One of the most frequent comments attached to articles about silver include a question similar to this, “Where can I sell my silver?” One answer is, “Antique shows!"
For example, there is an antique show in Atlanta one weekend per month that attracts thousands of people. (Scott Antique Market). Every month, there will be several dealers at the show that specialize in silver. Most focus only on sterling but a couple also deal in silver plate pieces. A person wanting to sell silver could take it to this show and probably receive several offers to purchase it from these dealers. It’s a great way to test the market for selling to a dealer. Of course, if one is looking to buy sterling, the show is also a great place for that.
There are many such shows around the county. Some are huge like the one in Atlanta. Some are small but still attract quality dealers, such as this one in the Memphis area: St. George’s Annual Antiques Arcade.
Now for the bad news for sellers – dealers are not going to want to pay a lot for your silver. The best price you can get will probably come from a buyer who wants a set for personal use. The big problem is in finding such a buyer. So, the antique shows at least offer the chance to talk to several potential buyers on the same day.
Here’s a site that includes a calendar of upcoming shows around the nation: Journal of Antiques and Collectibles. Not all shows are listed so talk with dealers and auction houses in your town to see if they know of more shows for you to visit.
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