Question 1

How can you tell silver from silver plating?

Accepted Answer

To tell silver from silver plating, try holding a strong magnet near the item. If the magnet is attracted to the piece, it is most likely silver-plated, as solid silver is unlikely to be magnetic. You can also check the hallmarks. Markings that say silver plate, EP, EPNS, EPBM or BP indicate plating. Alternatively, you can have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer evaluate the piece. Explore a large selection of silver jewelry, tableware and decorative objects on 1stDibs.

Question 2

What was silver plate called?

Accepted Answer

The silver plate commonly used during the 18th century is Sheffield plate. It is a combination of silver and copper. By the mid 19th century, most silver plate pieces featured electroplating. Find a collection of Sheffield plate silver ware on 1stDibs.

Question 3

What is the hallmark for silver plate?

Accepted Answer

The hallmark for silver plate depends on the manufacturer. Most often, companies do not place hallmarks on silver plate. This differs from sterling silver, which usually bears a 925 mark. In some cases, companies may stamp "plated" or a similar term, but this is uncommon. On 1stDibs, find a range of silver plate serveware and decorative objects.

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

What is the mark for silver-plated?

Accepted Answer

The mark for silver plating varies. In the U.S., the most common markings are EP, EPNS, A1 and B1. A UK silver plate may feature a wide range of markings. You can find pictures of these identifying marks on trusted online resources and use them to determine if a particular piece is silver-plated. Alternatively, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer can assist with identification. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of silver wares.

Question 6

What is triple-plated silver?

Accepted Answer

Triple-plated silver is silverware manufactured with a certain technique. Specifically, the manufacturer has applied three layers of silver plating to the base metal during the production process to ensure its durability. You will sometimes see triple-plating described as "Treble Plate." Find a large selection of silverware from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 7

What is Sheffield silver plate?

Accepted Answer

Sheffield silver plate usually refers to electroplated silverware produced in Sheffield, England. Prior to electroplating, Sheffield silver was associated with a particular process of layered construction which consisted of copper and silver. Today, this older form of silver is usually referred to by collectors as “Old Sheffield Silver Plate.” Shop a collection of Sheffield silver from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 8

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 9

What is the difference between a silver plate and a Sheffield plate?

Accepted Answer

The difference between a silver plate and a Sheffield plate is that one item is a type of the other. Silverplate, which is sometimes spelled silver-plate or silver plate, is the general name for any silver wares made predominantly of a base metal finished with a thin layer of pure silver.

Developed in the 1700s by Thomas Boulsover in Sheffield, England, Sheffield silverplate is a specific type of silverplate created by fusing silver with copper. This new material felt like silver but was substantially cheaper. It was then used to produce a variety of serveware, candlesticks, buttons, tea sets and more.

Find antique Sheffield silverplate and other silverplate objects for sale on 1stDibs.

Question 10

How do I tell if a teapot is silver or silver plated?

Accepted Answer

To tell if your teapot is silver or silver plated, look for markings. Sterling silver teapots often show some type of markings, while silver plate pieces rarely have hallmarks. An expert licensed appraiser can assist with identification. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of expertly vetted silver teapots.

Question 11

How can you tell if a silver plate is real silver?

Accepted Answer

To tell if a silver plate is real silver, first try holding a magnet close to it. If the magnet sticks, the piece may be silver-plated, meaning that it is primarily a base metal with a thin layer of pure silver over top. Alternatively, a magnetic plate may be crafted out of an entirely different material that simply has a silver-tone appearance. You can also research any hallmarks on the plate using trusted online resources or ask a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer to give their expert opinion on the material. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of silver plates.

Question 12

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 13

Is silver plate worth any money?

Accepted Answer

Silver plate is generally not worth very much because the silver is simply coating a base metal. Therefore they do not hold any monetary worth.

Question 14

How can you tell if silver is solid or plated?

Accepted Answer

To tell if silver is solid or plated, try holding a magnet near it. Solid silver is not magnetic, but the base metals used in silver plating often are. As a result, if the magnet sticks strongly, the piece likely features silver plating. Another way to determine the materials is to look for markings. On silver wares produced in the U.S., the markings “STER,” “925” or “.925” usually indicate solid silver, while “EP,” “EPNS,” “A1” and “AA” typically indicate silver plating. When in doubt, seek the opinion of a knowledgeable expert, such as a certified appraiser or experienced dealer. Find a variety of silver wares on 1stDibs.

Question 15

What is silver plate worth today?

Accepted Answer

What silver plate is worth today varies. Because silver plate pieces contain only minimal amounts of silver, they usually don't have much value on the scrap market. However, silver plate, which is sometimes spelled silver-plate or silverplate, may be worth something due to its style, type, age, maker, rarity and overall condition. Some silver plate makers that are popular among collectors include Reed & Barton, Gorham, Sheffield Cutlers Company, Christofle, Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik, Lino Sabattini, Elkington & Co. and Mappin & Webb. If you'd like a professional opinion on how much items in your collection may be worth, a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer can assist you. Explore a large collection of antique and vintage Sheffield silver plate and other silver plate on 1stDibs.

Question 16

How do I identify silver plate marks?

Accepted Answer

To identify silver plate marks, first explore trusted online resources for some of the most frequently used examples. Most silver plate pieces will feature a purity marking, such as “EPNS” or “A1,” and markings corresponding to the maker. Photographing the maker's mark and performing a reverse image search may lead to a quick identification. If your search doesn't yield any results, try entering a description of the mark into the search engine or examining reference guides shared by trusted online resources to determine who produced your piece. From there, you can conduct further research to learn about your piece's age, pattern and other features. Another option is to have a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer help you with the identification process. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of silver wares.

Question 17

Is silver-plate silverware valuable?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some silver-plate silverware is valuable. However, the maker, age and style of silver-plated silverware are usually what make it valuable. From a material standpoint, silver plate contains very little pure silver, so the metal on its own is not very valuable. Find a wide range of silverware on 1stDibs.

Question 18

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 19

Are silver-plated items hallmarked?

Accepted Answer

No, silver-plated items will not have a hallmark or ‘925’ stamp. Silver-plated refers to when an item, usually brass, has been coated in a thin layer of silver. You can shop a collection of authentic silver-plated items from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 20

How do you clean something that is silver plated?

Accepted Answer

Set the silver-plated item line glass bowl lined with aluminum foil. Mix boiling water with baking soda and pour over the item. After 5 to 10 minutes, remove the item, rinse under warm water, and dry.

Silver Plated Cat

Late 20th Century Unknown Brooches

Silver Plated Black Enamel Cat Leopard Brooch with Black Rhinestone Eyes

Antique 1880s English Arts and Crafts Sheffield and Silverplate

Christopher Dresser for Roberts & Belk Silver Plated Knife Rests

Antique 1890s English Country Dinner Plates

English Blue & White Plate Rooster & Cat Brown Westhead and Moore, circa 1890

Vintage 1980s Ceramics

Mexican Ceramic Cat Plate By Mara

Late 20th Century German Porcelain

Rosina Wachtmeister for Goebel, Germany. Six dinner plates with cat motifs.

Late 20th Century German Porcelain

Rosina Wachtmeister for Goebel, Germany. Six dinner plates with cat motifs.

Late 20th Century German Porcelain

Rosina Wachtmeister for Goebel, Germany. Six soup plates with cat motifs.

Late 20th Century German Porcelain

Rosina Wachtmeister for Goebel, Germany. Six soup plates with cat motifs.

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Midcentury Vintage Red Cats Decorative Metal Plate, Poland, 1960s

Vintage 1970s Danish Animal Sculptures

Dansk International Designs Ltd. Small sculpture of a cat in plated silver.

Vintage 1920s Austrian Vienna Secession Serving Bowls

1920s Vienna Secession Silver Bowl by J. Hoffmann for Wiener Werkstätte, Austria

2010s Italian Drop Necklaces

Alex Jona Sterling Silver Cat Pendant Necklace

Vintage 1910s French Edwardian Brooches

French Edwardian Cat Brooch

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Retro Pendant Necklaces

Bochic “Retro” Sapphire & South Sea Pearl Cat Pendent Set In 18K Gold & Silver

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Retro Dangle Earrings

Bochic “Retro” Sapphire & South Sea Pearl Cat Earrigns Set In 18K Gold & Silver

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Charm Bracelets

CLARISSA BRONFMAN Turquoise Enamel Diamond Gold Naval Link Chain Charm Bracelet

Vintage 1950s Sterling Silver

Decorative Box, Silver plate Cat lid Box

20th Century Cuff Bracelets

Artisan Modern Silver Plate 'Cat' Cuff Bracelet

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Modern Pendant Necklaces

Cat Whistle Pendant Bastet Necklace, White Enamel

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Modern Pendant Necklaces

Cat Whistle Pendant Bastet Necklace, Black Enamel

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Tableware

Set of French Art Deco Cat Knife Rests

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Napier Silver Plate Liquor a Measuring Jigger in the Form of a Cat

Vintage 1960s English Ceramics

Meow !!! Cat Shaped 1960s Hand Painted Plate

Late 20th Century German Tableware

Four Porcelain Plates with Cat Motifs, Rosina Wachtmeister for Goebel, Germany

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Porcelain

1960s Piero Fornasetti Themes and Variations Milano Italy Porcelain Cat Plate

Vintage 1970s Danish Country Porcelain

1970 Danish Royal Copenhagen Christmas Plate - Christmas Rose & Cat by Kaj Lange

2010s British Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Fei Liu Turquoise Cat's Eye Stone CZ Textured Black Rhodium Plate Silver Pendant

2010s British Contemporary Choker Necklaces

Multicolour Cubic Zirconia Rose Gold Plated Sterling Silver Bubble Necklace

Vintage 1910s Arts and Crafts Tobacco Accessories

Collection 11 Antique Silvered Metal Cigar Cutters Dog Jockey Horse Eagle Cat

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Mantel Clocks

Art Deco Cubist French Clock with Cats, Attributed to Georges Lavrov / Lavroff

Late 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Animal Sculptures

Scandinavian Modern Original Dansk Design Silver Plate Cat Paperweight, Denmark

Late 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Paperweights

Scandinavian Modern Original Dansk Design Silver Plate Cat Paperweight Denmark

Vintage 1980s French Modern Figurative Sculptures

Pierced Silver Plate Cat Christofle France Lumiere Figurine

Antique 1880s American Victorian Tableware

"Cat with a Ball of Yarn" Silver Plate Victorian Napkin Ring, American

Antique Late 19th Century American High Victorian Sheffield and Silverplate

Meriden 'Dog and Cat' Silverplated Figural Napkin Ring

Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Art Deco American Sculptural Silver Plated Stylized Cat Jigger by Napier

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Barware

Art Deco Silver Plate 1oz Cat Form Spirit Measure / Jigger Marked Napier

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays

Rare Chrome Plated Jaguar Mk II 'Leaping Cat' Dealership Ashtray

Late 20th Century German Tableware

Rosina Wachtmeister for Goebel, Germany, Four Porcelain Plates with Cat Motifs

Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware