Question 1

What is quadruple silver?

Accepted Answer

Quadruple silver is the term for silver-plated pieces produced with a quadruple plating process. The name doesn't indicate that a piece has four layers of silver plating. Rather, it means that it features four times the standard amount of pure silver, giving it a brighter, more durable finish. Find a large selection of silver wares on 1stDibs.

Question 2

Is quadruple silver worth anything?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some quadruple silver is worth something. Quadruple silver is the term for silver wares that feature four times the amount of sterling silver as standard silver-plated items. However, since these pieces are still predominantly base metal, any value that they have usually comes from their age, maker, style and other characteristics rather than from the silver itself. Some well-known makers of quadruple silver include Roger Brothers, Reed & Barton and the Meriden Britannia Company. To get a rough idea of the value of a particular piece, seek the opinion of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. On 1stDibs, find a large selection of silver wares.

Question 3

How can you tell silver from silver plating?

Accepted Answer

To tell silver from silver plating, try holding a strong magnet near the item. If the magnet is attracted to the piece, it is most likely silver-plated, as solid silver is unlikely to be magnetic. You can also check the hallmarks. Markings that say silver plate, EP, EPNS, EPBM or BP indicate plating. Alternatively, you can have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer evaluate the piece. Explore a large selection of silver jewelry, tableware and decorative objects on 1stDibs.

Question 4

What is Sheffield silver plate?

Accepted Answer

Sheffield silver plate usually refers to electroplated silverware produced in Sheffield, England. Prior to electroplating, Sheffield silver was associated with a particular process of layered construction which consisted of copper and silver. Today, this older form of silver is usually referred to by collectors as “Old Sheffield Silver Plate.” Shop a collection of Sheffield silver from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 5

What is triple-plated silver?

Accepted Answer

Triple-plated silver is silverware manufactured with a certain technique. Specifically, the manufacturer has applied three layers of silver plating to the base metal during the production process to ensure its durability. You will sometimes see triple-plating described as "Treble Plate." Find a large selection of silverware from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 6

What is antique silver plating?

Accepted Answer

Antique silver plating is a thin layer of genuine silver applied over top of a base metal. Depending on the piece, the main metal may be copper, brass or nickel. You'll find a range of antique silver-plated decorative objects on 1stDibs.

Question 7

What is the hallmark for silver plate?

Accepted Answer

The hallmark for silver plate depends on the manufacturer. Most often, companies do not place hallmarks on silver plate. This differs from sterling silver, which usually bears a 925 mark. In some cases, companies may stamp "plated" or a similar term, but this is uncommon. On 1stDibs, find a range of silver plate serveware and decorative objects.

Question 8

What is the mark for silver-plated?

Accepted Answer

The mark for silver plating varies. In the U.S., the most common markings are EP, EPNS, A1 and B1. A UK silver plate may feature a wide range of markings. You can find pictures of these identifying marks on trusted online resources and use them to determine if a particular piece is silver-plated. Alternatively, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer can assist with identification. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of silver wares.

Question 9

What was silver plate called?

Accepted Answer

The silver plate commonly used during the 18th century is Sheffield plate. It is a combination of silver and copper. By the mid 19th century, most silver plate pieces featured electroplating. Find a collection of Sheffield plate silver ware on 1stDibs.

Question 10

What is an antique silver plate?

Accepted Answer

Silver-plating refers to the process of applying a thin layer of silver overtop of a base metal, such as copper, nickel or pewter. An antique silver-plated item would have gone through this same process. Shop a collection of expertly vetted antique silver plate items from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 11

What is the difference between a silver plate and a Sheffield plate?

Accepted Answer

The difference between a silver plate and a Sheffield plate is that one item is a type of the other. Silverplate, which is sometimes spelled silver-plate or silver plate, is the general name for any silver wares made predominantly of a base metal finished with a thin layer of pure silver.

Developed in the 1700s by Thomas Boulsover in Sheffield, England, Sheffield silverplate is a specific type of silverplate created by fusing silver with copper. This new material felt like silver but was substantially cheaper. It was then used to produce a variety of serveware, candlesticks, buttons, tea sets and more.

Find antique Sheffield silverplate and other silverplate objects for sale on 1stDibs.

Question 12

How do I tell if a teapot is silver or silver plated?

Accepted Answer

To tell if your teapot is silver or silver plated, look for markings. Sterling silver teapots often show some type of markings, while silver plate pieces rarely have hallmarks. An expert licensed appraiser can assist with identification. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of expertly vetted silver teapots.

Question 13

How can you tell if a silver plate is real silver?

Accepted Answer

To tell if a silver plate is real silver, first try holding a magnet close to it. If the magnet sticks, the piece may be silver-plated, meaning that it is primarily a base metal with a thin layer of pure silver over top. Alternatively, a magnetic plate may be crafted out of an entirely different material that simply has a silver-tone appearance. You can also research any hallmarks on the plate using trusted online resources or ask a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer to give their expert opinion on the material. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of silver plates.

Question 14

What is silver plate worth today?

Accepted Answer

What silver plate is worth today varies. Because silver plate pieces contain only minimal amounts of silver, they usually don't have much value on the scrap market. However, silver plate, which is sometimes spelled silver-plate or silverplate, may be worth something due to its style, type, age, maker, rarity and overall condition. Some silver plate makers that are popular among collectors include Reed & Barton, Gorham, Sheffield Cutlers Company, Christofle, Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik, Lino Sabattini, Elkington & Co. and Mappin & Webb. If you'd like a professional opinion on how much items in your collection may be worth, a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer can assist you. Explore a large collection of antique and vintage Sheffield silver plate and other silver plate on 1stDibs.

Question 15

How can you tell if silver is solid or plated?

Accepted Answer

To tell if silver is solid or plated, try holding a magnet near it. Solid silver is not magnetic, but the base metals used in silver plating often are. As a result, if the magnet sticks strongly, the piece likely features silver plating. Another way to determine the materials is to look for markings. On silver wares produced in the U.S., the markings “STER,” “925” or “.925” usually indicate solid silver, while “EP,” “EPNS,” “A1” and “AA” typically indicate silver plating. When in doubt, seek the opinion of a knowledgeable expert, such as a certified appraiser or experienced dealer. Find a variety of silver wares on 1stDibs.

Question 16

Is antique silver plate valuable?

Accepted Answer

While antique silver plate can be worth something, it is not usually as valuable compared with contemporary pieces or similar sterling silver antiques.

Question 17

Is silver plate worth any money?

Accepted Answer

Silver plate is generally not worth very much because the silver is simply coating a base metal. Therefore they do not hold any monetary worth.

Question 18

Are silver-plated items hallmarked?

Accepted Answer

No, silver-plated items will not have a hallmark or ‘925’ stamp. Silver-plated refers to when an item, usually brass, has been coated in a thin layer of silver. You can shop a collection of authentic silver-plated items from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 19

How do you read silver plate hallmarks?

Accepted Answer

How you read silver plate hallmarks depends on the origin of the piece. Makers in different countries utilize varying systems for hallmarking their silver plate pieces, and these systems have evolved over time. For example, some British makers indicated the highest quality of silver plate with an A1 hallmark and the second highest with an A. Since there is so much variation, the best way to interpret hallmarks on a particular piece is to consult trusted online resources, a certified appraiser or a knowledgeable antiques dealer. On 1stDibs, shop a range of silver plate pieces.

Question 20

Does antique silver plate have any value?

Accepted Answer

Whether antique silverplate has any value depends on a variety of factors. The design of the piece, who made it and decoration are among the biggest determiners of value. Generally, rarer pieces that remain in good condition will be worth the most. Today, just as pewter collectibles and sterling silver are popular with collectors at neighborhood flea markets, antique Sheffield silverplate housewares are sought after for their appearance and rich history. Consider having the piece evaluated by a knowledgeable antiques dealer or certified appraiser to get an accurate estimate of how much it's worth. On 1stDibs, find antique silverplate from some of the world's top sellers.

Quadruple Silver Plate

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Early 20th Century American Early Victorian Platters and Serveware

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Vintage 1940s English Georgian Sheffield and Silverplate

English Silver Plate Trademark Ornate Large Ladle Serving Piece for Punch Bowl

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Antique Victorian Aesthetic Pairpoint Quadruple Plated Tea Set Cream Sugar Pot

Antique Late 19th Century American Pitchers

Antique American Silver-Plated Tilting Pitcher on Stand with Cup, circa 1870s

Antique 19th Century American High Victorian Sheffield and Silverplate

Antique Pairpoint Embossed Silver Plate Tilting Beverage Pitcher with Goblet

Early 20th Century American Adirondack Sheffield and Silverplate

Hunting Dog Humidor for Cigars Meriden and Company Silver Plate with Makers Mark

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Art Nouveau Silver Plated Loving Cup Trophy 1909

Antique 19th Century American Victorian Sheffield and Silverplate

19th Century Silver Plate Bird & Egg Shell on Wishbone Engraved Toothpick Holder

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Antique Aesthetic Movement Hammered Silver Plate Tea Set by Rogers, 1870

20th Century American Sheffield and Silverplate

Owl Calling Card Tray

Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Sheffield and Silverplate

Amusing American Victorian Quadruple Plate Nut Bowl

Antique 19th Century American Sheffield and Silverplate

Ornate 19th Century Style of Meriden Quadruple Plate Silver Etched Samovar

Antique Late 19th Century American Art Nouveau Pitchers

19th Century American Tilting Silver Plated Samovar with Two Goblets and Marking

Antique Late 19th Century American Pitchers

Antique American "Meriden Silver Company, " Tilting Water Pitcher w/ Cup, c. 1870

Antique 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate

Antique Victorian Aesthetic Pairpoint Quadruple Silver Plate Handled Vase Urn

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Angel Cherub Figural Antique Wilcox Quadruple Silver Plate Napkin Ring

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Sheffield and Silverplate

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Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Sheffield and Silverplate

Art Nouveau Floral Silver Plate Tea and Coffee Service Set and Tray by Pairpoint

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Signed Pairpoint Art Nouveau Quadruple Plate Plateau

Antique 1870s Victorian Serving Pieces

Victorian Quadruple Plated Serving Tray

Antique 1880s American Victorian Tableware

Victorian Silver Plate Turtle Napkin Ring and Bud Vase, American, circa 1880

Early 20th Century American Victorian Serving Pieces

1900s Victorian Silverplated WR Creamer William Rogers Silver New York Quadruple

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Victorian Butterfly Figural Napkin Ring & Bud Vase Combination American, ca 1884

Antique 19th Century American Serving Pieces

Antique Rogers Smith & Co Silver Plate Clover Truffle Tray

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Early 20th Century American Tableware

Victorian Quadruple Plate Card Receiver

Antique Early 1900s American Victorian Ashtrays

Southington Co. Silver Humidor, circa 1900