Heritage Album

Where and How Can I find the Value Old Silverware?

I'm helping a 90 yr old lady. She is getting sick and needs to sell of her family heirlooms that have been handed down in her family for several generations. I don't want her to get rip off. Her collection seems very old and all of the items had makings on the bottom. What venue is best to get rid of some of these items?

Public Comments

1. Check the yellow pages of your telephone directory to see if there are appraisers who will do this. Usually they charge a fee, but if your friend has a lot of silverware that may be the best way to go. Another possibility is a consignment/antique store. The markings on the bottom of the silverware are called hallmarks. They're used to identify the maker and the amount of silver used in the production of the piece. It will also give you clues as to the date or period of the pieces. The cheapest and easiest way at this point until you can get some understanding of what you have is to go to the library or a bookstore and go to the collecting/collectibles section and find a book that lists the different kinds of silverware and the makers. It'll make a difference if it's a Paul Revere or a Sheffield, for instance. You sound like a good person to help her and to try to make sure she doesn't get ripped off. Good luck.