How to tell plated vs. sterling silver serving tray?
+++++Q. I bought a silver tray at a yard sale. It was badly tarnished so I cleaned it. It reads Early American, then the IS symbol, then International Silver Company, a number 4133, and 18 IN. How can I find out if it is real silver or silver plated? It has no EPNS or EP on the tray to indicate that it is plated, but it also does not say that it is sterling.
consumer - Woolwich, Maine
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A. You can try with magnifying glass-if your tray is plated hue of pure silver and nickel silver is visibly different. - Zagreb, Croatia ++++++ Q. My father has an silver serving tray with those exact markings (Early American, International Silver Company, 4133 18 in). Have you found out any other information about it? Oh, by the way. I was looking at the one my father has and it is well used. It is definitely plated. My father found his in the middle of two walls during demolition of a house in Corpus Christi, Texas. James E Cain- Boise, Idaho |
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Ed. note: Gentle readers, this site focuses on metal finishing. Sometimes we veer off topic a bit, and it's no problem if people ask for "General" ways to figure out what they have.
But countless millions of people have odd pieces in their attic, and whenever we wander into identification and valuation, we're instantly swamped with requests (this is one of dozens of such threads) :-(
If your question is about general procedures, we can try to help but we simply have no choice but to discard inquiries asking how much something is worth. There is nothing wrong with questions of that sort, but this is the wrong site for it -- we don't have a hundredth of the processing power and it derails our focus. Sorry!
May 23, 2008
I too purchased a silver tray at a yard sale. It is stamped on the back: Line 1-Crescent
Line 2-some type of animal head,
another head of some bird
Line 3-1672EH
Do these markings tell if it is real or not?
- Keokuk, Iowa
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May 2008
Hi, Beverly. I think you may need to buy or borrow from the library some books on "Hallmarking". The markings will never prove that something is valuable because they can be forged, but they can tell you that it's not. It's like if you have a $1 bill you can be pretty confident it's real; if you have a $1000 bill then you need to bring it to an expert to see if it's real. Good luck! Regards,
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July 30, 2008
Q. I just purchased a pair of silver candlesticks from an online auction. I was told that the candlesticks are made by Forbes Silver Co of Meridian, Connecticut. The pattern on the candlesticks is Burgundy or Burgundy Grape. They are marked on the bottom with the numbers 1732 & 1733. The seller said that the candlesticks were made in 1841 and that they are in good shape. However, I am concerned that these are silver plate rather than sterling silver since there is no marking that specifically says "Sterling" or 92.5. How do I tell whether these are actually sterling silver? Is there a standard indicating that sterling silver must be marked as sterling or marked with the silver content?
Alicia Torrybuyer - Houston, Texas
August 1, 2008
Q. I have a serving tray that has godinger on it and it is very heavy. It has clusters of grapes on it. Is it the real thing and how do I tell the difference. Thanks
Leigh Hall- Virginia.
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August 5, 2008
A. Hi. A tiny sterling jewelry article might not be marked because it could detract from the appearance and because if you mark it sterling you also have to put your own registered mark on it, and some very small custom jewelry outfits don't want to bear the cost of registration. (Thanks to Yahoo answers at answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20071126222513AAAky9v But if a tray is sterling it will be marked as such. What manufacturer would want to try to sell a tray at the price he needs to charge for silver, and have the public think it's only silverplate? If you are not convinced by the logic of it and want to test it, test kits are inexpensive and readily available. Good luck, and pray for a miracle :-) Regards,
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October 19, 2008
I have 53 pieces of silverware which my father had.It is stamped International silver co. and USN on one side and an anchor on the other.It was used on the USS WASP and given to my father.Is it sterling silver?I can find no markings to determine if it is.Thanks!
Bill Fordretired - Nashville, Tennessee
January 15, 2009
I am looking to find info on a mark on a silver pitcher. The top is removable with holes in it. The first mark on the left is a double lined cross, on the right next to that is a crown with the letters LBSCO on top of the crown, below the crown is " N. 6." under the N & 6 is the numbers 1806, next to the crown is a coat of armor or coat of arms mark with a 7 in it. Do you know the maker of these marks? Thank you for your help.
own a resale shop - Dahlonega, Georgia
February 20, 2009
Hello....Any info on the silver pitcher I sent a picture of above? I am still unable to locate any info on the markings. Thank you
Kim Padgettown a resale shop - Dahlonega, Georgia
March 12, 2009
Uncovered these twelve "Brismaid" forks with a stamp next to it with "Bell Quality". No sterling or otherwise mark. I can't find out much and hope someone can tell me if I can retire or keep digging.
Jim Fishersalesman - Albuquerque, New Mexico
April 1, 2009
Silver napkin ring engraved 1886, has a 105 inside with a S Can anyone tell me what the 105 means? and where it might be from, Thanks!
Carrie MacAvoyhobbyist - Tburg, New York
June 4, 2009
Kim in Georgia:
I too am looking for the same markings on a set of candlesticks purchased. Stamped on the bottom with the same cross,crown,and coat of armour...LBSCO stamp with numbers. Did you find out if it is silver or plate. They are beautiful. Where are they from? What about your pitcher?
- Louisville, Kentucky
September 26, 2009
I have this serving tray that has the markings of Old London with the numbers 1832 By The Frank Herschede Co. Cincinnati, Ohio and has the letters EPNS and has 3 symbols indicating a head, a crown and a weird shaped S.
I would like to find out more information on this piece.
Alana WardHobbyist - Maysville, Kentucky
October 6, 2009
Hi, Alana. As noted in the original question, EP means electroplated, that is, silver plated. EPNS would mean electroplated nickel silver (there is no silver in nickel silver though). This tray is probably worn down to the nickel silver in some areas, and the copper plating (below the silver plating) in most areas.
This is a metal finishing website rather than a hallmarking site, and in 15 years and across thousands of postings, not one single piece has ever been identified here by verbal descriptions of the markings -- it's a futile approach. Try to find the history of the piece (that is always the first question on Antiques Road Show), and get several books about silver hallmarks from your library, and maybe you'll be able to make some progress. Good luck.
Regards,
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 Ted Mooney, P.E. RET finishing.com Brick, New Jersey |
November 14, 2010
I cannot find these marks anywhere I have an old tea kettle from my mother and would like some help identifying.
- fort worth Texas USA
November 30, 2010
Can anyone identify this mark?
buyer - Simi Valley, California, U.S.A.
April 24, 2011
I was watching Storage Wars one evening, and one of the couples took in an antique (silver?) makeup mirror to see if it was worth anything. The man in the store said that silver smells sweet, whereas silver plating has a sulfur smell to it. Could you tell me if this is true or not.
Ruby AndersonSkilled Labour - Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
May 16, 2011
Hi Ruby Anderson:
I just finished cleaning a silverware set given to us by my father-in-law. I think you answered my question--silver or silver-plate? While soaking in salt water on aluminum foil, I kept thinking I smelled sulphur. Must be true...definitely did not smell sweet.
Jane Dub
- Simcoe, Ontario, Canada
September 12, 2011
I bought a silver serving tray at a garage sale...I cleaned it up and discovered it has ASCO stamped on the bottom. I know that means American Silver Co. which was later changed to International Silver and that it would have to be made between 1901 and 1935 to have the ASCO name. It is silver plate over copper. ...very large, 15 1/2 inches with a braided edge and handles. It has an engraved flower pattern with a place in the middle for monogramming.....I am looking for somewhere to research it. I am at a loss to find much information on ASCO
Debbie McFarlinowner - Chandler, Oklahoma
September 13, 2011
Hi my name is Bob and my wife has an old teapot and tray that she thinks is Sterling Silver. I don't think it is. Here are the marking on the bottom of the pot. Sheets Rockford S.Co 1875 and 302 on it. What does that mean? I think if it was Sterling Silver it would say Sterling on the bottom right. Thanks.
Bob
Homeowner - Janesville, Wisconsin USA
September 15, 2011
Hi.
We've had a zero success rate on such questions, Bob. The reasons are probably mentioned in Hallmark books, but it's hopeless to guess the composition of an item from numbers they could mean anything. 1875 is probably when this "Sheets Rockford S. Co." was founded, not when the tray was made. 302 might mean it is made out of type 302 stainless steel, but I don't think so. It's probably either style 302 or #302 of a limited set. Sorry. I think you have to either test it or invest substantial effort into the study of Hallmarking.
I see a "Sheets Rockford S.Co 1875" tray marked "25" on e-bay for $6, so I doubt that it's valuable. The seller thinks it's silverplate but doesn't guarantee it. Good luck.
Regards,
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Ted Mooney, P.E. RET finishing.com Brick, New Jersey |
October 6, 2011
Hello...I have a set of Alvin Silverware, George Washington pattern. I am trying to determine if it is sterling or silver plate. The word sterling is stamped on the back. I looked at replacements.com. The set has the old knife and the work pattern and silver is stamped on the back of the pieces.
I would appreciate any information.
Donna
hobbyist - Middletown, Pennsylvania USA
October 6, 2011
Hi, Donna.
What alternate theory are you entertaining to explain why they would have stamped "Sterling" on the back if they are not sterling, Donna :-)
It sounds like replacements.com has the same pattern, but in silverplate rather than in sterling.
Regards,
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Ted Mooney, P.E. RET finishing.com Brick, New Jersey |
November 2, 2011
I have a silver tray 14 x 3/4" tall my mother in law left to me. I was cleaning it today and on the bottom I uncovered a mark. which says Forbes Siver Company. In the center is an eagle and the #95 under it also I think it says quadruple.
Is this tray worth anything for the silver content?
Alice Resuehobbyist - Wolcott, New York USA
November 8, 2011
Hi, Alice.
The photos you sent were unfortunately out of focus and the markings are a blur. They probably wouldn't have helped anyway as there are hundreds of thousands of hallmarks and no hallmarking experts standing by :-(
But since there is no "Sterling" mark on it and "quadruple" probably means quadruple plated, my guess is there are no easily recoverable silver values.
Regards,
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Ted Mooney, P.E. RET finishing.com Brick, New Jersey |
January 9, 2012
I have a Forbes Silver Co Teapot, an antique handed down in my wife's family from about 1867, They are all Scots and part of the Forbes clan. It has a crest and warranted 965 stamped on the bottom. Plus maker marks. It has a sterling silver body and a silver plated brass feet, spout and handle. It really was used, so much so there are patches inside from washing the silver away. If it is not marked with a silver content or a Sterling Hallmark, it is more likely silver plate than Sterling silver.
Rudy Lanzendorfer- Camino, California
February 17, 2012
I have a 18in silver platter. It has the markings of Rondane Meriden SP CO International S Co #4169. It is non-magnetic. I tried the acid test on one of the feet and it came up a creamy color. I took it to a silver exchange and was told it can't be solid silver. There is no ware marks on it. It does have scratches but the all polished to the same silver color. Is this tray worth anything?
- Benson, Arizona, USA
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Ed. note: Gentle readers, this site is about metal finishing. Sometimes we veer off topic a bit, and it's no problem if people ask for general ways to figure out what they have.
But countless millions of people have odd pieces in their attic, and whenever we wander into identification and valuation, we're instantly swamped with requests (this is one of dozens of such threads) :-(
If your question is about general procedures, we can try to help but we simply have no choice but to discard inquiries asking how much something is worth. Sorry!
March 11, 2012
Q. Hello. I am so glad this site is here.
I have a cigarette lighter (vintage/antique) that says EP Sterling the EP is kind of weird but I am thinking this means electroplated but why then would the word sterling still be present?
My question is: is this sterling? I have checked hallmarks everywhere and my only conclusion is that it is electroplated but that does not make sense w/ the word sterling
Any help would be grand.
Thanks in advance.
- Plano, Texas USA
A. Hi Sarah.
Does the lighter have any gold plating on it? This marking is often used on jewelry that is gold plated sterling silver.
Regards,
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Ted Mooney, P.E. RET finishing.com Brick, New Jersey |
April 11, 2012
Q. My husband and I have a silver serving tray that has the hallmarks for Forbes Silver Co. We can not find any other markings that would say it is plated or real sterling. How do we find this out?
Wendy Smith- Seymour, Tennessee, USA
A. Hi Wendy.
This question was already at least partially answered above on August 5, 2008.
In addition, Forbes Silver Co. was reportedly established for the purpose of making silverplate, and it's not marked Sterling or 925. You may see hints like a faint coppery look in heavily worn areas that would indicate that it is plated. You can look for similar items on Ebay =>
You can have it tested or test it yourself but, sorry, I think you'd be clutching for straws.
Regards,
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Ted Mooney, P.E. RET finishing.com Brick, New Jersey |
April 22, 2012
Q. Hello! I picked up a double sized table silver spoon that has Large U.S.N. underneath on the top part of the handle. There is a small crown stamped at the base on the bottom backside of the spoon. Could it be Sterling?
Michael Lant- San Luis Obispo, California
A. Hi Michael. Anything is possible, but if they didn't bother stamping it Sterling or .925 then it sounds unlikely.
Regards,
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Ted Mooney, P.E. RET finishing.com Brick, New Jersey |
June 15, 2012
Q. I have a small creamer. It is marked on the bottom INTERNATIONAL SILVER CO. Hilton 6-C-115 5 oz. and the number 73 in a small square. It's very heavy, it's not marked sterling or silver plate it has small dents but shows no signs of wear or any plating coming off. can you help me figure out if its silver or tell me anything about it. thank you Nancy
Nancy Hurst- Belleville, Illinois
June 22, 2012
Q. Is my International Silver Co. A Sheraton Hotel 56 oz. numbered bowl solid silver?
I have a silver bowl, it is numbered and says International Silver Co. A Sheraton Hotel 56 oz.
And it also has 63 inside a box next to the weight. A magnet does not stick, but that doesn't tell me anything. I would so appreciate any good advise. Thank You
- Lott, Texas
September 7, 2012
I have I think is a gravy bowl the trade mark reads
Early American International Silver company. It also has in the trademark, a IS, it also has the number of 2116.
- Whitinsville, Massachusetts, America
November 13, 2012
I have a pitcher that has a symbol stamped on the bottom, made in England, and 24.
- Flower Mound, Texas, USA
December 23, 2012
Q. Hello I have several antique pieces that were bequeathed to me. They are at least 60 years old as they were wedding gifts in 1952. I have a 1. sugar and creamer sorry no tray with markings Wm A Rogers (in a box) then underneath SP Copper B.M MTS 2936 2. an oval tray with scrolling on top on the bottom it has Essay Canada E.P. Copper 612 3. oval tray with different scrolling on bottom it has Puritan Plate S.P. Copper 8010 and 4. a round plate ona mound with decorative handles the plate has scrolling on the bottom it has Puritan Plate S Copper Lead Mound 80156. I was wondering if anyone could tell me about these pieces so I know what I have.
Thank you
Flora Rhodenizer
- Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, Canada
December 30, 2012
Q. I just bought in a thrift shop a large serving tray. It is beautiful. It has braided handles with a basket weave design around the inside of the tray. There is fruit on both sides of the tray. Strawberries, oranges, grapes, pears which are raised up. It is marked Gorham on the back. There are no numbers or other markings on this piece. It is not tarnished in any way. Do you know what this could possibly be? New, old. It does not say plated anywhere either. Just Gorham.
Karen Morgan- Woodbridge, New Jersey, USA
December 31, 2012
A. Hi Karen. If it's not marked "Sterling" it's probably silverplate, or maybe just nickel plated. If you send a photo, there's a one in a thousand chance someone will be familiar with it; with only a verbal description, unfortunately it's about one in a million :-(
Please look for similar items on e-bay, where prices of trays that match your description run from about $5.95 to $595. Good luck with it.
Regards,
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Ted Mooney, P.E. RET finishing.com Brick, New Jersey |
February 11, 2013
Q. My silver finding. Is the goldinger silver mirror comb real silver?
Miguel Boza- West Palm Beach, Florida
A. Sorry, Miguel, but I strongly doubt it.
Regards,
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Ted Mooney, P.E. RET finishing.com Brick, New Jersey |
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March 28, 2013
Q. A flea market find Is a 7" International Silver Co. tray with # 05101 Palmer House and small square with 59 in it . I would like to know age & silver content. Google was useless as was - Holland, Pennsylvania USA March 31, 2013 A. Hi Thomas. "Palmer House" is probably the Palmer House in Chicago, but my googling doesn't seem to indicate any special market for Palmer House items. When a tray is not marked "sterling" it is almost surely just silverplate. And I doubt that anyone short of an expert who specialized in International Silver brand silverplate could help you identify, let alone evaluate, one particular piece of silverplate out of probably thousands that I.S. made (I doubt there is such an expert because who can make a career of consulting on whether things are worth $5 vs. $25). I think the best plan is to look at similar stuff on Ebay => Regards,
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