When sorting through estate finds or heirlooms, silverware/ holloware is often one of the trickiest items to assess. You might be wondering whether that beautiful set of utensils is silver-plated or solid silver. While both have value, solid silver pieces are typically worth much more. Luckily, with a few simple tests, you can get closer to the answer!
1. Check for Hallmarks
One of the easiest and most reliable ways to determine if your silverware is solid silver is by looking for hallmarks or stamps. These are usually found on the back of the handle or somewhere inconspicuous. Solid silver pieces typically have markings that indicate their purity, such as:"925" or ".925" – This indicates Sterling Silver, meaning the piece is made of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals (usually copper). This is the most common hallmark for sterling silver.
"800" or "900" – These numbers represent the silver content as a percentage, with "800" meaning 80% pure silver and "900" meaning 90%. These hallmarks are often found on older European silverware.
Lion Passant – Found on British silverware, this mark is a lion in profile with one front paw raised. It’s used to denote sterling silver from England.
Anchor, Crown, or Other City Marks – These symbols often represent the city of origin for British silver, such as an anchor for Birmingham, a crown for Sheffield, and so on.
If your piece is silver-plated, it will often have markings like:
EPNS (Electroplated Nickel Silver): This indicates the item is silver-plated over a base metal like nickel.
Silver Plate: Some items will be clearly marked as plated.
Online Encyclopedia of Silver Marks, Hallmarks & Makers' Marks
2. Perform the Magnet Test
While silver is not magnetic, many of the base metals used in silver-plated pieces are. Take a simple magnet and place it near your silverware. If the magnet sticks, it’s a clear sign that the item is likely silver-plated. However, if it doesn’t, don’t get too excited just yet—this doesn’t guarantee the item is solid silver, but it’s a step in the right direction.
3. Conduct the Weight Test
Silver is denser than the metals typically used in silver-plating. When you handle a piece of solid silver flatware, it will often feel heavier compared to a silver-plated one of the same size. If you have a scale handy, weigh a few pieces and compare them to known silverware weights. While not definitive, a heavier weight is often an indicator of solid silver.
4. Look for Tarnish
Silver tarnishes over time, developing a dark, sometimes bluish or grayish patina. While both silver-plated and solid silver items can tarnish, silver-plated pieces may tarnish unevenly, especially if the plating has worn away. Solid silver, on the other hand, will show more consistent tarnishing throughout.
5. The Sound Test
Another quick test is the “ping” test: gently tap the item with a fingernail or small tool. Solid silver tends to produce a clear, resonant ringing sound, while silver-plated items often have a duller sound due to the different metals in the core.
6. Acid Testing (Optional)
For a more definitive answer, you can purchase a silver testing kit that uses acid. Apply a small drop of the testing acid to an inconspicuous area of the silverware. Solid silver will react in a specific way, often turning red, while plated silver may produce a different color or no reaction at all. This test, however, can leave a small mark, so use it with caution.
In Conclusion
Identifying whether your silverware is silver-plated, or solid silver can seem daunting, but with these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making an informed decision. Whether you're sorting through your estate finds or simply trying to determine the value of family heirlooms, these methods can help you distinguish between silver-plated and solid silver items with ease.
At Afternoon Estate Sales, we're always happy to assist you with identifying silverware and any other treasures you come across for your estate sale. If you need expert guidance, feel free to reach out—we're here to help you make the most of your estate sale discoveries!