Sell Silver-plated Silverware to the Best Silverware Buyer in Las Vegas & Henderson, NV

Overview

Silver-plated silverware encompasses any utensils like knives, forks, and spoons in which the silver content is just a few percent. A thin coating of silver characterizes silver-plated silverware items. It is not made mostly made of silver compared to the regular silverware. Instead, it is made of a base metal that has been electroplated with silver, such as stainless steel, brass, or copper. But both are basically used for dining purposes. 

Since it is silver-plated, the plating can tarnish and wear away, revealing the base metal underneath. Despite this, many people are still seeking this kind of item for their aesthetic designs and styles, making dining settings very attractive. 

Brief History

Cutlery is a term used in Western culture to describe any preparing, serving, or dining that involves hand tools. Cutlers are the people who produce and sell these kinds of items. Sheffield, a city in England, rose to prominence in the 17th century due to its massive cutlery production. However, in the United States, it is typically referred to as silverware or flatware. They sometimes associate cutlery with knives and other food-cutting instruments. The term “silverware” refers to utensils that have been made of silver, while the term “flatware” was coined to emphasize that it is not made of silver.

The knife, spoon, and fork are the major cutlery pieces. These three things first appeared on British tables together during the Georgian period. It was derived from the Middle English word “cuteler,” which was derived from the Old French word “coutelier,” which means “knife.” The Latin term “cutler,” which also means “knife,” is where the world’s earliest sources can be traced.

It was only in 1742 when Thomas Boulsover invented the process of silver-plating. When he was fixing a knife made of copper and silver, he perfected the Sheffield technique. Through this accident, he found that he could combine copper and silver. As a result of this discovery, he and several other manufacturers were able to reduce the cost of manufacturing silver products.

Electroplating was introduced around 1840, which inevitably reduced manufacturing costs even further. A very thin layer of silver is added to the base metal’s surface using an electrical current. Silver housewares were believed to be in high demand during the Victorian period. Manufacturers used these processes to make low-cost silver-plate products that resembled the real item. At that time, people who would not have been able to afford silver could now do so because the silver industry mass-produced it.

Value of Silver-Plated Silverware 

The value of silver-plated silverware items is determined by how much someone is willing to pay for them. Silver-plate has no melting value since each item contains only a small amount of silver. But more decorative, rare, and in good condition pieces can fetch a higher price. The antique market is more critical than the metal market in assessing the value of silver-plate.

Moreover, unlike sterling silver, silver-plated silverware has no intrinsic value. But it does have some market appeal to silverware enthusiasts and people looking to complete incomplete silverware collections, as long as the silver plating has not worn through.

But other factors could influence the valuation process of your silver-plated silverware items. These include the following:

Hallmarks. Check for hallmarks and look up for antiques from any silver-buying business if you want to know how much your silver-plate piece is worth. If you are looking for a reasonable offer, familiarize yourself with some of the more well-known brands and hallmarks that appear to sell for more money.

Unique Patterns. A piece with no motifs is likely to be less attractive than one with many. Antique silver-plated silverware comes with a higher price tag if there are more likely to have unique details like repoussé or intricate designs of floral reliefs, inventive forms in a particular style, such as Art Nouveau or Art Deco, and high-quality etchings.

Characteristics of Silver-Plated Silverware 

Silver-plated silverware is primarily characterized by electroplating silver onto a base metal like finely toned nickel silver. These could include copper, zinc, and nickel alloy, or stainless steel, with the strength and composition of the base metal and the thickness of the silver deposit for its consistency. 

However, sulfur compounds in the air could trigger black tarnish on silver-plated silverware. The silver and the base metal can likely corrode and create crusty green deposits when the silver plate is stored in moist conditions. That is why it is advised that anyone with a silver-plated silverware item should seriously take care of it to prevent tarnish and corrosion.

On the other hand, “Silver plate,” “plated,” “EP (Electroplated),” and “EPN (Electroplated nickel silver)” are the common marks on silver plated silverware items. Also, if you could not find a mark, it was most definitely silver plated. 

Where to Sell Your Silver-plated Silverware

Nevada Coin Mart will give you the best value and price for any silver-plated silverware you own. We purchase a range of silver-plated silverware, including silver spoons, forks, platters, and other silver utensils. We have been the number one and largest silver buyer in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada, for more than ten years.

As you participate in a selling transaction with us, we promise to provide you with the best customer service in the state of Nevada. For your silverware and other valuables, we have a free in-store review. You have come to the right establishment to get the most money for your silverware. Our employees will certainly impress you with their courtesy and excellent service.

Nevada Coin Mart is definitely the best place for your silver-plated silverware! We are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day of the year. Visit us at Nevada Coin Mart®, 4065 S. Jones Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89103, or call us at 702-998-4000 for more details. You are at the right shop with the finest customer service for an excellent silver-plated silverware purchase.

References: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cutlery

https://www.pgsgoldandcoin.com/tips-selling-sterling-silver-flatware/