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Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions

How do you identify vintage silver?

1 Answer
How do you identify vintage silver?
To identify vintage silver, use the hallmarks on your piece. You will usually find them on the bottoms and interiors of hollowware and decorative objects, as well as on the handles of flatware. Using trusted online resources, research the hallmarks to identify the maker and determine what characteristics to look for when dating its pieces. Employing the recommended dating method, determine the approximate age of your item. It would be considered vintage if it is 20 to 99 years old. Antiques are 100 years old or more, while contemporary pieces date back to the last 20 years. You can also enlist the help of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer to simplify the process. Find a collection of vintage silver decorative objects on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024
Shop for Silver Decorative Objects on 1stDibs
Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Turquoise Enamel Japanese Garden Vase Silver Wire
Located in Long Island City, NY
A high quality Japanese, late Meiji era, silver wire and enamel vase. The amphora shaped vase is adorned with polychrome enamel images of birds, trees, blossoming flowers, and screen...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel, Silver

Vittorio Angini Silver Mounted Murano Cello Playing Clown Figure
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A delightful mid-century Italian Murano glass and silver musical clown figure by Vittorio Angini and dating from around 1960. The standing figure plays a cello held in his left hand ...
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Silver

Antique Russian Imperial Romanov Silver Gilt Letter Opener Czar Nicholas II 1870
Located in Portland, OR
A very rare & important antique Russian Imperial silver gilt & Mother-Of-Pearl letter opener, which belonged to Czar Nicholas II and was taken from the Winter Palace during the 1917 ...
Category

Antique 1860s Russian Victorian Letter Openers

Materials

Silver

Antique Georgian Sterling Silver Gilt Vinaigrette Birmingham William Simpson
Located in Portland, OR
A good antique Georgian engraved silver gilt Vinaigrette by William Simpson, Birmingham, 1826. The vinaigrette having an engraved engine turned hinged lid with a floral border, the g...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Georgian Decorative Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Mid-Century Modern Silver Plate and Brass Jewelry Box Italy 1970/80s
Located in Palermo, IT
Silver plated jewelry/ trinket box made by Italy. The box has a hinged lid, a rose pattern and is lined with red velvet. Please watch the video and photos carefully, thank you. We...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Silver Plate, Brass

Pillbox shaped fire enamel hand painted floral miniature Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Shaped pill box in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamels on guilloché and hand-painted floral miniature, with fine hand engravings. Viennese Art Nouveau...
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Art Nouveau Decorative Boxes

Materials

Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

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