Is sterling silver worth anything?
Yes. Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver and always has a value, and older or signed pieces can be worth much more than their metal. Silver plate is a different matter.
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What decides the value
- The hallmarkA lion, or the number 925, means sterling. EPNS, EP or A1 means plated.
- The weightSterling is valued by weight. Knife handles are often filled, so they weigh less in silver than they look.
- The makerPieces by known silversmiths and retailers are valued as their work.
- Its ageGeorgian and Victorian silver is collected for its date and maker as well as its metal.
Sterling silver or silver plate?
British sterling silver carries a row of small punched marks: a maker's mark, a lion or 925, an assay office mark and a date letter. Silver plate has letters only, such as EPNS, EP or A1. Sterling has a metal value; plate has very little, though good antique Sheffield plate is collected.
What decides the value of silverware
For plain modern sterling, weight. For antique silver, the maker, the date, the pattern and the condition. A complete canteen of cutlery in its box is wanted more than loose pieces, and monograms and repairs lower collector interest.
Before you sell silver
Do not polish it hard or use dips, which strip the surface. Photograph the hallmarks, weigh the pieces if you can, and keep sets together.
What we buy
- Sterling silver cutlery and canteens
- Tea sets, trays and salvers
- Candlesticks, bowls and trophies
- Antique and signed silver
- Silver coins and bars
Photographs that help
- The whole piece or set
- The hallmarks, close up
- Any dents, repairs or monograms
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A FedEx courier collects from your door, or post it by Royal Mail Special Delivery. Insured to £10,000.
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We inspect it on arrival, confirm your offer and pay by bank transfer the same day. Change your mind and it comes back free.
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“Excellent service. Contacted Mozeris and corresponded with Faustas. Responded immediately to my email to sell a 20g gold bar and a half sovereign coin. Received an offer and after a few further email exchanges to finalise, I posted with special delivery and was paid out shortly after they received the items.”
“I was apprehensive about selling my mother's omega watch but the whole process was straightforward and reassuring. Faustas was extremely helpful and understanding and the communication was very quick. The money agreed was in my account within hours of accepting an offer.”
“Fantastic guys, pay on spot and very very professional.”
Questions about selling is sterling silver worth anything
Is sterling silver worth anything?
Yes. Sterling silver is 92.5% silver and is always worth at least its metal value. Antique and signed pieces are worth more.
Is sterling silverware worth more than its weight?
It can be. Georgian and Victorian silver, complete canteens and pieces by known makers are valued above their metal.
Is silver plate worth anything?
Very little as metal, because the silver layer is thin. Antique Sheffield plate and good quality plated sets can still find a buyer.
How do I know if my silver is sterling?
Look for a lion mark or the number 925, with an assay office mark and a date letter. Letters such as EPNS or A1 mean it is plated.
How do I send it to you?
Book a free insured FedEx collection from your door, or post it by Royal Mail Special Delivery and we refund the postage. Both are tracked and insured to £10,000.
When am I paid?
By bank transfer the same day we inspect your items and you accept our offer. If you decide not to sell, everything comes back insured, at our cost.
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