Sterling flat ware ??

[skeeterd]

I was in a local pawn shop today and they have several sterling silver ware sets in original wood boxes. One set was marked "Rogers" and I can't remember the others now. My question is: how can I tell if they're plated or solid silver? I know they're more than likely plated, but for future reference, I'd like to know if there is an easy way to tell. Thanks in advance for any help and advice!
Skeeter

 

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[x512x]

Iv seen the Rogers brand I beleive that's always plated. Just look on Google and study all the silver hallmarks or most popular ones

 

[clorox]

99.9% of the time in the US if it doesn't say "sterling" or "coin silver" then it's plated.

 

[austin]

All Rogers I've seen says silver plate. Sterling will be marked in some way, generally with Hallmarks. More you examine, the better you get at identifying stuff. That or do what I did. Have a friend who lives for expensive objects and can id any silver on sight. Jewelry and sterling from ten paces...

 

[diggummup]

Granted, the majority of Rogers is plated but early on they did make a lot of sterling flatware. Also just because it isn't solid sterling, when it comes to flatware, you can still manage a decent price usually on the vintage stuff, especially if it's a desired pattern.

Scroll down and take a look at some of these completed listings- rogers flatware| eBay

 

[jerseyben]

This topic has been covered here in many instances. The overwhelming answer is: If it doesn't specifically say STERLING, then don't buy it. Even then, if it says PLATE, PLATED, 2x, 3x, TRIPLE, A1, A2, A3 anywhere, then don't buy it. If it says COIN, make a judgement call. The only other thing to look for would be the LION hallmark (often accompanied by an ANCHOR) on British silver. Even then, know what it looks like and be sure it is what you think it is.

 

[skeeterd]

I should have paid better attention to what all the hallmarks were. But I'll be back up there saturday and check it out again. There were five sets and only one was "Rogers". But I noticed pieces in the sets that didn't belong so maybe I'll get lucky and find something solid.

 

[cyberdan]

I got a nice Rogers complete flatware set for 8 last month. silverplate of course but i couldn't pass on the price. The wood box was trashed but I could tell it was from the 50's. paid $0.00 and the wife loves it.

Two years ago I bought a complete set of sterling flatware. paid hundreds. the wife didn't like it. oh well, it is in the to be melted and make a big profit box.

 

[SharkBait]

There is a cool app called silver makers marks that help identify the maker and other info on the spot. I have downloaded it but have yet needed it.

 

[skeeterd]

Thanks for the tips. I'll check it out this weekend and try to get some pics of the hallmarks.

 

[bethnbijoux]

I got a nice Rogers complete flatware set for 8 last month. silverplate of course but i couldn't pass on the price. The wood box was trashed but I could tell it was from the 50's. paid $0.00 and the wife loves it.

Two years ago I bought a complete set of sterling flatware. paid hundreds. the wife didn't like it. oh well, it is in the to be melted and make a big profit box.

You're a smart man, cyberdan... "A happy wife means a happy life!!!" Here's to being happy