What does A1 mean on silver plate?

What does A1 mean on silver plate?

A1 and AA: These discreet markings indicate the number of ounces of pure silver used in the plating. There’s two ounces per gross of teaspoons for A1, and three ounces for AA.

Is silver plated cutlery worth money?

Since there is only a small amount of silver on each item, there is no melting value for silverplate. Pieces that are more decorative, rare, and in good condition might sell for more money. Silverplate value is more about the antique market than it is about the metal market.

Is Epns A1 worth anything?

If you have a piece marked EPNS that is not antique, it has no monetary value, but save it if you can use it. If it’s damaged, toss it in the trash.

How can you tell if cutlery is silver UK?

If you do not see the sterling marking, the item is probably silver plated. Check the colouring of the item carefully; genuine silver is generally less shiny and colder in tone than silverplate. If you see places where the silver appears to be flaking off or turning green, the item is silver plated.

What are the markings for silver plate?

Silver products sometimes may be marked 925, which means that 925 parts per thousand are pure silver. Some jewelry described as ”silver plate” has a layer of silver applied to a base metal. ”Coin silver” is used for compounds that contain 90% pure silver.

Is Epns the same as silver plate?

If you find the letters E.P, E.P.N.S or E.P.B.M, your item is silverplate. E.P.N.S. stands for elctro-plated nickel and silver.

Is silver cutlery worth anything UK?

However, services of silver cutlery (also known as flatware) are much in demand. Some services can sell for over £10,000 and most 12 place setting silver services are worth many £1000’s. Even if you have an odd selection of silver cutlery it might be worth £100’s.

What does the hallmark Epns A1 mean?

EPNS represents ElectroPlated Nickel Silver meaning silver plated over a base metal alloy made mostly of nickel. The term A1 is mostly a marketing ploy meant to indicate that a piece was of superior plating.

Are old silver platters worth anything?

Antique Sterling Silver Trays are not only beautiful and a classic accessory to your home, but they can actually be very valuable at auction. If your tray doesn’t have handles, you may have what is called a Salver, which are very rare as most of them perished in the English Civil War.

How do I clean silver plated cutlery?

Silver and silver plate cutlery is less likely to tarnish when it’s in everyday use. In this case, simply wash in warm, soapy water and dry well. To remove any stains, try gently rubbing on a paste of baking soda and water. Rinse well and dry thoroughly.

What kind of marks are on Sheffield silver cutlery?

All Genuine silver-plated Sheffield cutlery should carry the “EPNS A1 Sheffield England” mark. Genuine Sheffield sterling silver cutlery should carry the Sheffield assay mark.

Where was silver plate cutlery and flatware invented?

Silver Plated Cutlery, Flatware & Gifts – EPNS. The History Of Silver Plate. Silver plating was invented in the City of Sheffield and the craftsmanship associated with the trade has endured for centuries.

What kind of cutlery is plated to 40 microns?

These items are plated to 40 microns thickness. The available items are: Table Knives, Table Forks, Dessert Knives, Dessert Forks, Dessert Spoons, Soup Spoons, Tea Spoons, Fish Forks, Fish Knives, Serving Spoons, Coffee Spoons, Cheese Knives, Pie Knives & Letter Openers. Other pieces/set sizes are also available.

What kind of silver cutlery do you buy?

We also sell a beautiful range of sterling silver tableware and gifts that are as functional as they are decorative. Products that will enhance your home and life.