Question 1

Is Wallace silver real silver?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some Wallace silver is real silver. In 1875, Wallace introduced its line of sterling silver flatware, which was 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% alloy metals. The silversmith is perhaps best known for its ornate sterling patterns from the 1930s and ’40s. Among these were Wallace Rose Point, Sir Christopher, Stradivari, Grand Baroque and Romance of the Sea. It's important to note that silverware produced by Wallace prior to 1875 usually isn't real silver. Before the release of the Wallace sterling range, the company primarily manufactured pieces made with German silver, a copper-nickel alloy that contains no real silver. Shop a selection of Wallace silver wares on 1stDibs.

Question 2

Is electroplated silver real silver?

Accepted Answer

Yes, electroplated silver is real silver. However, it is not solid silver. Electroplating is the process of coating a base metal with a thin layer of precious metal. In the case of electroplated silver, sterling or pure silver may be used as the precious metal. Due to the manufacturing process, an electroplated piece will consist primarily of another type of metal, such as nickel. Shop a large selection of silver wares on 1stDibs.

Question 3

Is Russian silver real silver?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Russian silver is real silver, but it gets a little confusing because they do not have the same sterling silver standards that Europe, Australia, Canada, the United States and other countries associated with the British Commonwealth have. Russian silver is roughly 94.79% pure silver and the rest is copper or other alloys. The British Commonwealth silver standard uses 92.5% pure silver and the rest is copper or other alloys. Shop a collection of authentic Russian silver from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.

Question 4

Is Gorham silver real silver?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Gorham silver is real silver, however, the silver content changes depending on the item. Some Gorham items are sterling silver, which isn’t pure silver, but a mix of mostly silver and a small amount of another alloy, likely copper. Some other Gorham items are silver-plated. Shop a collection of Gorham silver jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 5

Is Taxco silver real silver?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Taxco silver is real silver. Pieces bearing the Taxco mark come from silversmith workshops located in Taxco, Mexico. The region has been known as a major center for silver production since the 1920s. Find a diverse assortment of Taxco silver jewelry, tableware and decorative objects on 1stDibs.

Question 6

What is the difference between silver and antique silver?

Accepted Answer

The difference between silver and antique silver is age. Items of any age made of silver or a silver alloy may be called silver. The term antique silver refers to silver pieces that are at least 100 years old. On 1stDibs, shop a range of antique, vintage and modern silver tableware and decorative objects.

Question 7

Is argent silver real silver?

Accepted Answer

Yes, argent silver is real silver. Also called argentium silver, it is an alloy that consists of 93.5% to 96% silver, depending on the manufacturer's formula. Instead of being mixed entirely with copper, the pure silver in argentium silver is usually combined with a blend of copper and germanium, giving the metal improved heat and stain resistance. On 1stDibs, explore a wide range of silver jewelry, tableware and decorative objects.

Question 8

Is antique silver real silver?

Accepted Answer

Whether or not antique silver is real depends on the piece. Sometimes, manufacturers simply call a gray-silver finish antique silver. In these cases, the item is usually not real silver. It is possible for antique silver to be pure silver, sterling or silver plated. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of silver decorative objects and jewelry.

Question 9

Is Poole Silver real silver?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Poole Silver is real silver. However, the American silversmith didn't produce all of its pieces out of solid silver. Poole developed an electro-plating technique that allowed a thin, durable layer of silver to be applied over sturdy base metals. On 1stDibs, find a range of Poole Silver Co. silver wares.

Question 10

Is Thai silver sterling silver?

Accepted Answer

Most thai silver has more pure silver in it than standard sterling silver. Most sterling silver is 92.5% silver with another alloy, typically copper, making up the rest of the metal. Thai silver often falls in the range of 97.5-99% pure silver, so a significantly higher percentage of it is pure silver, making it softer and less likely to tarnish. On 1stDibs, find vintage and contemporary silver jewelry from top sellers around the world.

Question 11

Is Godinger silver real silver?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Godinger silver is real silver. The American luxury brand produces tableware, decorative objects and giftware out of silver plate. As a result, their silver items have a base metal to which a layer of genuine silver is applied. They are not usually solid silver. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Godinger silver wares.

Question 12

Is silver cutlery real silver?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the make and model whether or not silver cutlery contains real silver. Some flatware contains a percentage of sterling silver, however, not all silvertone flatware contains silver. Shop a wide collection of flatware, including silver, on 1stDIbs.

Question 13

Is Leonard silver real silver?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Leonard silver is real silver. However, the Leonard Silver Company electroplated most of its pieces, crafting them from base metal and finishing them with a thin layer of genuine silver. During the 1970s, Towle purchased Leonard Silver and continued to produce silver-plate serving trays and other silver-plated tableware under the brand name through the late 20th century. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of silver wares.

Question 14

Is Sheffield silver real silver?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Sheffield silver is part real silver, part copper. Sheffield manufactured what is known as a Sheffield plate, which is a “double sandwich” form of plating—it has a sheet of silver on each side of a piece of copper. Shop a selection of Sheffield pieces on 1stDibs.

Question 15

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 16

Is Barbour silver real silver?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Barbour silver is generally real silver. However, not all pieces produced by the brand are solid silver. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the American silversmith produced both solid sterling silver and silverplate tableware, flatware and decorative objects. Silverplate items consist primarily of base metal and have just a thin layer of genuine silver applied as a finish. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Barbour silver wares.

Question 17

Is the International Silver Company real silver?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the International Silver Company produced real silver products. The hallmark "IS," however, refers to the brand and does not indicate purity, as International Silver mass produced silverplated flatware and holloware as well as sterling. In order to determine if the piece is real silver, look for the standard marks that indicate purity — the number 92.5 or 925 and the word “sterling” are indicators of sterling quality.

When an object is described as “silver” or “sterling silver,” it means that it contains 92.5% pure silver (the remaining 7.5% consists of copper and/or other alloys). The purity standard was first established in England and later adopted in the United States. The mark on antique British sterling-silver pieces is the lion passant (a lion walking to the left), which signifies a work is 92.5 percent pure sterling; if it’s not there, it is likely silverplate — or not English.

International Silver was a Connecticut conglomerate formed from 17 companies in 1898. It was once the largest manufacturer of silver and silver-plated products in the world.

Find antique International Silver Company serveware, platters and decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.

Question 18

What's the difference between silver and sterling silver?

Accepted Answer

The difference between silver and sterling silver is its composition. Silver is a general term used to describe metal that is rich in or made completely of the element silver. Sterling silver is a specific alloy with 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals like nickel or brass. Fine silver is the term for 99.9% pure silver. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of silver jewelry, watches, tableware and decorative accents.

Question 19

Is sterling silver real silver or fake?

Accepted Answer

Sterling silver is real silver, not fake. However, it is not solid silver. A piece of sterling silver usually contains 92.5% pure silver, and the remainder of its content comes from base metals. Sterling silver is a popular material for jewelry because it is durable and resists tarnishing. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of sterling silver jewelry.

Question 20

Are sterling-silver spoons solid silver?

Accepted Answer

A sterling silver spoon is mostly fine silver, but not quite solid silver. Sterling silver is an alloyed form of silver, and is 92.5% fine silver and 7.5% copper. You can shop a collection of authentic sterling silver items from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

Judaica And Silver

Mid-20th Century Israeli Sterling Silver

Hand Painted Miniature Esther Scroll, Housed in Elegantly Fashioned Silver Case

Late 20th Century Israeli Modern Religious Items

Bier judaica hammered silver Tzedakah Charity box , marked

Late 20th Century American Modern Sterling Silver

Rare Oversized Sterling Silver Brass Mezuzah by Pica Joan Adria Kahn (1994)

Vintage 1910s German Art Nouveau Sterling Silver

A Silver German Hanukkah Lamp by Gebrüder Gutgesell, Hanau Circa 1910

Vintage 1920s Israeli Vanity Items

Sterling Silver Judaica Besamin Spice Box Flower Bird

Antique 19th Century Austrian Arts and Crafts Religious Items

Silver Mezuzah and Torah Pointer Judaica Original Antiquity Art Display 1800s

Vintage 1980s American Religious Items

A Copper and Silver-Plated Mezuzah Case by Stanley Lechtzin, 1983. Judaica

Vintage 1930s Egyptian Sterling Silver

An Egyptian Silver Plated Snuff Container by Chaim Kohen Tzabon, Circa 1930

21st Century and Contemporary Israeli Artisan Figurines and Sculptures

Shtetl Havdalah Composition in Sterling Silver and 24K Gold Gilding Judaica set

Vintage 1920s English Religious Items

Antique Sterling Silver Breastplate - Judaica - London 1922 Jacob Rosenzweig

Antique 19th Century Unknown Religious Items

Antique Judaica Sterling Silver Torah Pointer (Yad) 1873

Antique Late 19th Century European Religious Items

Sterling Silver Antique Judaica Torah Breast Plate, Late 19th Century

Antique 18th Century Austrian Religious Items

Antique Judaica 1786 Monumental Sterling Silver Torah Pointer Yad, 47 cm

Antique Early 1800s Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

RARE Austrian silver (ALT WIEN) Havdalah spice container, Judaica ISRAEL MUSEUM

Antique Late 18th Century German Religious Items

Antique Rare Judaica Silver Spice Tower 18th century Germany

Antique 17th Century European Sculptures and Carvings

Very Rare 17th century Italian Judaica wood silver Circumcision Knife

Late 20th Century American Religious Items

A Wood, Silver and Mother of Pearl Torah Pointer, New York 1990. Judaica

1970s Modern Black and White Photography

Nathan LernerVintage Signed Silver Gelatin Photograph Chabad Shul Pletzl Paris Judaica Photo, c.1970

Antique Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Religious Items

Silver Gilt Judaica Torah Breast Plate by Jacob Langleben, 1896

Vintage 1930s English Religious Items

Judaica - Traditional English Sterling Silver Spice Box or Besamim - London 1930

1970s Realist Black and White Photography

Micha Bar-AmVintage Silver Gelatin Print Rabbi, Jerusalem Alley Israeli Judaica Micha Bar-Am, 1972

Early 20th Century English Religious Items

Silver Gilt Judaica Torah Breastplate or Shield, by Moses Salkind Co

Early 20th Century Russian Religious Items

Russian Sterling Silver Torah Crown Judaica Turn of the Century Highly Detailed

20th Century Modern Black and White Photography

Arno Katz German Jewish Weimar Era Silver Gelatin Photograph Pre War Judaica Costume Party

21st Century and Contemporary Sculptures

Rare and exceptional sterling silver with gold inside Judaica Kiddush cup

Vintage 1940s Israeli Mid-Century Modern Religious Items

An Art And Crafts Mezuzah Case, Israel 1948. Judaica

Early 20th Century European Religious Items

Pair Rock Crystal Gem Stone, Silver Gilt 8 Bell Judaica Torah/ Rimonim Finials

Antique Late 18th Century Polish Primitive Religious Items

18th-Century Polish Candle Holders – Primitive Judaica with Silvering Remnants

Antique Late 19th Century Austrian Baroque Religious Items

Antique Judaica Sterling Silver Mezuzah with a Scroll in Original Box ca 1890

Antique 19th Century Austrian Religious Items

Antique Judaica Silver Menorah with engraved initials Wien C.M.v.R 19th century

Late 20th Century Candlesticks

Israeli Ben Zion Sterling Silver Shabbat Candlesticks Candle Holders Judaica

Antique 17th Century Turkish Historical Memorabilia

Antique Exceptional Judaica Stirrups with Star of David Ottoman Empire

Vintage 1960s Decorative Boxes

JUDAICA SILVER ETROG BOX DESIGNED BY LUDWIG WOLPERT. New York, 20th century

Antique Mid-19th Century Algerian Tribal Art

extremely rare Algerian Judaica silver, jewish Dowry box early 19th century

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Spanish Renaissance Religious Items

Antique Judaica Torah Esther Scroll Pre-Expulsion Iberian Peninsula Spain 1470

Antique 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Historical Memorabilia

Antique Historical Judaica Freemasonry Memorial Plaque Vienna-Paris 1861-1886

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Deco Religious Items

Antique Rare Judaica Torah Pointer Art Deco Austria Ca 1900 with Gemstones

Early 20th Century American Historical Memorabilia

An Antique American Hand-Carved Wood and Silver Seal

Vintage 1910s Swedish Hollywood Regency Candelabras

Antique Candelabras Brutalist Menorah Jewish Judaica Golden Candle Holders Brass

21st Century and Contemporary Israeli Hollywood Regency Candelabras

Nathan Lerner
Vintage Signed Silver Gelatin Photograph Chabad Shul Pletzl Paris Judaica Photo, c.1970

Micha Bar-Am
Vintage Silver Gelatin Print Rabbi, Jerusalem Alley Israeli Judaica Micha Bar-Am, 1972

Arno Katz
German Jewish Weimar Era Silver Gelatin Photograph Pre War Judaica Costume Party