know the difference between them. Hence this thread.

Weiss

Are you trying to make a buck? Call your local buyer or national refiner and ask them what they pay for sterling. Then pay that -x.

Are you trying to help your family get top dollar? Call around to your local buyer or national refiner and direct your family to the highest/most trusted buyer.

Are you buying for your own collection? Weigh it, offer them a fair price, go home happy.


Note that much of what looks like sterling but is unmarked is NOT sterling. If it's not marked, then it's probably plate and has little if any value.

Much of what is marked sterling may actually be a few % less than 92.5% pure. Also note that candlestick bases and knife and other "puffy" flatware handles are often filled with cement or resin, and places like Midwest Refineries do not even buy that type of sterling unless you've ripped it open and removed the weight material. Finally, knife blades are likely steel.

Pokermandude

Thank you Weiss, your post was most helpful.

streeter

Platters and trays are almost always plated only. I don't think I have ever seen a platter that is sterling.

Tea pots are almost always soldered together plated material. I know this because I ruined a family heirloom 35 years ago and will be reminded to my grave.

go for the spoons and small forks that actually say STERLING.

if you want silver value and if you want liquidity. And be careful cause you are messin with family feelings.

jdimmick

Good points from up above:

Most likely the best you will get is 80-83% pf spot. So keep that in mind while buying.

Lots of things like candle bases, vases, etc are weighted with lots of harded clay/substance and a small iron rod thru the center, you must break theses down to get an accurate weight.

Lots of the larger items as mentioned are not sterling, if not marked, then pass.