Hobbies And Interests
Instructions
Determine whether or not the silver tea set is actually silver. Real silver, or sterling silver, has a silver content of 92.5 percent. Look for the numbers 925, 92, or 92.5 or the word "sterling" imprinted on the piece. Be warned, however, that manufacturers trying to sell reproductions as real will often falsely imprint their pieces.
Silver plate is silver over metal. Silver-plated pieces usually have the manufacturer's name and sometimes have the pattern name imprinted on them.
If there are no marks found, that doesn't necessarily mean that it's not silver. In this situation, it would be best to consult a professional.
Determine if the silver tea set is antique. Looking for a hallmark is a good place to start. Be warned that people making reproductions to sell as genuine often include a hallmark to mislead the buyer. But know this about hallmarks: Most silver tea sets produced in the United States don't have one, so the lack of a hallmark doesn't mean that it's not an antique.
The styles of silver antique tea sets changed over time, much like fashion trends have changed. Silver trends are evident in the lettering and the decorations. In particular, note the style of the handles, finials and spouts for clues to the time period. If a silver tea set has a mix-and-match of styles, that's an indication that it's a reproduction, not an antique.
Decide on a fair market value price. The best way to do this is to hire an appraiser. Legally, anyone can call himself an appraiser, so beware. Look for an appraiser who's been endorsed by the American Society of Appraisers. This organization offers classes and an exam on how to value property and how to set ethical pricing standards. Also, be sure that your appraiser is in the appraising business, not in the business of buying and selling silver or antiques.
Avoid Internet appraisals. A legitimate appraiser can't make an appraisal from a picture or a written description, but will have to actually see and feel the pieces.