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Metal
Flatware
(knives, fork, spoons) and hollowware (pitchers, teapots, trays) are
made from a variety of metals:
You
can identify the metal by its appearance, wear characteristics,
and marks. For more about marks, see the next section.
Maker
Most
of the silver you will buy or use is manufactured silver, that is,
not handmade. The best key to identification of the maker is the mark on
the back of the piece. I strongly recommend the book Encyclopedia of
American Silver Manufacturers by Dorothy Rainwater, which appears in
my list Books about Silver. It is still in
print in paperback and clearly shows the many marks associated with the
different manufacturers, as well as providing important historical
information.
Less
complete than Rainwater's book, but useful if you believe you know the
manufacturer is the set of images at the Online Encyclopedia of Silver
Marks website.
Pattern
Identification
If
you know the name of a pattern of manufactured flatware, you can buy
more or sell what you have, as well as establish value by reviewing sales
on eBay and other Internet markets. The following books are strongly
recommended:
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For
sterling: Sterling Flatware: An Identification and Value Guide
by Tere Hagan
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For
silverplate: Silverplated Flatware: An Identification and Value
Guide by Tere Hagan
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For
stainless: Stainless Flatware Guide by Replacements Ltd.
All
of these books are further described in my list
Books about Silver.
In
order for some else to identify your silver, you need to provide a clear
image of a sample piece, as well as the exact text of whatever mark
appears on the back. Images can be made with a digital camera or scanner
for transmission by email. You can also use a copying machine, but then
you will need to mail or fax the resulting image.
Many
dealers offer an identification service. For example, Replacements Ltd.
will assist in identifying what you have. You will find clear
instructions at their website.
If
you would like to see pictures of examples of different silver pieces,
take a look at my albums of images at the Flickr
photo website.
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