Silver or silverplate - OLD 1847 Rogers Bros Spoon set

[mjm579]

Until my gold, silver, platinum test kit comes in I'll poll the treasure net garage sale finds forum -
Silver
Silver plate

Generally when I've found 1847 Rogers Bros silverware it has been a spoon or a fork here or there, but never a full set. Also ALL of the items I've found in the past were marked 1847 Rogers Bros IS (International Silver - ie silver-plate). This spoon set does not carry the IS mark.

I got the set at a REALLY good price, so whether it is silver or silver-plate I should more than recoup what I paid for it. Obviously though if it is silver I will have an EXTRA big smile on my face.

Thx in advance as always T-net friends.

 

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[gunner45]

These are silver plated. A general rule I always follow when buying silver is if it doesn't say "sterling" or "pure coin" or .925 I never buy them
Almost 100%? Of the time if it is sterling it will be stamped on there
Nice set, it should sell for about $20-25 on eBay

 

[Lost&Found]

Not sterling.

I have a set of 4 large american silver spoons that are not marked sterling, only the makers mark from 1845, some coin silver pieces and 18th century english silver hollowware pieces not marked sterling. Other marks to look for are 800, 925 (which are assay marks).

Here is a good starting off place about silver marks.

The Language of Silver Marks - Martha Stewart Accents & Details

 

[diggummup]

The pattern on your spoons is called Ambassador. This will help when you go to sell it.

 

[mjm579]

The pattern on your spoons is called Ambassador. This will help when you go to sell it.

Thanks. Did a little more research after I posted this and recognized the pattern before the Rogers mark.

 

[mjm579]

The pattern on your spoons is called Ambassador. This will help when you go to sell it.

Paid $9, so I'm hoping that it sells for at least $25

 

[Generic_Lad]

There's lots of unmarked silver out there!

A lot of times, some early coin silver is marked with only the makers mark. Sometimes, its only marked with "coin", sometimes with "pure coin" but occasionally its marked as "standard", "premium" or "dollar".

Sometimes, you find silver with no markings at all!

Unmarked sterling is certainly more rare, but its common when dealing with handmade stuff or native stuff. Sometimes you see damaged items where the stamp has either broken off or worn off.

The more you handle silver, the easier it will be to distinguish between plate and the real thing.

 

[jerseyben]

There's lots of unmarked silver out there!

A lot of times, some early coin silver is marked with only the makers mark. Sometimes, its only marked with "coin", sometimes with "pure coin" but occasionally its marked as "standard", "premium" or "dollar".

Sometimes, you find silver with no markings at all!

Unmarked sterling is certainly more rare, but its common when dealing with handmade stuff or native stuff. Sometimes you see damaged items where the stamp has either broken off or worn off.

The more you handle silver, the easier it will be to distinguish between plate and the real thing.

It is even more confusing than that.

I once purchased 3 large "silver" spoons marked 800PK. I was sure that they were 80% silver.

Turns out they were not silver, just some sort of non-magnetic white metal.

 

[SilverForBrains]

I feel like most of the time I can find some small area where the silverplate has worn off. easiest way to tell for me

 

[MUD(S.W.A.T)]

Its true, general rule of thumb.... If it does not say "Sterling" it is likely plated.... A beginner should always stick to this rule... As you get more advanced you can learn other marks and makers... Common marks like the anchor and the passant lion are a good place to start...

Keep @ it and HH !!

 

[diggummup]

Don't forget that sometimes silverplated items can fetch a good penny depending on the maker and what it is. I found a Napier silverplated bucket/jigger recently. They sell for $70-$90 all day long. It's a small bucket, only about 3 inches tall. Looks like this (ebay pic)-

 

[mjm579]

Thx everyone. The set sold for $29.99. Not too shabby.

 

[tamrock]

You got that nice set for $9. and sold it for $30. I'd put another feather in my hat over that. Good Call!

 

[tamrock]

Don't forget that sometimes silverplated items can fetch a good penny depending on the maker and what it is. I found a Napier silverplated bucket/jigger recently. They sell for $70-$90 all day long. It's a small bucket, only about 3 inches tall. Looks like this (ebay pic)-

My eyes are always peeled looking for vintage Napier barware. I picked up one piece just last month. Still have it.

 

[diggummup]

My eyes are always peeled looking for vintage Napier barware. I picked up one piece just last month. Still have it.

I found a Napier musical cup too but the music box doesn't work.