Question 1

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 2

Are silver-plated items worth anything?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some silver-plated items are worth something. Since silver plating features only a small amount of precious metal, the material itself doesn't have much value. However, silver-plated tableware, serveware and decorative objects may appeal to collectors based on their age and maker. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer can provide you with an estimate as to how much a particular piece may be worth. Find a wide variety of silver wares on 1stDibs.

Question 3

How can you tell if silver plated items are real?

Accepted Answer

To tell if silver-plated items are real, you can try holding a magnet up to them. Since silver-plated pieces are usually crafted out of a base metal and then finished with a thin layer of silver, a magnet will often stick to them. Although there are other tests that you can perform, these often involve applying household chemicals that may cause permanent damage to the silver plate. It is best to consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer if you're unsure about the authenticity of the materials. Shop a variety of silver plate silverware, serveware and decorative objects on 1stDibs.

Question 4

Are silver-plated items worth anything in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some silver-plated items may be worth something in the UK. Because silver plate contains only small amounts of genuine silver, its value usually comes from the maker, age, style, type and condition of the pieces. Trends in collecting do vary over time, so you may want to peruse the selection of antique shops and online platforms in the UK to get an idea of how much items similar to yours are currently selling for. An appraiser or antique dealer can also provide information about the potential selling price of your silver-plated items. On 1stDibs, find a collection of silver decorative objects.

Question 5

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 6

Does Cartier sell silver items?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Cartier sells silver items. Cartier is a French jewelry and watch brand that prides itself in luxury goods crafted with high-quality materials, such as silver and gold. Cartier goods can be purchased directly through their boutiques and website, as well as through authorized retailers including 1stDibs.

Question 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

How can you tell if something is silver-plated or solid silver?

Accepted Answer

To tell if something is silver-plated or solid silver, put a magnet near it. Solid silver won't attract the magnet. However, the base metals used to produce silver-plated pieces often will. If the magnet test is inconclusive, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable expert can help you. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of silver jewelry, tableware and decorative objects.

Question 17

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 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

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 20

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.

Silver Plate Items Silver

Vintage 1970s Swiss Vanity Items

Vintage DUNHILL Rollagas Lighter Silver Plated in Box 1960s

Vintage 1970s Swiss Vanity Items

Vintage CARTIER Les Must Lighter Silver Plated Florentine 1970s

Vintage 1970s Swiss Vanity Items

Vintage Silver Plated Dunhill Rollagas Lighter Fine Barley 1970s

20th Century Dutch Victorian Religious Items

Vintage Victorian Style Silver Plated Fairytale Book Chain Necklace with Bottle

Vintage 1970s Swiss Vanity Items

Vintage Solid Silver Gold Plated DUNHILL Aldunil lighter 1970s

Vintage 1960s Swiss Vanity Items

Vintage Silver Plated DUNHILL Rollagas Lighter Lines in Box 1960s

Vintage 1970s Swiss Vanity Items

Vintage Silver Plated DUNHILL Rollagas Lighter Hobnail in Box 1970s

Vintage 1970s Swiss Vanity Items

Vintage Silver Plated CARTIER Les Must Lighter in Box 1970s

Vintage 1970s Swiss Vanity Items

Vintage Silver Plated DUNHILL Rollagas Lighter Bark in Box 1970s

Vintage 1970s Swiss Vanity Items

Vintage Silver Plated CARTIER Les Must Lighter in Box 1970s

Vintage 1970s Swiss Vanity Items

Vintage DUNHILL Unique lighter Striped Silver Plated In Box 1970s

Vintage 1970s Swiss Vanity Items

Vintage DUNHILL Unique lighter Barley Silver Plated In Box 1970s

Vintage 1970s Swiss Vanity Items

Vintage DUNHILL Unique lighter Striped Silver Plated In Box 1970s

Late 20th Century American Baroque Religious Items

Jewish Museum Silver Plate Menorah Judith Holding Head of Holofernes Judaica

Vintage 1980s French Vanity Items

Vintage Silver Plated S.T. DUPONT Soubreny Lighter 1970s in Box

Vintage 1980s French Vanity Items

Vintage MINT Silver Plated Ligne 1 ST Dupont Desk Lighter 1970s

Early 2000s French Vanity Items

Vintage Silver Plated Ligne 1 BR ST Dupont Lighter Full Set

1990s French Vanity Items

Vintage Silver Plated S.T. Dupont Ligne 2 Regular Lighter 1990s

Early 20th Century Czech Renaissance Religious Items

20th Century Torah Silver Breast Plate Czechoslovakian Judaica 1928 circa

1990s Swiss Vanity Items

Vintage Mini Cartier Les Must Trinity lighter Silver Plated Complete with Box &

Vintage 1980s Swiss Vanity Items

Vintage DUNHILL Rollagas lighter Brushed Silver and Gold Plated In Box 1980s

Vintage 1980s French Vanity Items

Vintage Silver Plated S.T. DUPONT Ligne 1 BR Regular Lighter 1980s

20th Century Israeli Religious Items

Silver Mounted Horn Shofar

Vintage 1980s French Vanity Items

Vintage S.T. DUPONT Ligne 1 BR Small Lighter Silver Plated in Box 1980s

Vintage 1980s French Vanity Items

Vintage Silver Plated S.T. DUPONT Ligne 2 Desk Lighter in Box 1989

Vintage 1980s French Vanity Items

Vintage S.T. DUPONT Ligne 1 BR Regular Lighter Silver Plated in Box 1980s

Mid-20th Century French Religious Items

Midcentury French Holy Bible with Silver Plated Repousse Cover Dated 1960

Antique Mid-19th Century French Gothic Revival Religious Items

Victorian Sterling Silver Gothic Chalice Jewelled Gilded Silver Holy Goblet

Early 2000s French Vanity Items

Vintage Silver Plated Black Laqcuer Ligne 1 BR ST Dupont Lighter 2003 Full Set

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Religious Items

French 19th Century Altar Silvered Alter Crucifix

Vintage 1960s French Vanity Items

Vintage Silver Plated S.T. DUPONT x HERMÈS Ligne 1 BS Small Lighter in Box 1960s

Mid-20th Century French Religious Items

Mid-Century French Holy Bible with Silver Plated Repousse Cover Dated 1961

Mid-20th Century French Religious Items

Mid-Century French Holy Bible with Silver Plated Repousse Cover Dated 1960

Antique Late 18th Century French Religious Items

18th Century French Catholic Silvered Bronze Shrine Reliquary

Antique 19th Century Ethiopian Greek Revival Religious Items

Set of 3 Silver Ethiopian Processional Crosses

Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis XIV Religious Items

19th Century French Silvered Bronze Catholic Monstrance "Ostensoir"

Early 20th Century French Religious Items

Early 20th Century French Silvered Iron Altar Crucifix with Fleur-de-Lys Cross

Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XV Religious Items

18th Century French Bronze Silvered Catholic Monstrance with Shining Sun

Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis XV Religious Items

19th Century French Bronze Silvered Catholic Monstrance with Cross Wheat Decor

Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis XV Religious Items