How to Identify Silverplate

The term "coin silver" is used to describe an item made from melted silver coins containing 900 parts of silver for every 1000 parts. Sterling silver generally has 925 parts per thousand of silver combined with other metals. Silverplate is a general term used to describe a base metal item that has been plated with silver. Plate, coin and sterling silver are all used in making flat ware, utilities pieces, such as tea and coffee pots, and display items. Identifying a silver plated metal is usually an easy task that requires some research.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Silver cleaning cloth
• Magnifying glass
• Jeweler's loupe

1. Test the elasticity of the item. If the item bends easily, it may be coin or thin sterling silver. Silverplate requires a base metal to attach the silverplate, and the items usually are not easily bent.

2. Test the weight of the item. The heavier the item, the greater the chance it is silverplate. Even "hollowware" items, such as sugar and creamers, will be heavier than sterling or coin items.

3. Test the brilliancy of the silver. Clean a small section using the cleaning cloth and observe the finish. Coin silver and high-content sterling silver will be duller than plate. The exception is silverplate that has been well-used. Worn plate will show the base metal through the silverplate, resulting in a copper-colored or dull grey appearance.

4. Look for maker's marks or company markings. Maker's marks are usually placed in a discreet location such as the bottom of the piece, on the feet of large items or on the lower back of a handle. The mark may be extremely small, so a magnifying glass or jeweler's loupe might be necessary to see it. Large American silverplate manufacturers include Gorham Manufacturing, International Silver Company, Wilcox, Reed and Barton, Oneida and Derby. Many companies incorporated the process used into their names using "Silver Plate Company" and "SPC" on the piece. Superior and Carlton are examples. Many pieces of British silverplate are marked Sheffield.

5. Locate the design using research materials. Make a paper sketch of the design or shape of the item. A photograph will also serve as a good reference when looking at various designs online and in reference books. Replacement silverplate sites, such as Replacements, LTD, have thousands of designs online.

Tips & Warnings

• Many modern silver makers used both plate and sterling in construction. Don't rush to a quick judgment without checking for both types of sterling manufacture.
• Silverplate testing kits may be purchased online or in most retail antique malls. This test should be the last resort, since many kits use acid that may damage the silverplate item. Kits use fluids that change color when exposed to silver and color identification is sometimes difficult to read. Heavy plated silver will also test positive, since the exterior has significant silver content. The only real way to guarantee that the item is silverplate using the test kit is to cut into the metal and test the interior of the piece. This process destroys the value, unless the search is for coin or sterling to melt down for resale.

Resources

• SilverCollect.com illustrates various silverplate items
• Online encyclopedia of silver marks, hallmarks and maker's marks
• Replacements, LTD
• Edish silverplate service