Question 1

What is antique silver?

Accepted Answer

What antique silver is depends on the context. In many cases, the term refers to silverware and silver decorative objects produced more than 100 years ago. However, antique silver may also be the name of a distressed silver finish frequently used on lighting fixtures and bathroom fixtures. Explore a selection of antique silver wares on 1stDibs.

Question 2

What is the difference between silver and antique silver?

Accepted Answer

The difference between silver and antique silver is age. Items of any age made of silver or a silver alloy may be called silver. The term antique silver refers to silver pieces that are at least 100 years old. On 1stDibs, shop a range of antique, vintage and modern silver tableware and decorative objects.

Question 3

Is antique silver real silver?

Accepted Answer

Whether or not antique silver is real depends on the piece. Sometimes, manufacturers simply call a gray-silver finish antique silver. In these cases, the item is usually not real silver. It is possible for antique silver to be pure silver, sterling or silver plated. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of silver decorative objects and jewelry.

Question 4

What is an antique silver plate?

Accepted Answer

Silver-plating refers to the process of applying a thin layer of silver overtop of a base metal, such as copper, nickel or pewter. An antique silver-plated item would have gone through this same process. Shop a collection of expertly vetted antique silver plate items from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 5

How do you identify silver antiques?

Accepted Answer

To identify silver antiques, search for a maker's mark on the base, handle, interior and other inconspicuous areas. Using trusted online resources, research the maker to find out when it was in business and browse online catalogues and image galleries, looking for pieces that resemble yours. Doing so can help you get a rough idea of when your silver objects were manufactured. To be classified as antique, an item must be at least 100 years old. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can also assist with the identification process. On 1stDibs, explore a range of antique silver decorative objects.

Question 6

What is antique silver made of?

Accepted Answer

What antique silver is made of varies. In most cases, antique silver is sterling silver, which is 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% alloys. You can also find antique silver jewelry and decorative objects made out of other silver alloys, like fine silver, which is 99.9% silver and only 0.1% alloys. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of silver pieces from some of the world's top sellers.

Question 7

What is antique silver plating?

Accepted Answer

Antique silver plating is a thin layer of genuine silver applied over top of a base metal. Depending on the piece, the main metal may be copper, brass or nickel. You'll find a range of antique silver-plated decorative objects on 1stDibs.

Question 8

What is antique sterling silver?

Accepted Answer

Sterling silver is an alloyed form of silver, and is made up of 92.5% fine silver and 7.5% copper. An antique sterling silver item will have the same silver content and will be over 100 years old. Shop a collection of expertly vetted antique sterling silver from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 9

What does antique silver mean?

Accepted Answer

Antique silver is a type of silver that is at least a century old. Find a diverse range of intricately designed, elegant antique silver decorative objects and more on 1stDibs.

Question 10

Is antique silverware real silver?

Accepted Answer

Whether antique silverware is real silverware or not varies. Many antique flatware pieces feature silver plate, so they consist of a base metal beneath a layer of genuine silver. There is also flatware made entirely from sterling silver, which is an alloy that is 92.5% silver and 7.5% base metal. Researching the hallmarks found on your silverware using trusted online resources can help you determine whether the items are sterling silver or silver plate. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can also assist you. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of antique silverware.

Question 11

Is antique sterling silver valuable?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some antique sterling silver is valuable. Sterling silver of any age has value as a material because it is a precious metal. Some pieces may be worth even more than the going rate for sterling due to their maker, style, type and condition. Some silversmiths whose pieces are often in demand among collectors include Tiffany & Co., Georg Jensen, Gorham Manufacturing Company and Towle. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of antique sterling silver wares.

Question 12

How can I tell if sterling silver is antique?

Accepted Answer

Sterling silver is considered antique if it was made over 100 years ago. Many antique sterling silver items will have a mark or stamp. First, clean the item and check for marks. A “925” mark indicates a silver purity of 92.5 percent, which is the composition of sterling silver. If you don’t see a mark, work with a certified appraiser to acid test the item and determine the silver content. You’ll find expertly vetted antique sterling silver items on 1stDibs.

Question 13

Does antique silver plate have any value?

Accepted Answer

Whether antique silverplate has any value depends on a variety of factors. The design of the piece, who made it and decoration are among the biggest determiners of value. Generally, rarer pieces that remain in good condition will be worth the most. Today, just as pewter collectibles and sterling silver are popular with collectors at neighborhood flea markets, antique Sheffield silverplate housewares are sought after for their appearance and rich history. Consider having the piece evaluated by a knowledgeable antiques dealer or certified appraiser to get an accurate estimate of how much it's worth. On 1stDibs, find antique silverplate from some of the world's top sellers.

Question 14

How can I tell if a silver spoon is antique?

Accepted Answer

To tell if a silver spoon is an antique, seek the assistance of a licensed and experienced appraiser. Many antique pieces lack marks, and it is generally not possible to determine the type and age of metal through a simple visual inspection. Shop a collection of expertly vetted antique silver spoons on 1stDibs.

Question 15

Is antique silver plate valuable?

Accepted Answer

While antique silver plate can be worth something, it is not usually as valuable compared with contemporary pieces or similar sterling silver antiques.

Question 16

Is antique silver plate worth anything?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some antique silver plate is worth something. However, any value that a piece has usually comes from its rarity rather than from the cost of its materials, because silver plate contains very little pure silver. There is generally a demand for certain older pieces by Christoffle, Elkington & Co., Mapp & Webb and other well-known manufacturers. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can evaluate the condition of your piece and give you an idea of how much it is worth. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of silver plate tableware, serveware and decorative objects.

Question 17

Is silver-plated antique silverware worth anything?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some silver-plated antique silverware may be worth something. Antique pieces are 100 years old or older, and because of their age, pieces in good condition may be sought after by collectors due to their rarity. The maker, style and type will also impact the potential resale value. In terms of value as scrap metal, antique silver-plated silverware usually isn't worth much because silver plate is made only from a small amount of pure silver. To get an estimated value for your silverware, consult a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer. Explore a wide range of antique silverware on 1stDibs.

Dudley Antique Silver

19th Century English Victorian Dudley Antique Silver

Antique Sterling Silver Salts

1840s English Victorian Dudley Antique Silver

Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Mustard Pot (1841)

1840s British Victorian Dudley Antique Silver

Antique Victorian 1843 English Sterling Silver Wine Ewer

1830s British Victorian Dudley Antique Silver

Antique 1800s Victorian Sterling Silver Cheese Scoop

Mid-19th Century English Victorian Dudley Antique Silver

Very Good 19th Century Sterling Silver Stuffing Spoon, Hallmarked London 1843

19th Century English Victorian Dudley Antique Silver

Octagonal Victorian Silver Kettle & Stand, 1844

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Dudley Antique Silver

English Sterling Cut Glass & Sterling Perfume, Birmingham 1905, William Dudley’

Mid-19th Century English Victorian Dudley Antique Silver

A Very Fine Pair of 19th Century Sterling Silver Sauce Ladles, Hallmarked 1840

Recent Sales

1840s English Victorian Dudley Antique Silver

Magnificent Antique Sterling Silver Coffee Pot, London, 1846

Early 19th Century English Victorian Dudley Antique Silver

Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Kettle on Stand

1760s European Dudley Antique Silver

Chelsea Gold Anchor Vase, 'Dudley' Type, circa 1765

19th Century British Dudley Antique Silver

Sir Dudley Baines Forwood, Baronet British Sterling Silver, Late 19th Century

19th Century English Georgian Dudley Antique Silver

Set of Three Sterling Silver Wine Coasters Samuel Hayne Dudley Cater London 1841

1830s English Dudley Antique Silver

Silver and Silver-Gilt Sailing Regatta Trophy by Samuel Hayne and Dudley Cater

19th Century Dudley Antique Silver

Antique Silver Marrow Scoop Spoon, London 1838 by Hayne & Cater

People Also Browsed

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dudley Antique Silver

Guido Faleschini for Mariani Set of Queen Bed Nightstands and Stools in Leather

Late 19th Century European Moorish Dudley Antique Silver

Mid-Victorian Moorish wrought & cast iron pergola or decorative garden structure

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dudley Antique Silver

Robert Salleroli American Abstract Wood Assemblage Monumental Cabinet

1970s English Dudley Antique Silver

Stuart Devlin Set of Twelve Silver and Silver-Gilt "Twelve Days of Christmas"

19th Century Unknown Empire Dudley Antique Silver

19th Century Watch Winding Display Cabinet

15th Century and Earlier Uruguayan Dudley Antique Silver

Museum Quality Very Large Amethyst Centerpiece, a Mineral Masterpiece

20th Century American Art Nouveau Dudley Antique Silver

Louis Comfort Tiffany Pastel Favrile Glass Dinnerware

20th Century European Dudley Antique Silver

Silver and Silver Gilt Nef Sailing Ship

Early 20th Century American Renaissance Revival Dudley Antique Silver

Tiffany & Co. San Lorenzo Silver Flatware Service, 248 Pieces

1910s American Art Nouveau Dudley Antique Silver

Tiffany Studios Rare Empire Jewel Table Lamp

19th Century American Rococo Dudley Antique Silver

Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Service, 705 Pieces

Early 19th Century French Charles X Dudley Antique Silver

Exquisite Rotunda Structure Kiosk Copper & Carved Stone Bench Seating Columns

19th Century Italian Victorian Dudley Antique Silver

Rare Moses Michelangelo Guggenheim & Pauly Cie Et Venice Antique Carved Armoire

Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Dudley Antique Silver

Rare Victorian Firescreen with Taxidermy Hummingbirds by Henry Ward

Early 20th Century German Dudley Antique Silver

Large German Early 20th Century Silver and Vermeil Nef

19th Century American Rococo Dudley Antique Silver

Tiffany & Co. Silver-Gilt Finger Bowls

Dudley Antique Silver For Sale on 1stDibs

How Much is a Dudley Antique Silver?