I have mentioned this subject in previous articles but I get so many questions on the subject that it bears repeating. In the United States, sterling pieces manufactured after 1870 or thereabouts will have one of these indications imprinted on the piece:
- The word "sterling" (most common)
- The number "925"
- The fraction 925/1000
The "925" represents 92.5% silver content, the definition of sterling.
I ran across a wonderful discussion on this subject at the 925-1000.com Forum. It was a response to a question similar to the headline of this article. I have included the entire response below because it's worthwhile reading. I didn't link to it because I was not sure the link would go directly to the response. It was written by "Tom":
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We are talking about American silver here, so the first thing to clarify is that there is no such thing as a hallmark on American silver. To have a hallmark, the silver must be made under one of the British or Continental systems where there were governing bodies or trade organizations called guilds that had guild halls, hence hallmark. In America, marks on silver are maker's marks, trademarks or manufacturer's marks.
The predominant American standards used on solid silverware were Coin (.900, roughly pre-1870) and Sterling (.925, roughly post-1870). It is important to keep in mind that solid silver wares always were, and still are, luxury goods for which people have always paid a premium. Given that, it has always made sense for the maker to clearly label the item with something indicative of its luxury status. This is why 99.9% (the figure is a guess, but I'm confident that it is not far off) of all American solid silver made after 1870 is clearly stamped "Sterling" or in more recent years .925, just plain stupid for a maker not to choose to do this. If a U. S. piece made after 1870 is not stamped "Sterling", it is almost always plate.
In the 18th & earlier part of the 19th century, silverplate had not yet made an impact on the market so there was no strong need to differentiate between the two types of ware. American pieces of this time are often stamped solely with a maker's mark. But, as silverplate became more prevalent and the later the year, the more common it became for makers to stamp an indicator mark to show that the piece was solid silver. Some coin silver indicator stamps are; "Coin", "Standard", "Premium" and the letters "C", "D", or "S" found amongst coin silver pseudomarks are also thought to be indicators.
You'll notice that the silver marks and silverplate marks are in separate sections on the site. In the American Silver section, you can safely assume that the marks found are stamped in conjunction with some sort of silver standard indicator mark, unless they are early coin silver smiths.
There are American manufacturers that produce both silverplate and sterling, generally speaking, they tended to use different trademarks on each type of ware, however, there are some that did use the same trademark on both sterling & plate, but you can rely on the fact that the sterling items will be stamped as such. There are also many silverplate manufacturers that use marks that are imitative of older British and Continental hallmarks. Familiarizing yourself with genuine hallmarks will eventually show you just how cheesy these copycat marks are.
All that said, and despite having set up a website devoted completely to silver marks, I need to point out that one should not rely entirely on the marks. There are many other important indicators as to; silver or plate, antique or recent, handmade or manufactured, treasure or trash - and that knowledge is acquired through the handling of many, many pieces of both silver and silverplate at shops, shows, auction previews and where ever else you can, literally, lay your hands on it.
We reference this web site often because of their extensive visual library of hallmarks and manufacturer marks. It's obvious that their forum is worth visiting as well. Thanks, Tom.
Comments and emails are welcome.
Comments
What about Japanese silver? Is a tea set marked "Sterling silver 950 Japan" really silver or probably silver plated?
I have a set of 9 silver tumblers 4 " tall, I inherited, with an allover design created with tiny incised dots. I believe they were purchased in Turkey in the 1950's. They have tarnished the way silver does but there are no marks of any kind. Do you have any idea if they are silver, or should I use them for small flower pots? Is there anywhere I can find out anything about them?
This is a response to the previous comment. I know very little about Japanese silver. Look at the foreign marks section at 925-1000.com to see a very brief description of Japanese marks.
If they follow marking conventions found in other countries, the '950' would indicate 95% silver content which is higher than typical (92.5% for sterling).
I have some flatware that has "1847 RODGERS BROS IS HERITAGE" on it.
Do you know if this is silver or silver plate?
I found the 1847 Rogers Bros on the Internation Silver page but could not see if the pattern they had was the same
This is in response to the previous comment. Heritage is a silver plate pattern.
Hi, I have a full set of the1847 RODGERS BROS IS HERITAGE as well. Any idea what it might be worth?
Thanks!
This is in response to the previous comment. There is an article on Examiner.com that will help you estimate the value of your Heritage set. It's impossible to link to the article out of a comment but you can find it easily. In the Examiner search window, type the phrase, "value of silver plate flatware", and click "Search". The article you are looking for should be at the top of the list of articles returned.
Thanks.
I have a 31 piece set of 1847 Rogers Bros I S Remembrance silverware. Any idea if it is sterling or plated, and if so, what the value might be?
This is in response to the comment from Eddie.
I believe this pattern is silver plate. Check this article for discussion regarding value:
http://www.examiner.com/sterling-silver-in-national/what-s-the-value-of-... .
My wifes grandmother gave her a set of flatwear. The label on the inside of the box reads, "Famous and Traditional, Wm Rogers, Silverplate, Rogers Silversmith in Connecticut since 1825." From reading above, I assume these various forks, knives, and spoons(approx 49 pieces total, one missing knife) are silver plate and not sterling. Do you know what percentage of the metal content is actually silver? I realize this is a very vague and imprecise question, but I am a newbie to this type of thing. I recently became interested in silver when I sold a bunch of old US coins at a pawn shop for over $1000. Times are hard, money is tight, so any good news could offer would be great. I appreciate your time and info you could provide would be appreciated....good or bad. I also wanted to include that the flatwear is encased in an old wooden box with red felt lining and a gold and black sticker indicating that it was produced by Wm Rogers.
Thanks Again
This is in response to the comment from Kenny.
Unfornuately, there is very little silver involved here. The layer of silver on the surface of a silver plated piece is extremely thin. Generally, the weight of silver on a fork, for example, is between one and two grams.
if the set is in good shape, you might place a free ad on www.craigslist.org to test the market.
Sorry I could not be more encouraging.
I was told that a magnet will not stick to silver. Is this true?
It's my understanding silver does not attract a magnet. However, this is true for other metals as well.
I have a set of wm rogers silverware.... on the back it is stamped wm rogers with an eagle and star. I have researched it and it appears to be the "dorchester" pattern most likely from 1941. I brought it to a local antique shop and they said it was definitely silverplate because of the IS on the back.... when i look at the dorchester pattern on replacements.com it only appears as sterliing. please help me identify this :) and if possible is it valuable
THANK YOU
I have a tray marked (roughly):
EXQUISITE
WMROGERS&SON
9380
17IN (????)
IS (each letter is in a box with the corners rounded)
Can you tell me what I have? Date? Value?
This is in response to Michelle. Virtually all sterling pieces have been marked "Sterling" or maybe "925" since around 1870. The "IS" on the back represents International Silver which took over this brand in 1898 so we know your set was made after that. The "IS" does not necessarily mean it's silver plate because International made sterling pieces as well. However, since "Sterling" is not on your pieces, they most likely are silver plate. I can't say what the pattern is but the value most likely is low - maybe a dollar ot two per piece.
This is in response to Lynne. Since your tray does not have the word, "Sterling", on it, it most likely is made of silver plate. The "IS" represents International Silver which took over this brand in 1898 so we know your tray was made after that. "9380" is the model number and "17IN" probably represents 17 inches. "Exquisite" is the pattern name. It probably has a value in the $5 to $20 range.
Hola: soy argentina, tengo en mi casa (por herencia familiar) un juego de cubiertos WM. A. Rogers Silver-Nickel y un sello que parece una herradura de caballo y en el centro hay una R. Me gustaría saber más, ya que no encuentro nada al respecto. Es un juego de cubiertos que trajo mi tío que era marino.
Liliana47:
Hola. Yo no hablo español, así que he usado Google Translate. Espero que la respuesta es comprensible. El conjunto que se describe es la placa de plata o que no tenga plata para nada. Plata níquel es un término usado a veces para describir las piezas que se parecen a la plata, pero en realidad no tienen contenr plata. Wm A. Rogers es ahora propiedad de Oneida.
As the others, I hate to be so vague, BUT.... LOL.. I recently came across many miscellaneous pieces of flatware that belonged to my Great Grandmother. Not only am I going to research with the sites that you listed above, but was wondering if you would review the following list and maybe "red flag" anything that I may have. Thank you in advance for your time.
- dove M (in a crescent) and another dove with the word sterling beside this (butter knife);
- EPNS Sheffield England (decorative serving spoons, fruit spoons and teaspoons);
- print of an anchor Rogers print of an anchor AA (serving spoons);
- 1847 Rogers Bros XS Triple (over sized serving spoons);
- Deluxe Stainless (knives);
- print (looks like a shamrock) Holmes & Edwards XIV ("baby" spoons and butter knives);
- WM Rogers & Sons AA (butter knives and serving spoons);
- Pat 17 Yourex Associated Silver Co. (Escargot/seafood fork);
- R. C. Co (teaspoon);
- Community Silver (tablespoons);
- Victors.Co.A1+IS (butter knives);
- Community Plate (dinner forks and soup spoons);
- print (looks like a shamrock) SH.Co print (looks like a shamrock) 9++ and once that does not have the 9++, but has XII++.
Again, thank you for your time.
For most of the pieces, there are marks that indicate silver plate. I am not sure about:
- Dove M
- Associated Silver
However, since they do not have "Sterling" on them, they probably are silver plate or stainless steel. The knives you mentioned have stainless steel blades. The handles could be stainless or silver plate.
Can you post your contact information? I live outside of Atlanta and would love to make an appointment to bring in some items and have you appraise them. What is your charge for this service? Also, do you deal in other things besides silver?
Thanks.
Click on my name here at Examiner.com and that should get you to my email address. I do not deal in anything but silver. We can communicate by email regarding your pieces before actually meeting.
Jim
'
I have an 1881 rogers 3 prong fork, sterling silver. It is also marked with Oneida LCD, and I would like to know how much it is worth?
Are you sure it's sterling? Most pieces like this are silver plate. Is the word, "Sterling", on it anywhere? If not, its value is small - between 50 cents and three dollars, maybe.
I have quite a few silver candlesticks that say 'Sterling weighted' on the bottom. are these worth more? If so, where would I find their value? Thank you.
Most of the weight of these pieces consists of a cement compound inside. Not much silver is actually included. Recent values range between $15 and $50, depending on size and design.
i have several items of victor s company flatware with the marking 1/2 and an oval with a cross in it.to what does this refer?
Victor Silver Co was acquired by International Silver who continued to use the mark. Most pieces were of lesser quality used by hotels and restaurants. I don't know what the "1/2" and oval/cross mean. They probably are silver plate and probably do not have a high value.
I found a box of silver flatware. It is stamped National Silver Co.AA. I found it is a 1935 Narcissus pattern. What does the AA stand for and how can I tell if this is silver or silver plate?
I don't know what the "AA" actually stands for but it's found on many silver plate pieces. This pattern is definitely silver plate.
I have a set of flatware that my grandfather brought back from WW II. The marking looks like a B & W inside of a circle. Do you know what company this may be? It also has a 90 stamped on it. Does this mean it is silver plate? Thanks!
In some European countries, "90" would indicate silver plate. I'm sorry but I don't recognize the marks. Try this site: www.925-1000.com for the marks. Start with Germany.
I have a spiece of flatware that marked "International Sterling" with a small insignia inbetween the two words. The piece was broken in two pieces. I believed this to be sterling but it has what appears to be a concrete substance underneath the surface. Is "International Sterling" just the name of a company or is it indeed sterling?
I'm not familiar with a company named International Sterling. I am familiar with International Silver which makes both sterling and silver plate pieces. Based on your description, I question that it's sterling.
I have a partial set of International Sterling-Royal Danish silverware. I'm trying to determine if it is silver or plate. Only the butter knives have "sterling" stamped on them as well as a symbol. The other pieces have, in descending order, USA, Royal Danish, and International Sterling marked on the back of the pieces. The full set was purchased by my Great Grandmother and is not a peicemeal set. Why the different markings?
I believe you mean International Silver. I'm not aware that they made this pattern in anything but sterling but I could be wrong. I don't know why the marks are different. Royal Danish was introduced in 1939 and by that time, all manufacturers were marking sterling pieces as such.
If there is an estate silver shop in your area, take a few sample pieces by to ask their opinion.
I have some Francis 1st silverware pieces but there are no markings anywhere on any of the pieces. No monograms or marks. Is it some kind of reproduced set? Is it completely worthless?
I've not seen a set with no markings. If there is an estate silver shop in your area, I'd take your set by to let someone look at it. An established antique dealer or auction house may also be able to help.
I have a william Rodgers silverplate flatware set pattern Alhambra. Some of the pieces have a mark on the back that is AA others have a marks X11. what do these marks mean? Thank you.
Both of these marks have been used on silver plate pieces over the years. They sometimes refer the the thickness of the silver on the surface. I don't know the exact definition but in both these cases, the silver layer is extremely thin. The marks have no significant effect on value.
Thank you Jim for your quick response. I was told the AA ment it has more silver than A and the X11 ment it had more silver than the X1. Is this true. ? Thanks again. Linda
Yes. However, the amount of silver is so small, it's genrally not a factor.
hi i have a 24 piece silver plated cutlery set made by cooper ludlam i think its around 30 years old can you tell me if it might be worth any money? many thanks
Generally, used silver plate pieces don't have significant value. Depending on the pattern, your set might have a slightly higher value but probably still not great. Some people are asking around ten dollars per piece but I've not run across any sales for that amount.
I have Francis I Reed & Barton, with griffin symbol R and Lion symbol stamped with the word STERLING next to it. There is also an H stamped on the other end of the handle with the words Pat. June and I believe the numbers 23.07 but it is so small and hard to read that number. The butter knives however are not stamped and the blades read mirrorstele stainless! The forks, spoons, though are all stamped as above. Is this solid sterling silver or silverplate?
This set is mostly sterling. The knife blades are stainless steel. The knife handles have cement inside to hold the blade in place so only the outer layer of the knife handle is sterling. Francis I is a nice and popular pattern. The mark you described indicates that this is an old set (a good thing, generally).
Hi on I have a a cigarette case which I believe to be japanese silver it has the following * (a star sign) silver .925 is this solid silver or plate ?
Thanks
The <em>.925</em> indicates that it is sterling. I'm a little leery because it has no manufacturer name (the star is used by many). However, if it polishes up nice, assume it's sterling until you can show it to other experts.
I have a silver tray, coffee pot, tea pot, creamer, sugar, and one other container that are marked .900 on the bottom. I think it says national silver co. - very hard to read. I know the set is pretty old. Any idea of the worth?
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