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How to Identify Sterling Silverware

Sterling silver has a long history dating back more than 800 years. The Germans introduced the sterling measurement in the twelfth century. The word "sterling" means 92.5 percent pure silver content. The remaining 7.5 percent can be any other metal alloy used to strengthen the silver. There have been thousands of silverware manufacturers throughout the centuries. Collectors have assembled data on many of them to help people identify their sterling silverware. Modern manufacturers engrave sterling silver with the number .925 to distinguish it from other grades of silver. However, the .925 marking may not be on vintage silverware even though it does contain 92.5 percent pure silver.

Things You'll Need

Magnifying glass

Instructions

- 1
  Look for names and symbols on the larger pieces of sterling silverware such as the knives, soupspoons or serving pieces. Antique sterling silverware sometimes only had the larger pieces engraved. The mark might be located on the back or front of the spoon cradle, on the knife blade or handle, or the back of the fork tines or handle. You will find a magnifying glass helpful, as some of the engraving is minuscule.
- 2
  Identify the sterling silverware markings for the name of the manufacturer and possibly the pattern by visiting either of two websites. American sterling silverware can be identified at the Silver Collecting website, which has enlarged detailed photographs of the markings for hundreds of American manufacturers going back to the colonial era. Visit the Online Encyclopedia of Silver Marks for foreign made sterling silverware. You will find the links to both websites in the References section.
- 3
  Take a pencil rubbing of any markings that are not in one of the online silver manufacturer databases. The public library has volumes of books for thousands of silver manufacturers. These books may be located in the reference section of the library and may not be available for loan.
- 4
  Take one of the larger pieces of the silverware set to an antique dealer if none of the previously mentioned methods has helped you to identify the manufacturer or the pattern. Choose an antique dealer who specializes in sterling silverware, as he will be more familiar with rare patterns and symbols.

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