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Silver Information

Silver has been in use since 4000BC and has been used for both practical purposes and ornamental. Not only are there different purposes for silver, but there are also different types.

If an item is marked Sterling, it means that the silver content is at least 92.5% silver. American silver usually has the word Sterling stamped on it whereas British silver may have either the word Sterling or the Lion Passant. Both indicate that the silver is at least 92.5% silver.

Coin silver was used before sterling silver in America. Coin silver is usually 90% silver.

In addition to sterling silver there is Sheffield Plate, Electroplate and German Silver. Sheffield Plate was one of the earliest types of silver plate. Sheffield Plate was copper with a layer of silver on the top and bottom so that the copper does not show. Sheffield Plate is quite collectible as it is quite rare. Sheffield Plate is no longer used as Electroplating took its place. Sheffield Plate is rarely marked and has a blueish tinge to it.

Electroplating is the process which involves taking a base metal, such as copper or brass, and plating it with silver. Electroplated goods are often stamped EPNS but there are some excellent silver makers which carried out these tasks and electroplated items can also be collected according to their makers.

German Silver actually contains no silver at all. German silver is an alloy of copper, nickel and zinc.

Home » Silver Information » Page 7
Gorham Silver Makers Mark
Posted inAmerican Silver Makers International Silver Makers Silver Information Silver Makers

Gorham Manufacturing Co

Gorham Manufacturing Co. Gorham's was founded by Jabez Gorham and Henry L Webster in 1831. The company was based in Providence, Rhode Island. In 1842 the company was succeeded by…
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Posted inAmerican Silver Makers, International Silver Makers, Silver Information, Silver Makers
Hot milk pot
Posted inSilver Information Subjects in Silver

Cherubs and Putti

Cherubs have held a mystical fascination throughout time. One of the most famous cherubs is Cupid, who was the Roman God of Love. He was also known as Amor and…
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Posted inSilver Information, Subjects in Silver
A silver handled button hook with embossed fruiting vine decoration
Posted inSewing Implements and Accessories Silver Information Silver Items Vanity Items

Button Hooks

Button Hooks are small hooks for fastening a button on shoes or gloves. Antique Button Hooks are very collectible due to their attractive and often elaborate handles. Different sizes were…
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Posted inSewing Implements and Accessories, Silver Information, Silver Items, Vanity Items
A PAIR OF PERFUME BOTTLES IN THE FORM OF BIRDS POSSIBLY KUTCH, NORTH OR WEST INDIA, LATE 19TH/ 20TH CENTURY
Posted inBottles Silver Information Silver Items Vanity Items

Scent Bottles

Scent bottles / perfume bottles have been made and decorated with silver for many years. They have been used for holding wine, scent, snuff and many other substances. Below are…
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Posted inBottles, Silver Information, Silver Items, Vanity Items
A Set of Twelve Art Deco Silver-gilt and Ivory Swizzle Sticks and Stands, Cartier, New York, circa 1935
Posted inSilver Information Silver Items

Swizzle Sticks

Swizzle sticks were invented by Jay Sindler around 1933, just after the end of prohibition. There are a wide range of shapes and materials, the majority being plastic or wood,…
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Posted inSilver Information, Silver Items
Sugar Sifter Spoon English (London) 1786–87 Marked by Thomas Wallis II
Posted inFlatware Silver Information Silver Items Spoons

Sugar Sifter Spoons

Sugar Sifter Spoons can be found in a variety of styles. They can be found either as an item in a canteen or on its own. Handles can be plain,…
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Posted inFlatware, Silver Information, Silver Items, Spoons
Gilded silver seal top spoon ca. 1620
Posted inFlatware Silver Information Silver Items Spoons

Seal Top Spoons

Seal Top Spoons are the most commonly found spoons from the 16th and 17th Centuries. They vary in length and design but the tops are always flat with a disc…
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Posted inFlatware, Silver Information, Silver Items, Spoons
Caddy Spoon English (London) 1789–90 Marked by Hester Bateman (1708–1794)
Posted inFlatware Silver Information Silver Items Spoons

Caddy Spoons

Caddy Spoons were, and still are, used to scoop a measure of tea from a caddy into a pot. They come in various shapes and designs and are one of…
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Posted inFlatware, Silver Information, Silver Items, Spoons
Gorham "Versailles" silver berry spoons with vermeil bowls hand-chased and embossed with fruits and leaves
Posted inFlatware Silver Information Silver Items Spoons

Berry Spoons

Berry Spoons can be found in many sizes. They would usually be used for serving soft fruits and the bowls are often highly decorated with embossed fruits, hence the name…
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Posted inFlatware, Silver Information, Silver Items, Spoons
Apostle spoon depicting St. John with deep fig-shaped bowl inscribed on the back with the initials IG, and a thick, tapering stem ending with a moulded capital, on which the figure stands
Posted inFlatware Silver Information Silver Items Spoons

Apostle Spoons

Apostle Spoons were a popular and fashionable Christening Gift in Tudor and Stuart times. A full set of twelve was a very valuable gift. Some sets had thirteen and these…
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Posted inFlatware, Silver Information, Silver Items, Spoons

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