How to Check Silver Marks on Silverware or Flatware

David Andersen Sterling Silver

Silverware or flatware is almost always marked, and you can read silver marks on your tableware or flatware with a keen eye or a magnifying glass, particularly if you know where to look.

You also need to know how to read the marks if you want to know the type of silver, silverplate, or stainless you have.

Collectors are usually interested in sterling silver, since it is more valuable than most of the silverplate or stainless. You may just be interested to know how or where your silverware or flatware is marked. Here are some clues.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Some silverware and maybe a magnifying glass

1. sterling silver flatware

   Check the backside of the flatware.

   Look for sterling silver marks. Much silver is marked "sterling" but it may also be marked .925. See the David Andersen Norway set above that is marked both sterling and .925. Less than sterling silver, but still silver, may be marked .900 or .800. Some pieces just have the English hallmarks (three symbols) and they are sterling silver.

2. Check the narrow part of the back of the handle

   Read the marks.

   Check for PLATE marks. Some of the silverplated flatware or silverware is Extra Plate or A-1 Plate. This is silverplate, not sterling silver. Silverplate has a coating of silver over a metal base that is not silver. For this reason, the plate will eventually wear down to the base metal with extensive use. Much of the silverplate is older pattern flatware, and matching pieces are a fun collectibles project, particularly if you have an inherited set.

3. Rogers Extra Plate is silverplated flatware

   Look for common makers.

   See if the back is marked Rogers. Most Rogers is silverplate, no matter what else it is marked. Sometimes it has the pattern name, or Triple Plate, or A-1. These are all silverplated flatware or silverware.

4. flatware marks may be anywhere

   Know the difference in marks.

   Watch for marks that are stainless. Stainless is not silverplate or sterling. It is not silver at all, but is stainless steel. This is what most of us use for our everyday flatware today, but was not in common use until the Sixties.

5. Check for marks on several places.

   Look carefully in several locations on the silverware. It is easy to miss the marks on silver flatware. Marks may also be on the blade of a knife, or the heel of a fork. Sterling silver handles often have the sterling mark on the SIDE of the handle, and a stainless mark on the flat blade, since they are made of two parts.

   Silverware or flatware is interesting and fun. It is also readily available. You can check silver marks on silverware or flatware if you choose to collect or sell it for profit, or if you are just interested in what you have at home.

Tips & Warnings

• We often write about collecting and selling on the internet, and are always interested in silver and silverplate. See other articles in Resources below.

• copyright 2009 Linda Richard

• Feel free to link to this article or send it to a friend.

Resources

• Read Silver Marks on Christmas Ornaments
• Identify Sterling and Silver Jewelry Content
• Identify Gold Jewelry by Number Marks
• Sell Silverware on the Internet
• Find an Antiques and Collectibles Appraiser
• Sell Fine Jewelry: Tools to Buy
• Use a Gram Scale for Gold or Silver Jewelry