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This is a difficult question and the answer varies depending on whom you ask. In general, for an item to be considered an antique, it needs to be at least 100 years old. Paintings, bronzes, and statues are described as antiques if they are from the 1930s or earlier. However, many items not as old are still very desirable. They would fit more in the collectible or vintage category. Collectibles are objects that people want to collect that don’t have to be very old. Items including Royal Doulton figurines, Barbies, and Cars are collectibles. Also, sports cards and comics may also be very collectible and don’t always have to be super old. Vintage items represent a time period or era. You might hear descriptions like vintage ’50s or ’60s. Clothing, furniture, and wines may all be described as vintage. Often times an item falls into more than 1 of the categories.

Most sterling items are marked. They would either say 925 (92.5%silver) or sterling. Silver items from other countries may be marked 800/835/855 or 900 also called low-grade silver. This means that they are 80%/83.5%/85.5% silver. Countries outside the United States may also use hallmarks such as lions, panthers, anchors, and much more. Another mark is sterling weighted silver. This means that the item is filled with sand, cement, wax, or plaster. Only the outer layer is sterling. This is most common with candlesticks, salt and pepper shakers, and knives from flatware sets. The extra weight is used to give the item more strength or keep it from falling over. It also saves cost by using only small amounts of silver. Weighted silver is worth much less than silver that is not weighted. If your item has no visible marks, it will need to be tested by a professional.

Silver-plated items don’t have enough precious metal value to be sold by weight. Very often, they do not say the words “silver plated”. That would be too easy. Many marks may indicate the item is plated. They may say silver co, silver on copper, EPNS (electroplated nickel silver), EP (electroplated), Heavy Plate, Community, IS (International Silver), quadraplate, and much more. If the mark is not identified, you can contact us with pictures. We will try to help identify it. If you don’t notice any marks or the marks are too small to see, you will have to have the silver tested.

Listed artist is a trade term used by people in the fine arts industry. It means that the artist has a record of items being sold or displayed in the past. Most of the time this is at auction, but it may also include galleries and art shows. If you have a signed painting or bronze and you would like to see if it is by a listed artist, contact us. We can help you get information about the artist and its current market value. We can also connect you with potential buyers and/or auctions. We work with all the major auction houses.