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

Late 20th Century Sterling Silver

Vtg Israeli Hadad Sterling Silver 925 Kiddush Wine Cup Judaica Shabbat 42g

20th Century Sterling Silver

Judaica Kiddush Cup with Lid and Gold Wash Interior by Richard Fishman

Vintage 1960s Silver Chargers and Plates

Sterling Silver Kiddush Plate by Hadad

20th Century Barware

6 Israeli Dugma Plated Kiddush Cup Goblets Set Judaica Barware Shot Glasses Tray

Late 20th Century Rustic Platters and Serveware

Vtg Israeli Messica Judaica Copper Passover Pesach Seder Plate Tray Platter

20th Century Modern Religious Items

Modern Judaica Continental Silver Menorah Hanukiah

1990s Israeli Edwardian Decorative Baskets

1990s Edwardian Style Judaica Silver Fruit Basket/Centrepiece

Antique 19th Century Unknown Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Judaica Silver Snuff Bottle With Filigree Design Signed BETZALEL

Early 20th Century Israeli Religious Items

Bezalel Judaica Filigree Silver Scroll Case Containing the Megillah Esther

1970s Modern Black and White Photography

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

Early 20th Century Czech Renaissance Religious Items

20th Century Torah Silver Breast Plate Czechoslovakian Judaica 1928 circa

Antique Late 19th Century German Religious Items

19th Century German Berlin Silver Filigree Spice Tower Judaica Havdalah Besamin

1970s Realist Black and White Photography

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

20th Century Religious Items

Lowry Sterling Silver Judaica Mezuzah Case Torah Prayer Scroll Star of David

20th Century Modern Black and White Photography

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

Late 20th Century American Baroque Religious Items

Jewish Museum Silver Plate Menorah Judith Holding Head of Holofernes Judaica

20th Century American Modern Barware

Monumental Sterling Kiddish Goblet with Repousse Designs by Hadad Brothers

Early 20th Century Austrian Jewelry Boxes

Viennese Judaica Silver Etrog Box, Jeweled with Pearls and Possibly Jade

Late 20th Century Religious Items

Vintage Cromwell Silver Chromium Lion Jewish Star Hanukkah Menorah Judaica 12"

Late 20th Century Modern Black and White Photography

Roman VishniacCheddar in Slonim, Judaica Photograph by Roman Vishniac

21st Century and Contemporary Israeli Post-Modern Religious Items

A Stone Mezuzah Case by Michael Kupietzky, Israel 21st Century. Judaica

Vintage 1980s Candle Sconces

Zelig Segal Silver Plate Yahrzeit Yizkor Memorial Judaica Candle Holder 5"

Antique 19th Century Polish Baroque Candlesticks

Fraget N Plaque Sabbath Candlesticks 19th Century Judaica a Pair

Vintage 1910s German Silver Chargers and Plates

Judaica German Silver Seder Plate for Passover

20th Century Unknown Sterling Silver

Large Vintage Judaica Sterling Silver Kiddush Cup

20th Century American Modern Candleholders and Candelabra

Sterling Silver Judaica Menorah Stamped 925 257 gram

20th Century Sterling Silver

Judaica Sterling Silver Kiddush Cup with Hebrew Saying

Vintage 1930s English Sterling Silver

Judaica, Sterling Silver Set of Rimonim And Breast Plate, M. Salkind, 1935

Early 20th Century Moroccan Sterling Silver

A Moroccan Silver Hamsa, Early 20th Century. Judaica Amulet

Early 20th Century Sterling Silver

Antique Repousse Sterling Silver Kiddush Passover Wine Cup Goblet Judaica 350g

Late 20th Century Modern Sterling Silver

Sandra Kravitz For Rosenthal Silver Plate Tree of Life Judaica Candlestick

Late 20th Century Sterling Silver

Kent English Sheffield Sterling Silver 925 Shabbat Challah Bread Knife Judaica

Antique 1860s Russian Russian Empire Candleholders and Candelabra

Imperial Russia Judaica 84 Silver Menorah Hanukkah Lamp, Moscow 1867 A. Kovalsky

Vintage 1920s English Sterling Silver

Judaica - Antique Sterling Silver Pair of Rimonim by Maurice Salkind in 1920

Antique Mid-18th Century German Sterling Silver

Very Rare 18th Century Judaica Kiddush Cup, Rothschild Family Provenance

Antique 19th Century Polish Baroque Sheffield and Silverplate

Fraget N Plaque Sabbath 19th Century Judaica Candlesticks

Vintage 1970s Israeli Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays

Heavy Glass Judaica Ashtray Or Incense Holder, Israel 1970s

Early 20th Century Belgian Other Religious Items

Judaica, Silver Mezuzah

Early 20th Century Religious Items

Judaica Sterling Silver Chanukah Menorah

Early 20th Century German Arts and Crafts Collectible Jewelry

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

Roman Vishniac
Cheddar in Slonim, Judaica Photograph by Roman Vishniac

Arie Meiseles
Rabbi Meditating Vintage Silver Gelatin Photograph Chabad Chassidim Judaica, c.1960 s

Lusha Nelson
Vintage SIlver Gelatin Photograph Rabbinical Scholars Rare 1930 s Judaica Photo, 1934