Question 1

How can you tell silver from silver plating?

Accepted Answer

To tell silver from silver plating, try holding a strong magnet near the item. If the magnet is attracted to the piece, it is most likely silver-plated, as solid silver is unlikely to be magnetic. You can also check the hallmarks. Markings that say silver plate, EP, EPNS, EPBM or BP indicate plating. Alternatively, you can have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer evaluate the piece. Explore a large selection of silver jewelry, tableware and decorative objects on 1stDibs.

Question 2

What is an antique silver plate?

Accepted Answer

Silver-plating refers to the process of applying a thin layer of silver overtop of a base metal, such as copper, nickel or pewter. An antique silver-plated item would have gone through this same process. Shop a collection of expertly vetted antique silver plate items from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 3

What is the mark for silver-plated?

Accepted Answer

The mark for silver plating varies. In the U.S., the most common markings are EP, EPNS, A1 and B1. A UK silver plate may feature a wide range of markings. You can find pictures of these identifying marks on trusted online resources and use them to determine if a particular piece is silver-plated. Alternatively, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer can assist with identification. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of silver wares.

Question 4

What is the hallmark for silver plate?

Accepted Answer

The hallmark for silver plate depends on the manufacturer. Most often, companies do not place hallmarks on silver plate. This differs from sterling silver, which usually bears a 925 mark. In some cases, companies may stamp "plated" or a similar term, but this is uncommon. On 1stDibs, find a range of silver plate serveware and decorative objects.

Question 5

What was silver plate called?

Accepted Answer

The silver plate commonly used during the 18th century is Sheffield plate. It is a combination of silver and copper. By the mid 19th century, most silver plate pieces featured electroplating. Find a collection of Sheffield plate silver ware on 1stDibs.

Question 6

What is triple-plated silver?

Accepted Answer

Triple-plated silver is silverware manufactured with a certain technique. Specifically, the manufacturer has applied three layers of silver plating to the base metal during the production process to ensure its durability. You will sometimes see triple-plating described as "Treble Plate." Find a large selection of silverware from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 7

What is Sheffield silver plate?

Accepted Answer

Sheffield silver plate usually refers to electroplated silverware produced in Sheffield, England. Prior to electroplating, Sheffield silver was associated with a particular process of layered construction which consisted of copper and silver. Today, this older form of silver is usually referred to by collectors as “Old Sheffield Silver Plate.” Shop a collection of Sheffield silver from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 8

What is antique silver plating?

Accepted Answer

Antique silver plating is a thin layer of genuine silver applied over top of a base metal. Depending on the piece, the main metal may be copper, brass or nickel. You'll find a range of antique silver-plated decorative objects on 1stDibs.

Question 9

What is the difference between a silver plate and a Sheffield plate?

Accepted Answer

The difference between a silver plate and a Sheffield plate is that one item is a type of the other. Silverplate, which is sometimes spelled silver-plate or silver plate, is the general name for any silver wares made predominantly of a base metal finished with a thin layer of pure silver.

Developed in the 1700s by Thomas Boulsover in Sheffield, England, Sheffield silverplate is a specific type of silverplate created by fusing silver with copper. This new material felt like silver but was substantially cheaper. It was then used to produce a variety of serveware, candlesticks, buttons, tea sets and more.

Find antique Sheffield silverplate and other silverplate objects for sale on 1stDibs.

Question 10

How do I tell if a teapot is silver or silver plated?

Accepted Answer

To tell if your teapot is silver or silver plated, look for markings. Sterling silver teapots often show some type of markings, while silver plate pieces rarely have hallmarks. An expert licensed appraiser can assist with identification. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of expertly vetted silver teapots.

Question 11

How can you tell if a silver plate is real silver?

Accepted Answer

To tell if a silver plate is real silver, first try holding a magnet close to it. If the magnet sticks, the piece may be silver-plated, meaning that it is primarily a base metal with a thin layer of pure silver over top. Alternatively, a magnetic plate may be crafted out of an entirely different material that simply has a silver-tone appearance. You can also research any hallmarks on the plate using trusted online resources or ask a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer to give their expert opinion on the material. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of silver plates.

Question 12

Does antique silver plate have any value?

Accepted Answer

Whether antique silverplate has any value depends on a variety of factors. The design of the piece, who made it and decoration are among the biggest determiners of value. Generally, rarer pieces that remain in good condition will be worth the most. Today, just as pewter collectibles and sterling silver are popular with collectors at neighborhood flea markets, antique Sheffield silverplate housewares are sought after for their appearance and rich history. Consider having the piece evaluated by a knowledgeable antiques dealer or certified appraiser to get an accurate estimate of how much it's worth. On 1stDibs, find antique silverplate from some of the world's top sellers.

Question 13

How do you read silver plate hallmarks?

Accepted Answer

How you read silver plate hallmarks depends on the origin of the piece. Makers in different countries utilize varying systems for hallmarking their silver plate pieces, and these systems have evolved over time. For example, some British makers indicated the highest quality of silver plate with an A1 hallmark and the second highest with an A. Since there is so much variation, the best way to interpret hallmarks on a particular piece is to consult trusted online resources, a certified appraiser or a knowledgeable antiques dealer. On 1stDibs, shop a range of silver plate pieces.

Question 14

How do you clean something that is silver plated?

Accepted Answer

Set the silver-plated item line glass bowl lined with aluminum foil. Mix boiling water with baking soda and pour over the item. After 5 to 10 minutes, remove the item, rinse under warm water, and dry.

Question 15

Does silver-plated flatware tarnish?

Accepted Answer

Silver-plated flatware does tarnish.

Question 16

Are silver-plated items hallmarked?

Accepted Answer

No, silver-plated items will not have a hallmark or ‘925’ stamp. Silver-plated refers to when an item, usually brass, has been coated in a thin layer of silver. You can shop a collection of authentic silver-plated items from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 17

Is silver-plate silverware valuable?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some silver-plate silverware is valuable. However, the maker, age and style of silver-plated silverware are usually what make it valuable. From a material standpoint, silver plate contains very little pure silver, so the metal on its own is not very valuable. Find a wide range of silverware on 1stDibs.

Question 18

How do I identify silver plate marks?

Accepted Answer

To identify silver plate marks, first explore trusted online resources for some of the most frequently used examples. Most silver plate pieces will feature a purity marking, such as “EPNS” or “A1,” and markings corresponding to the maker. Photographing the maker's mark and performing a reverse image search may lead to a quick identification. If your search doesn't yield any results, try entering a description of the mark into the search engine or examining reference guides shared by trusted online resources to determine who produced your piece. From there, you can conduct further research to learn about your piece's age, pattern and other features. Another option is to have a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer help you with the identification process. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of silver wares.

Question 19

How do you identify silver plate hallmarks?

Accepted Answer

To identify silver plate hallmarks, try snapping a photo with your smartphone or tablet and then performing a reverse image. Often, this approach will allow you to determine who produced a particular piece. If your search yields no results, try typing a description of the marking into a search engine or browsing image galleries of maker's marks published on trusted online resources. If you run into any difficulty, a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer can be of assistance. Shop a large selection of silver deocrative objects on 1stDibs.

Question 20

Is antique silver plate valuable?

Accepted Answer

While antique silver plate can be worth something, it is not usually as valuable compared with contemporary pieces or similar sterling silver antiques.

Figural Silver Plate

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Vintage Silver Plated Trout/Salmon Letter or Napkin Holder by Modello Depositato

Antique Late 19th Century Neoclassical Sculptures

Bronze Greek Mythological Figure

20th Century Turkish Moorish Tobacco Accessories

Carved Turkish Figural Meerschaum Moorish Pipe

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Brooches

Art Deco Jelly Belly Figural Brooch

Vintage 1980s French Cuff Bracelets

Rare Jean Charles de Castelbajac Figural Cuff

Vintage 1980s French Cuff Bracelets

Rare Jean Charles de Castelbajac Figural Cuff

Antique 19th Century French Candle Holders

Pair of Empire-Style Figural Candlesticks

Antique Early 1900s Austrian Jugendstil Candlesticks

Large figural candlestick with nymph Femme fatale

Early 20th Century Table Mirrors

Whimsical Figural Owl on Branch Beveled Glass Table Mirror

Vintage 1970s Italian Figurative Sculptures

Soldier figure produced by Giuseppe Vasari in the 70s

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Candelabras

Pair of Figural Candelabra by Elkington, Mason Co

Antique Mid-19th Century English Early Victorian Decorative Boxes

Early English Victorian 1st Prize Equestrian Silverplated Figural Trophy Box

Early 20th Century English Letter Openers

Figural Letter Opener with Fly on Man s Head

Early 20th Century German Art Nouveau Figurines and Sculptures

WMF Silverplate Dachshund Dog Figure Monumental 14 Inch Rare Circa 1880

Early 20th Century Danish Animal Sculptures

Charles Svejstrup Madsen, Denmark. Radiator figure in the shape of polar bear.

Early 20th Century English Art Nouveau Bottles

English Silverplated Figural Nymph Cut Glass Perfume Bottle, Circa 1905

Antique Early 1900s British Aesthetic Movement Decorative Bowls

Antique Walker Hall Silverplate Serving Tray W Figural Handles Faces

Antique Late 19th Century Austrian Renaissance Figurative Sculptures

c.1880s ANTIQUE NEO-RENAISSANCE IMPRESSIVE FIGURAL NEF, AUSTRIA

Vintage 1920s French Neoclassical Table Lamps

French Marble and Metal Urn Table Lamp with Figural Bust

Vintage 1970s Italian Figurative Sculptures

Figure of English knight produced by Giuseppe Vasari in the 70s

Antique Late 19th Century American Art Nouveau Candelabras

Art Deco 3-Arm Candelabra Woman Figure E.G. Webster Sons

Antique Early 1900s French Louis XV Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières

French 19th/20th Century Louis XV Style Christofle Cie Figural Centerpiece

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Scientific Instruments

Antique Cast Metal Figural Mechanical Robed Woman Dinner or Service Bell

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Animal Sculptures

Victorian Silver Bronze Racing Horse

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Andirons

Pair of French 19th Century Louis XV Style Gilt and Silvered Bronze Chenets

1970s Italian Decorative Objects

Gucci Italy Elegant Silver Metal Salt Pepper Shakers c 1970s

Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Sports Equipment and Memorabilia

Victorian deskBronze Horse and Jockey

Vintage 1930s French Modern Figurative Sculptures

Sculpture of a Boxer Signed Bertin, France, circa 1930

Vintage 1920s Austrian Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Figurative sculpture done by Werkstatte Hagenauer Wien

Antique 19th Century Italian Renaissance Religious Items

Italian Renaissance Bronze Crucifix

Early 20th Century German Art Nouveau Tableware

Set of Six Silver Plated Pierrot Clown Motif Knife Rests

Antique 1720s British Dinner Plates

English Delftware Farmyard Plate with Figure of a Rooster

20th Century Sterling Silver

Pair Figural Squires Silver Plate Candlestick Holders circa 1900

Vintage 1970s Mexican Barware

Large Silver and Abalone Figural Fish Bottle Opener Mexico

Antique 1880s English Victorian Centerpieces

19th Century Victorian Cut Glass and Silver Plated Centrepiece

Antique 19th Century Candle Holders

Silver Plated Figural Candelabra

Antique 19th Century Canadian Sheffield and Silverplate

Victorian Figural Bulldog Napkin Holder

Vintage 1940s English Barware

1940 s Figural Bar Novelty

Antique 1880s German Victorian Serving Pieces

Late 19th Century Figural Squirrel Brides Basket

20th Century Torchères