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How to Collect Silver Flatware

Silver flatware is a popular collectible for its beauty, value, and usability. Nothing sets a more elegant table than silver place settings, which can range from a simple three-piece setting to an elaborate Victorian setting with 20 pieces or more per person. Starting a new collection or building on an existing one is easier than ever with the advent of Internet stores and auctions sites, as well as the tried-and-true sources of antiques stores and estate sales. Whether you are interested in sterling silver or silver-plated flatware, doing some initial research will teach you how to identify and buy pieces that have lasting worth.

Instructions

- 1
  Learn more about the collectible. When beginning a collection, you need to educate yourself about that collectible. A visit to your local library, a bookstore, or go online to find a list a guidebooks on collecting silver flatware. These books will teach you how to identify, evaluate, and determine the value of specific patterns and manufacturers. Some suggested titles include, "Yesterday's Silver for Today's Table: A Silver Collector's Guide to Elegant Dining" by Richard F. Osterberg, "Sterling Flatware Identification &Value Guide" by Tere Hagan, "Warman's Sterling Silver Flatware: Value &Identification Guide" by Phil Dreis, and "Silverplated Flatware" by Tere Hagan.
- 2
  Identify the pattern and/or maker you wish to collect. As you look at the flatware guidebooks, start to identify exactly what you what to collect. You may already have a few pieces of a specific pattern and want to add to that. You may opt for an eclectic look for your table and collect different patterns from the same maker. Once you have decided what to collect, narrow your research to that maker and/or pattern in order to learn characteristics such as markings, when the flatware was made, which individual pieces were manufactured, and how much you can expect to pay per piece.
- 3
  Search online auctions. Many online auction sites offers a large inventory of silver flatware in various patterns and price points. By looking at completed auction listings, you can see what specific pieces have sold for in the past. To access this feature, you must generally set up your own free account.
- 4
  Look in antiques and collectibles stores. Local antiques and collectibles stores are always valuable sources for silver pieces and have the added advantage of letting you view and handle the piece before buying.
- 5
  Browse online stores. Look online for Internet merchants that feature a variety of sellers. They generally offer a large selection of goods at competitive prices.
- 6
  Check the inventory at a china replacement service. China replacement services carry a wide variety of individual pieces of silver flatware. This is an especially good source if you know the maker, pattern, and specific pieces you want to buy.

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