I have a sterling silver plated large serving tray and 2 wine goblets. What would the dollar valve be? – From Karen in Southern California
Hi Karen,
I am sorry to tell you that we do not buy plated silver items because the silver is plated too thinly to return any money based on the precious metal content. You would be better off trying to sell these items as a serving tray and goblets.
Silver plating techniques have become very advanced so that the plating manufactures use the smallest amount of silver possible to get the desired silver sheen. Many times the silver plating is so thin that it can be scratched off by hard objects such as a coin or paperclip.
If you have a silver item that you don’t know is plated or silver, we recommend running a strong magnetic over the items. Precious metal is NOT magnetic, so if the magnetic sticks then your items do not have value based on their precious metal content. Find out more about our silver refining services on our website found here: http://www.archenterprises.com/
38 comments
Interesting reply. So if I understand you..
IF the magnet DOES NOT stick to the item in question it has enough silver to refine and if the magnet DOES stick to the item in question it is of NO refining value.
I have two piles in front of me right now.
The right pile sticks to my magnet. So it has no refining value.
The left pile does NOT stick to my magnet. So it HAS refining value.
If I understand it correctly you’ve been a big help.
Thank You,
Nick
Hi Nick,
Thanks for trying out our magnet test. However this test cannot stand alone to determine if your items are a precious metal, and further it can not determine the amount of precious metal your items might contain. This is a good START to determining if your items have refining value. You would be correct in that your pile that DOES stick to the magnet does NOT have value to refine, because precious metals are not magnetic.
The pile that is not sticking to your magnetic could have value, however if your items are not marked or hallmarked, we would test them to determine the amount of precious metal available to refine. At least now you can rule out the magnetic pile and focus on finding out if the other non-magnetic pile has refining value.
Thanks!
i read your coment above to check with a magnet. now i am really confused, i have a punch bowl, 12 cups,
laddle and tray by wallace grand barough and on it says silverplated but it does not stick to a magner.
can you please provide any info on this subject.
thank you.
Hi Diane,
Not all silver plated items will stick to a magnet. This is just a simple test to use on items that are not marked at all.
Regardless if your silver plated items are magnetic or not, silver plated items do not contain enough silver to refine.
Hope this clears things up for you. Thanks!
For silver-plated items, what would likely be the base metal if non-ferrous? Certainly the value wouldn’t be close to that of silver, but if you get enough brass, copper, or nickel it would be of some value (by the pound).
I have 3 lg spoons, 2 sm spoons, 5 lg forks, 3 sm forks, and 4 knives that have a eagle then wm rogers then a star then IS on them. I am trying to figure out what I have here. They do not stick to a magnet. I have looked and looked all over the web trying to figure out what they were and if they were worth anything. Could you please help?
Hello @Dana. More info about your Wm. Rogers spoons can be found here: http://www.precious-metal-refining.info/precious-metal-refining-blog-value-of-rogers-bros-sterling-silver-dinnerware/ Unfortunately we cannot say for certain the grade of your silverware based on the information you have provided. If your pieces have passed the magnet test you could send us one of your pieces to test for you. Give us a call if you want to set something like that up. Find our number here: http://www.archenterprises.com/contact-us.asp. Thanks!
I have flat ware that was handed down to me from my Great-Great Aunt. It has Reed and Barton printed on it, but it does not specify whether it it silver-plated or silver. Also, a magnet will NOT stick to it. I’m pretty sure myself, that it’s silver-plated. Any other simple trick to know for sure?
Thanks!!
Hi Melissa,
Unfortunately there are not any simple tricks to knowing what type of metal you have. We recommend the magnet test as only a starting point to eliminating possibilities. A local jeweler or pawn shop might be a good place to start. Also try doing some research online. Reed and Barton makes several patterns. Try finding the one you have to see if it is sterling. You can post an image on our form here, http://www.precious-metal-refining.info/submit-question/ and we would be happy to post it for you to see if anyone else can comment on it.
Thanks for reading!
If you are trying to identify patterns and possible value for your silver-lated flatware. I took a sample of all my handed down sets of silverplate to a copy place and copied the front and back of each sample item (so everything is legible–pattern and maker’s marks).
I then sent them to Replacements and they identified the patterns for me. I could then see what the buy and sell rates were.
i have a fairly large trophy cup, 17″ tall, made early 1920’s by wallace bros. in wallingford conn. it has a v 9335 stap. how can i determine what silver content it has?
How can I pass the middle man and go directly to seell silver and not to jewelers Thanks Jack
Hi Jack,
Working directly with precious metal refiners allows you to pass the middleman. Places like pawn shops or jewelers may buy your items, but not tell you that is it just for the precious metal value. Make sure that you only want to sell your items for the precious metal — then give us a call of request an estimate! http://www.precious-metal-refining.info/request-estimate/
i have an 6 piece flatware set that says on the handle prestige plate.it does not stick to a magnet . where do I take this stuff to be sold or can they melt it down as I have several piecesz of other items that I need to get rid of. thank you.
Greetings @Diane. As mentioned in previous posts, we cannot refine plated silver. However, a collector may be interested interested in your set. Look into reselling on places such as eBay or Craigslist. This post could be of service as well: http://www.precious-metal-refining.info/sterling-silver-flatware-refining-example-precious-metal-refining-blog/
I have a 1881 Wm. A. Rogers, Limited Oneida LTD. Successor, Sherrill, NY on the back of the piece it say 1881 Rogers AA heavy The paper work I have says it has a heavy deposit of pure silver on the finest 18% nickel silver base. they have alkso added a heavy overlay deposite of pure silver on the back of the staple and most0used pieces where most wear comes. Is there any value in this full set of table wear? thanks you.
Hi Susa,
We do not pretend that we are antique dealers or experts in the markings and brands of silver. Without actually testing your pieces it is hard to say exactly what they would be worth based on the silver content.
However,the “overlay of pure silver” that you describe sounds like silver plating. Which we cannot refine. Also a “nickel silver base” does not contain any silver and we do not refine nickle silver either. (see a blog post reference link below).
With that said, a precious metal refiner may not be the best place for you to sell. I would say taking your pieces to resell as a full set of tableware, with your paperwork, that you may get some resale value out of it, not based on the silver value. Hope that helps!
http://www.precious-metal-refining.info/what-is-nickel-silver/
I have a 12-piece set of unopened Noble Prestige silverplated flatware purchased in 1970 housed in its original case. I am aware it is not “silver”, but what would be the price for such a set intact?
Also,
I have four “sterling” silver spoons, actually indicating “sterling” on the spoons. Approximately, how much would be the worth of these items?
Also,
Found several, I think silver-plated flatware with the name “Community” written on each item. It looks at though it is an 8-piece set. Here again, what approximately value?
Thank you for your assistance.
Ann
I have two sets of plated silver faltware; one prestige plated and the second is Original Rogers plated. Neither stick to a magnet. Are they worth selling?
hey there i have a 10piece silver plated trays and what not it has the year 1847 along with roger bros. i want to know if it has any value ive tried stickig a magnet to it and it does NOT stick. if it does have value , whats its value aproximately. . .
I have 12 place settings of Community Silver Plate flatware. Excellent condition. I would like to sell it. Don\’t know where to begin.
@Mary
Although we do not buy silver plated flatware, you may want to look into seeing if there is value beyond the silver content. Take into consideration the collection value, rarity, and age. Places like eBay would be a better option for you. Good luck!
I have several spoons that were my grandmothers. 4 are Wm A Rogers AA grapefruit spoons, 1 “richmond” on back coin silver, 1 “Ritz-Carlton R 5” They all pass the magnet test, but I don’t know if they are silver. Can you help me?
I have a 12 piece setting of rogers silverplate from the 1940\’s. The pattern is called aurora. Is it worth anything to a jewlery store or scape metal yard or antique store?
Hi Kathy! Thanks for your question. Because what you have is not ideal for a refiner, you have to think about things like rarity, condition and collection value. If you items are not in good shape than they may not fetch anything at an antique store. However, if you don’t mind the work of taking them to an antique dealer, it may not hurt to have the appraise. Otherwise, a scrap yard may be your best bet if you just want to get the material off your hands. Sorry we can’t help more!
I have several various pieces of 1881 Rogers flatware. Pretty sure it is silver plated, but not sure. I was wondering if silver plated flatware is worth anything. Do you know?
Hi Merita. Thank you for your question. Unfortunately silver plated flatware is not worth anything to us as precious metal refiners. There is so little silver used in the plating process that it takes more energy than it is worth to recover. Best, -Arch
I came across a large flatware set. on the back it reads old company plate and on the handle the letter P. can you help me out with this.
Hi there, We can not cay for sure but the words “plate” and “P” are a red flag that what you have is silver plated flatware and so would not be worth anything for the silver value, as it is not sterling. However, if the set is in tact you may be able to sell it as a set on a site like Ebay. Thanks!
Hi. I have a service for 12 set of Rogers&Bro Reinforced Plate flatware with the IS embossed in the handle. The set is called Garland aka Rapture manufactured in 1937. It passes the “magnet does not stick” test. What is “reinforced” plate? The definition of reinforced is ” to strengthen “… So there is more silver added to make it stronger?
Hi Gregory. Since your pieces are marked with the word “plate” your set is not sterling. The “reinforced” most likely means that the pieces were made with some other kind of metal that was used to “strengthen” your piece. Many times we find that when a butter knife is taken apart there is a steel metal rod that runs in them middle of it to add weight and strength. Since your pieces are not sterling, it would probably be best to look to resell them as a plated silver set which may fetch between $100-$300 is what we have seen on places like Ebay.
Note that we are not experts in giving estimates on specific brands or types of silverware. So if you still have questions you may want to consult your local jeweler or someone that specializes in antiques may be able to help. Good Luck, thank you for your question!
I have a complete set of original Rogers DeluxePlate silver service for 12. Its a “gracious” pattern. I did the magnet test but none of the magnets I tried stuck. I’ve been offered $120 for the whole set (service for 12)should I be skeptical?
I was just given a Barton and Reed Serving Tray 06116 D7 24. It is in a maroon bag with a zipper. Could you give me an idea what it’s worth.
I have a Reed & Barton Treymore Hotel lidded pitcher it has a scale shaped icon mark above The Reed & Barton silver soldered 310 2P Hotel Treymore and a 145 stamped verticaly next to it and under the lid.
Ive heard different accounts that this may be complete silver sterling plated nickel ssilver it weighs about 4 lbs. It has a few dents but no sign of plate chipping or anything.
Any information?
I was wondering if it’s worth going to a thrift store and buying silver plate silverware/silver plate serving plate for a few dollars, am I going to make a profit off the silver or is it a waist of time/money? Thank you
What % of gold value do you pay ?
I have 18 pieces of flatware marked “Stieff-Sterling” approximately how much would they be worth? I have no idea how they weigh out I am just trying to get an idea of what they would command.
I have a 12 piece setting plus 7 different serving pieces. salad fork, cocktail fork, dinner fork, knife and butter knife, teaspoon, demi-tais spoon, iced tea spoon and sherburt spoon. None sticks to magnet except blade of dinner knife. 12 of everything. All of this was given to me over 50 years ago. Nickel silver is stamped on back, no brand and some of it is tarnished and I do have to clean with silver polish. Am hard up for cash to fix AC. Any guesstimate on value?
By submitting a comment you grant Precious Metal Refining Blog from Arch Enterprises – Gold & Silver Refiners a perpetual license to reproduce your words and name/web site in attribution. Inappropriate and irrelevant comments will be removed at an admin’s discretion. Your email is used for verification purposes only, it will never be shared.