Is silver plated silverware worth anything?

Is silver plated silverware worth anything?

The most common silver plate is flatware, and it is the least valuable. Also, since it requires high maintenance, most people prefer stainless steel in this day and age. Therefore, silver-plated flatware is less valuable unless it is very old or rare.

Is the International Silver Company real silver?

Look for the Marking Sterling Silver If your silverware does not have this marking, it’s most likely not real silver. International Silver, Silver Co., English Silver, German Silver, Silver-Plate, Silver-Plated or any other variation of the word silver indicates that the flatware is not real silver.

How can you tell if silverware is real silver?

Real silverware often bears the mark of its maker, so grab a loupe or magnifying glass to find an imprint. Authentic pieces may read, “STER”, “92.5%”, or simply “925”, which stands for its percentage of pure silver.

Is International Silver Company still in business?

This firm markets International Sterling flatware and silverplated flatware under various trademarks (e.g. 1847 Rogers Bros, International Deepsilver,). In 1986 the business was purchased by a subsidiary of Syratech Corporation. International Silver Co is now (2020) property of Lifetime Brands, Inc.

Should I polish antique silver before selling?

The patina on a piece is best judged on a piece that has been properly cleaned. Overpolishing can reduce both the patina and its marketability; while mechanical polishing can reduce the value in a collector’s eye. Silver should shine – always.

What to do with unwanted silver plated items?

To cash in on your scrap silver plated items, you can easily sell them to your local scrap yard. Some scrap yards will be friendlier then others, so call ahead for pricing and to get a feeling for whether or not a yard seems understanding. Some scrap yards even have a special “silver plated scrap” price.

Is Stratford silver sterling?

“Stratford Silver Co.” was a trade name used by the Holmes & Edwards Silver Co. and also by the International Silver Co. The XI indicates that these are plated pieces inlaid with sterling.

What does 1s mean on silverware?

Hi Chad — The IS on your silver stands for “International Silver” (company). This company was a silver plate company and known for and specialize in silver plated tableware.

How do professionals polish silver?

Method

1. Swab surface with methylated or white spirit to remove grease and dirt – some tarnish may also be removed.
2. If tarnish remains, try gently rubbing a silver cloth over the surface – this has mild abrasive particles embedded in it.
3. If tarnish still remains, try a mild abrasive paste, cream or foam.

What is the best silver polish?

• Best Overall: Goddard’s Silver Polish Foam.
• Best All-Purpose: Weiman Silver Polish and Cleaner.
• Best for Silverware: W. J.
• Best Cream: Wright’s Silver Cleaner and Polish Cream.
• Best Wipes: Carbona Silver Wipes.
• Best Cloth: Connoisseurs Ultrasoft Silver Jewelry Polishing Cloth.