Silver plate objects feature a thin layer of silver electroplated onto a base metal, such as copper or nickel silver. These items offer the aesthetic appeal of fine silverware without the high cost. Unlike solid sterling silver, silver plate is primarily valued for its aesthetic or collectible qualities, not its intrinsic metal content. Understanding the correct valuation methods and sales strategies is necessary for a successful transaction. This guide offers practical steps for accurately assessing and selling your silver-plated items.
Distinguishing Silver Plate from Sterling Silver
Accurate identification is the first step in selling, as mislabeling an item can undermine a listing. Sterling silver is legally required to contain 92.5% silver and is typically stamped with purity marks such as “925,” “Sterling,” or “Sterling Silver.” Silver-plated items generally lack these official hallmarks because their silver content is too low to qualify.
Silver plate often features abbreviations denoting the electroplating process or the underlying base metal instead of purity marks. Look for markings like “EPNS” (Electroplated Nickel Silver), “EPBM” (Electro-Plated Britannia Metal), or “EP” or “A1,” which designates the quality of the plating. The absence of any purity mark suggests a plated item, though some older or worn pieces may have no legible marks. A visual inspection of wear points, such as edges or handles, can also reveal the object’s nature. If a yellowish or reddish base metal is showing through the silver coating, the item is plated.
A practical test involves using a strong magnet to differentiate the base materials. Sterling silver is not magnetic, but the nickel silver or steel used as a core for silver plate often is. This simple test, combined with mark identification and visual inspection, provides a reliable preliminary assessment without damaging the piece.
Factors That Determine Value
The value of silver-plated objects is driven almost entirely by their desirability as decorative or functional antiques, not by their metal content. The condition of the plating is the most important element. Any wear that exposes the underlying base metal significantly reduces the item’s aesthetic and market appeal. Buyers look for items with minimal wear, especially on high-contact areas like flatware handles or serving dish rims.
The manufacturer and specific pattern significantly influence the price. Makers like Gorham or Reed & Barton, who produced both sterling and high-quality plate, command higher prices due to their reputation for craftsmanship and design. Specific design aesthetics, such as Art Deco or ornate Victorian patterns, also attract niche collectors. Completeness plays a large role, with full flatware sets, especially those in their original presentation boxes, being more valuable than individual, mismatched pieces.
Preparing Your Items for Market
Proper preparation is necessary to maximize the appeal of your items to potential buyers. Cleaning should be gentle and conservative, using a mild silver polish and a soft cloth to remove tarnish. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals, which can hasten the erosion of the thin silver layer. Excessive polishing can permanently damage the object, so care should be taken to preserve the remaining silver.
It is generally not advisable to invest in professional replating or repair unless the item is rare or historically significant. The cost of replating usually exceeds the potential increase in the resale price for most common silver-plated items. The most important step in preparation is high-quality photography. This requires clear, bright lighting and a neutral background. Include multiple photos showing the entire object, detailed close-ups of manufacturer marks, and transparent images of any wear spots or flaws.
Selecting the Right Sales Venue
Choosing the appropriate venue depends on the size of your collection, desired speed of sale, and the overall quality of the items.
Online Marketplaces
For high-quality, collectible pieces with distinct patterns, online marketplaces like eBay or Etsy offer access to a global audience of dedicated collectors. These platforms allow you to set your price and reach the broadest number of potential buyers searching for specific manufacturers or design eras. The trade-off for this broad reach is the time required to manage individual listings, handle shipping logistics, and pay platform selling fees.
Local Sales
Local sales options provide a faster, more convenient path, especially for large, bulky collections that are difficult to ship. Antique dealers or consignment shops offer a quick transaction, but they purchase items at a wholesale rate to account for their overhead and profit margin, resulting in a lower personal payout. Estate sales or local auctions are also effective for moving a large volume of items simultaneously, though the final price realized can be unpredictable.
Scrap Metal Buyers
Selling to a scrap metal buyer is the least desirable option and is only suitable for items that are severely damaged or have no aesthetic value left due to worn plating. Since the value is based on the weight of the underlying base metal, the return will be minimal. This method should be considered a last resort when all other avenues for selling the item for its collectible value have been exhausted. Scrap buyers purchase metal by weight, not historical or aesthetic value.
Creating Effective Listings and Setting Prices
Once a venue is selected, the success of the sale hinges on a detailed and transparent listing. Descriptions should be comprehensive, including precise measurements, the total weight, and a clear transcription of all manufacturer or plating marks. It is necessary to be fully transparent about the condition, explicitly detailing any areas of plating wear, dents, or repairs, as this builds trust with potential buyers.
Competitive pricing is best determined by researching sold listings on comparable platforms, not just active listings, which may be priced unrealistically high. Search for items of the same manufacturer, pattern, and condition to establish a realistic market range. Setting a price within this established range, or slightly below it if a quick sale is preferred, will attract serious buyers.
Shipping requires careful attention, as silver-plated hollowware can be delicate. Use ample padding and double-box fragile items to prevent movement and damage during transit. For higher-value sets, purchasing shipping insurance is a necessary precaution to protect against loss or damage. Providing accurate shipping weights and dimensions upfront also ensures buyers have a clear understanding of the total cost, which contributes to a smooth and professional transaction.