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.

Silver Plate Trophy

Early 20th Century European Table Lamps

Silver Trophy Lamp with Custom Shade C. 1900 s

Early 20th Century American Vases

Antique "Best French Bulldog" Trophy

Antique Early 1900s American Sheffield and Silverplate

Shenecossett Golf Club Antique Silver Trophy, 1900

Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Sheffield and Silverplate

Art Nouveau Silver Plated Loving Cup Trophy 1909

Early 20th Century Art Deco Sheffield and Silverplate

Vintage 1930s Large Silver Plate Urn Trophy Cup Award L.I.B.L Championship

20th Century American Art Deco Wine Coolers

Pair, Antique American Silverplate Repousse Trophy Cup, Champagne or Ice Bucket

Early 20th Century Art Deco Sheffield and Silverplate

Silver Plated Fishing Reel Trophy

Mid-20th Century Regency Barware

FB Rogers Silver Plated Regency Style Trophy Cup Champagne Chiller Ice Bucket

Early 20th Century English Industrial Pitchers

Antique Silver Plated English Cup Trophy c.1920

Early 20th Century American Pitchers

Early 20th Century Silver Plated Pitcher Trophy, circa 1927

Late 20th Century Unknown Victorian Barware

Victorian Style Silver Plated Footed Trophy Cup Champagne Chiller Ice Bucket

Mid-20th Century Unknown Other Barware

Victorian Silver Plated Twin Branch Handle Trophy Cup Champagne Ice Bucket

Vintage 1920s Barware

1920s Empire Art Silver Plate Juicer/Cocktail Skaker Disguised as a Trophy

Mid-20th Century Unknown Victorian Barware

Vintage Victorian Style Trophy Cup Silver Plated Champagne Chiller Ice Bucket

Mid-20th Century Regency Barware

Vintage Regency Style Silver Plated Twin Handles Trophy Cup Champagne Ice Bucket

Mid-20th Century Victorian Barware

Bernard Rices Sons 7125 Victorian Silver Plated Small Trophy Cup Bucket Chiller

Mid-20th Century Victorian Barware

Vintage FB Rogers Urn Trophy Cup Silver Plated Champagne Chiller Ice Bucket

Mid-20th Century Victorian Barware

Vintage Eton Silver Plated Twin Handle Trophy Cup Champagne Chiller Ice Bucket

Mid-20th Century Regency Barware

Regency Style Silver Plated Twin Handle Trophy Cup Champagne Bucket Ice Chiller

Mid-20th Century Regency Barware

Vintage Silver Plated Oneida Trophy Cup Regency Style Champagne Wine Ice Bucket

Early 20th Century Regency Barware

Regency Style Silver Plated Leonard Trophy Cup Champagne Bucket Wine Ice Chiller

21st Century and Contemporary Victorian Barware

2013 Squash Racquet Club of Phila Silver Plated Award Trophy Cup Wine Bucket

Antique 1880s English Victorian Sheffield and Silverplate

Elkington Co. Incredible Silver Plate Covered Cup Trophy

Antique Mid-19th Century English Serving Pieces

English Silver plate Hand Chased and Engraved Two-Handle Loving or Trophy Cup

20th Century British Barware

English Silver Plate Ice Bucket Rare African Animal Taxidermy Trophy

Early 20th Century Regency Wine Coolers

Poole English Regency Silverplate Trophy Cup Urn Champagne Wine Chiller Bucket

Antique Late 19th Century English Serving Pieces

Antique English Sheffield Silver Plate Hand Chased Two-Handle Loving/Trophy Cup

Early 20th Century Serving Bowls

British Silver-Plated and Hammered Serving Bowl Trophy, Circa 1920

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

1969 Poole Silver Plate Paddle Tennis Winner Trophy Keepsake Cigarette Cigar Box

Mid-20th Century American Barware

Mid-Century Trophy Cooler

Early 20th Century English Serving Bowls

Antique English Trophy Bowl

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Serving Bowls

Reed and Barton Trophy Bowl

Late 20th Century American American Classical Sheffield and Silverplate

Silver Plate Horse Race Engraved Decorative Plates and Bowls, Set 13

Antique 19th Century English Sheffield and Silverplate

Antique English Trophy

Late 20th Century Regency Barware

Vintage Leonard Regency Style Trophy Cup Champagne Chiller Ice Bucket

Mid-20th Century Victorian Barware

Vintage Victorian Style Tall Fluted Trophy Cup Champagne Chiller Ice Bucket

Mid-20th Century Regency Barware

SilverPlated English Regency Twin Handle Trophy Cup Champagne Chiller Ice Bucket

Early 20th Century Art Deco Vases

Antique Art Deco Tall Silver Plate Display Trophy

Vintage 1930s Urns

1930s Silver Plate Chinese Boxing Trophy

Vintage 1970s British Other Sports Equipment and Memorabilia