In this guide (4)
Quick answer. Start by separating solid sterling silver (marked with a lion passant or 925) from EPNS plate, do not polish anything, and send photographs of each piece and its hallmarks to a specialist buyer before posting.
- Check for a full British hallmark with the lion passant (or 925, 958 Britannia, 800 continental); stamps reading EPNS or A1 are plated.
- Leave tarnish alone: cleaning can soften bright-cut engraving and wear away crisp marks.
- Fine antique silverware, Georg Jensen, Mappin & Webb and matched canteens are worth more than their silver weight.
- Heavy parcels such as canteens and 1kg silver bars travel free and insured from your door by FedEx collection.
Step 1: Sort sterling silver from silver plate
Before packing or weighing anything, turn each piece over and read the marks. Solid English sterling carries the lion passant alongside an assay office symbol, date letter and sponsor's mark (or the number 925 on later work). Marks reading EPNS, EP, EPBM or A1 mean electroplated nickel silver over base metal. See our EPNS vs sterling silver guide and how to read silver hallmarks.
Step 2: Choose the right selling route by item
| Type of silver | What decides its value | Where to start |
|---|---|---|
| Cutlery and canteens | Matching pattern, maker, completeness and sterling weight (knives have steel blades and weighted handles) | Sell silver cutlery |
| Tea sets, trays and candlesticks | Matched date letters, Georgian or Art Deco style, maker and condition | Sell your silver tea set |
| Silver bullion bars (100g to 5kg) | Refiner's stamp, weight and 999 fineness | Sell silver bars |
| Silver coins and Britannias | Pre-1920 (925), 1920 to 1946 (500), 1 oz Britannias and scarce proof dates | Sell silver coins |
| Broken, dented or scrap silver | Tested purity and weight | Scrap silver value |
Sell to a specialist
Free valuation from your photographs. Paid the same day after inspection.
- Free insured FedEx collection
- Insured to £10,000
- No obligation
Step 3: Photograph and send safely
Lay all the pieces together on a plain surface in daylight, then take sharp close-ups of every hallmark and any damage or engraving. Send the photographs using the form on this page or our sell your silver hub. Once you receive our valuation, book a free insured FedEx collection or post by Royal Mail Special Delivery (we refund your postage), or request an appointment in Mayfair or Braintree. You are paid by bank transfer the same day we inspect your silver and you accept.