My Salad Forks Don't Weigh the Same!

Don't be alarmed. Manufacturers have, over the years, modified the weight of flatware pieces slightly. It seems to us that weights have decreased gradually. In some cases, manufacturers have identified specific weights on pieces but not always (see our post, Gorham Weight Marks).

Generally speaking, weight differences are not all that noticeable. So, it's OK to mix different weights in the same set as far as we are concerned.

One note of caution is worth mentioning. Make sure you are comparing apples to apples. For example, Gorham makes a dinner fork and a place fork in its Buttercup pattern. Both are 7.5 inches long overall but there is quite a bit of difference in weight (see our post, About Forks).

Click on any picture to see a larger version. By clicking on "Comments/Questions" below, you can see posted comments and add your own questions and comments. Or, you can send us an email by clicking on "Email Silver Jim" in the right column.

Selling Sterling for Scrap: Concrete Example

We have received lots of questions about selling sterling flatware for scrap value. We have responded with conjectures about how this might happen and how much you would receive.

In order to give readers more concrete information, we decided to actually sell some for scrap. We had some sterling flatware pieces that were bent or otherwise badly damaged. We sent them to a mail order buyer who advertises daily on their web site what they will pay.

The buyer received our pieces, called us to confirm the purchase price and paid us the same day via PayPal. The price we received was about 65% of the current spot price for silver. That seemed reasonable to us because the buyer has to make a profit. We paid the postage to send the pieces.

If you have specific questions, email us. We don't endorse any buyers but this one did follow through as he said he would.

Click on any picture to see a larger version. By clicking on "Comments/Questions" below, you can see posted comments and add your own questions and comments. Or, you can send us an email by clicking on "Email Silver Jim" in the right column.

Testimonial: Wenol Metal Polish

We have avoided endorsing products but we have had such good success with Wenol Metal Polish when dealing with severely tarnished or poorly maintained pieces that we thought a testimonial was in order. We buy two or three tubes at a time! It's good.

We were not asked to do this by the the Wenol people nor are we being compensated by them. We just appreciate a good product.

Be aware that Wenol contains a mild abrasive and might remove traces of silver during the polishing process. Be especially careful with silver plate pieces.

We don't sell this product but you can find it simply by typing "Wenol" in the search window in the right column and clicking "Search".

Click on any picture to see a larger version. By clicking on "Comments/Questions" below, you can see posted comments and add your own questions and comments. Or, you can send us an email by clicking on "Email Silver Jim" in the right column.

How Do I Remove Rust From Sterling Flatware?

Rust on sterling flatware? I question the fact that you actually have sterling flatware. Tarnish, maybe, but rust?

Perhaps there might be some rust issue with silver plate knife blades or with the joint where the blade meets the handle but this is just a guess. I never have seen rust on sterling pieces. I welcome comments from readers who have different information.

Click on any picture to see a larger version. By clicking on "Comments/Questions" below, you can see posted comments and add your own questions and comments. Or, you can send us an email by clicking on "Email Silver Jim" in the right column.

Place Knives Mistakenly Called Butter Knives

I see ads from sellers now and then that say something like this, "Place setting consisting of fork, butter knife, salad fork & teaspoon". This makes me suspicious. Does this seller really have a place setting that includes a butter knife and no luncheon, place or dinner knife??

For some reason, some people call normal knives, "butter knives". I have no idea why. So, if the ad you are reviewing has this type of description, contact the seller and ask for the knife's length. Be sure you know what you are buying.

Click on any picture to see a larger version. By clicking on "Comments/Questions" below, you can see posted comments and add your own questions and comments. Or, you can send us an email by clicking on "Email Silver Jim" in the right column.

I Can't Find Hallmarks on My Knives

You may still have sterling handle knives even if you can't find any hallmarks. It's common for the hallmarks on old knife handles to get buffed or polished away over many years of use. We have a pretty strong magnifying glass and we look for faint imprints or even pieces of letters that indicate the original hallmarks.

In recent history, manufacturers began putting all the hallmarks on the knife blades. You might see, for example, "Stainless Blade Sterling Handle" imprinted on a knife blade. But, it the old days, the sterling hallmark was placed on the handle.

So, if you have a knife that your are worried about, hold it under a good light and a strong magnifying glass. Gradually tilt the knife handle various ways to look for hints of the original hallmarks. Tilt slowly and look carefully. Some hallmarks may run down the side of the handle; others might be at the handle shoulder where it meets the blade.

The picture below illustrates the problem. We took a picture of an old Gorham Buttercup knife handle. By adjusting the brightness and contrast (resulting in the golden color), we are just able to make out the words "Sterling Handle".



Click on any picture to see a larger version. By clicking on "Comments/Questions" below, you can see posted comments and add your own questions and comments. Or, you can send us an email by clicking on "Email Silver Jim" in the right column.

What Does "Estate Condition" Mean?

We have no idea! It depends upon the person using the term.

We've seen sellers describe sterling flatware pieces as being in "estate" condition. We think they usually mean that the pieces are used but as far as we are concerned, the term does not define the condition. Some add descriptive words, such as "Very Fine Estate Condition". If I am familiar with a seller and understand how he describes pieces, this description will help. But if I am not familiar with a seller, I still don't really know what the piece looks like.

Many sellers include definitions of their descriptive terms when they offer a piece for sale. Then, at least, you have some idea of actual condition. For example, when we sell something, we assign an evaluation to it using the following definitions:

• Excellent Condition: May show very slight signs of wear; might be tarnished because of age and have a few faint scratches.
• Fine Condition: May show minor scratches; minimal damage; patterns and relief will be well-defined.
• Very Good Condition: Patterns may show wear; may show signs of regular use.
• Good Condition: Pattern may be worn; signs of damage or improper cleaning may be seen.

We sometimes will say that a piece is in fine to excellent condition if it is between categories in our judgement. Sometimes for knives and other pieces with distinct components, we will say something like the blades are in very good condition and the handles are in fine condition. We often add another descriptive sentence or two such as, "We did not rate the spoons as 'excellent' because they have light abrasions from normal use."

If you are buying a piece of used sterling flatware, you have the right to understand its condition. If the seller is not clear, ask specific questions before buying.

By clicking on "Comments/Questions" below, you can see posted comments and add your own questions and comments. Or, you can send us an email by clicking on "View My Complete Profile" in the right column.

Finding Buyers for Your Sterling Flatware

We receive lots of questions and comments regarding locating a buyer for sterling flatware. We'll try to be unbiased in our response - we buy sterling flatware ourselves.

First, we recommend that you read our other posts related to selling flatware. In the right sidebar on this screen, click on the Label, "Selling". This will cause all the articles related to selling to be displayed together.

To get to some heavy-duty volume buyers:

• In the right column of this blog, enter "selling silver" in the Sterling Silver Web Search box and click the "Search" button.
• A new window will appear. Click on the ads you see at the top and on the right side of the new window.

Generally, these ad clicks will take you to people who buy scrap silver.

Now, here are some suggestions for locating other types of buyers:

• Send an email to us describing what you have. Click on "Email Silver Jim" in the right sidebar of this screen to access our email address. You didn't think we really would be unbiased, did you?
• We've mentioned eBay and craigslist.org in earlier posts. They are both good options and the latter option is free. Just be aware that scammers prey on craigslist sellers a lot.
• Try your local jewelry stores. If they won't buy it, maybe they can refer you to someone.
• In larger cities, you might find specialty stores that buy and sell used sterling pieces. In Atlanta, for example, we found businesses like this in the Yellow Pages under the heading, "Silverware".
• Search the ads on this blog for buyers. In the right sidebar are ten ads that directly relate to silver. Near the very bottom of this screen are roughly twenty similar ads. Most ads are for buyers, sellers or related products such as polish. You have to scroll through the ads to see them all.
• When scanning the ads, remember that sellers probably are also buyers. Contact them and ask how to sell to them. Some have this information posted on their web sites. We see ads frequently from at least three large companies that buy and sell. If you want more details about them, send an email to us. Google changes the ads every time you visit this blog, so check the ads every time.

We always welcome emails if you have specific questions.

By clicking on "Comments/Questions" below, you can see posted comments and add your own questions and comments. Or, you can send us an email by clicking on "View My Complete Profile" in the right column.

Can I Replace My Knife Blades?

Yes. New blades can be attached to your sterling handles. If you have silverplate blades, you can also have them re-plated.

Check with local resources like jewelers or enter "sterling flatware repair" in the search block in the right sidebar and search for a repair facility.

Before replacing blades, discuss with your repair source the shape of the blade and how close the new blade will match your old ones. Remember that most sterling flatware manufacturers make knives with several blade lengths and shapes.

Click on any picture to see a larger version. By clicking on "Comments/Questions" below, you can see posted comments and add your own questions and comments. Or, you can send us an email by clicking on "View My Complete Profile" in the right column.

Why Do My Stainless Steel Knife Blades Pit?

Stainless steel blades are tough but they can be damaged. Pitting is most often caused by prolonged contact with salt and foods that contain salt. They also can be pitted through long contact with water. Here are some tips.

• Don't soak knives for prolonged periods
• Don't use "rinse and hold" cycle with knives in the dishwasher
• Wash and dry soon after use

The best rule is to hand wash all your sterling flatware soon after use with mild soap, then dry immediately.

Click on any picture to see a larger version. By clicking on "Comments/Questions" below, you can see posted comments and add your own questions and comments. Or, you can send us an email by clicking on "View My Complete Profile" in the right column.

Online Encyclopedia of Silver Marks

If you are interested in researching hallmarks found on various types of old silver pieces, here is a site you will want to review:

Online Encyclopedia of Silver Marks, Hallmarks & Maker's Marks

Click on any picture to see a larger version. By clicking on "Comments/Questions" below, you can see posted comments and add your own questions and comments. Or, you can send us an email by clicking on "View My Complete Profile" in the right column.

New Google Sterling Search Feature

We have added a Google search capability to our site. We recommend that you use this search tool if you wish to search for pieces of sterling flatware. Just type in some details and click on "Search". We recommend you include at least the following search terms:

• Manufacturer name
• Pattern name
• Specific piece you are looking for

Examples are "Gorham Strasbourg fork", "Wallace Grande Baroque butter knife", etc. We have already embedded additional search criteria to help locate pieces you might be interested in.

When the search results window is opened, there may be advertisements included (top, side and/or bottom of the screen). These also are targeted to what you are looking for so if an ad looks promising, click on it.

Speaking of ads, we have also added advertisement links in the right sidebar and at the bottom of the screen. These are targeted as well so take a look if you are interested. You have to scroll through the ads to see them all. Generally, both sets of ads include:

• Potential sellers of sterling
• Potential buyers of sterling
• Potential sellers of ancillary products such as silver polish

By clicking on "Comments/Questions" below, you can see posted comments and add your own questions and comments. Or, you can send us an email by clicking on "View My Complete Profile" in the right column.

Removing Monograms from Sterling

Is it possible to remove monograms from sterling pieces? Yes, but we have not done this and don't plan on doing so.

As far as we know, there are two methods of removing monograms or other engraved content.

1. Buffing or filing the piece down to a point below the level of the engraving
2. Filling in the engraved portion with melted silver alloy

The first method is probably performed more often but has these disadvantages:

• The buffed area will now be much shinier than the rest of the piece because the patina acquired over the years will be gone
• The buffed area will be deformed

The second method sounds less intrusive but actually may be worse because there may be color differences and heavy buffing is still required.

We prefer to treat a monogram as part of the history of the piece. If it's offensive to you, then don't buy the piece! We have a sterling coffee/tea service set we bought at an auction many years ago. It has a beautiful "A" engraved on each piece. We pretend it once belonged to the Astor family!

By clicking on "Comments/Questions" below, you can see posted comments and add your own questions and comments. Or, you can send us an email by clicking on "View My Complete Profile" in the right column.

Made Up Sterling Flatware Pieces

You will sometimes see a sterling flatware piece offered for sale that you have never heard of. There may be a good reason - the manufacturer may never have created such a piece! We have seen some recent examples on eBay that are obviously not found in the real pattern's list of offerings. In most cases, the eBay description has disclosed that the piece was "custom" but sometimes the disclosure is buried in fine print. We don't want to malign any sellers so our example eBay ad below is a fake (we haven't seen an ad for a sweet potato fork). But it's close enough for you to be aware of what you might run across.

Buttercup by Gorham Sweet Potato Fork
This sweet potato fork was custom manufactured by a professional silversmith.

How can it be a true Gorham piece if it was "custom manufactured"? In some examples we've seen, the seller has cut out the two center tines of a standard luncheon fork and has called what's left some special type of serving piece (and has tried to charge a lot more).

Our Made Up "Sweet Potato Fork"

Following is a paragraph regarding this subject that we found in a popular book, Warman's Sterling Silver Flatware Value & Identification Guide.

Some... dealers are making up pieces, and in many cases are not telling the public. They are making cheese scoops from tablespoons, horse radish scoops from dessert spoons, baby pushers from teaspoons, and the market is loaded with asparagus servers made using dinner knife handles... Plain serving tablespoons are pierced to produce the slotted tablespoons, ice cream forks are made from teaspoons, especially in the early patterns, and so are the ice cream spoons. The only way one can tell the difference is via knowledge, knowing the original form of the bowl in the pattern.

So, always read the description carefully. Make sure you know what you buying.
English server, spinach fork, baked potato fork, pierced serving spoon, nut pick, olive spoon, relish scoop, horseradish scoop, brandy warmer, pate server
By clicking on "Comments/Questions" below, you can see posted comments and add your own questions and comments. Or, you can send us an email by clicking on "View My Complete Profile" in the right column.

Which Pattern Should I Select?

The selection of a sterling flatware pattern can be a tough decision. So we thought we would give you some points to consider, trying to add some logic and order to what is otherwise an emotional, and sometimes irrational, decision process.

We're going to focus on the new bride. We realize that pattern selections are made by people in other situations but we think the vast majority of pattern selections are made during the time leading up to a wedding. So, here's our list of points to ponder when considering a pattern. They start out with pragmatic considerations, then moving toward more abstract thoughts.

1. Is the pattern still being manufactured? A "yes" is not required absolutely because many patterns are available in the secondary market but it's nice to know you can buy new pieces if you like. You may actually enjoy the challenge of finding discontinued pieces.
2. Is there a robust secondary market for used pieces? Because costs keep rising, more and more people are purchasing used pieces in good condition. It makes sense financially. A good place to check is eBay. Search for pieces being offered in the pattern you're considering. A robust market would be indicated if you see more than 200 individual listings. For example, it's common to see more than 500 listings for Gorham Chantilly pieces. A robust market could be a negative indicator for you personally if you are someone who likes to own unique things. You will not be unique if you select Chantilly as your pattern.
3. What's the price for new and used pieces relative to other patterns? If you plan to collect place settings for 16 with 8 pieces per setting, expensive patterns could be a burden. Of course, you are also affecting the pocketbooks of people who might give you pieces.
4. What pattern does Grandma have? Are you likely to inherit her flatware? If you don't like Grandma's pattern, forget this point.
5. Does tarnish drive you crazy? Look at the Gorham Buttercup spoon below. Tarnish will accumulate deep within the design and many Buttercup owners think it actually enhances the outline of the pattern. We agree. There is a nicer term for this called, "French gray". Would you agree or would you be constantly trying to remove the tarnish from the crevices? If the latter is the case, Buttercup probably is not for you.
6. How does the pattern look sitting beside your dishes?
7. How does it relate to the size, style and furnishings of your home, especially the dining area? Are you Bauhaus or Baroque? Is the pattern heavy and intricate or does it have relatively clean lines?
8. Do you plan to use your sterling flatware every day or only on very special occasions?
9. Do you like tried and true solutions or are you adventurous? Is it important for you to have a unique presentation? (Refer back to point 2.)
10. Does the pattern add special value? Does it remind you of family dinners past? Does it take you somewhere - New Orleans or Boston or Paris?
11. What pattern does your fiance's ex-girlfriend have? You might want something else!

The bottom line question is, "Is it you?" Does it relate to your taste in other areas? Does it already feel familiar to you? Will you value it for years to come?

Your pattern will be part of your "signature". Look at the two spoons in the pictures below. You may not be inclined to select either as your pattern but you will be drawn to one more than the other. Maybe that will help reduce the number of choices you are considering.

Comments from others are welcome.

Gorham Fairfax

Gorham Buttercup

Click on any picture to see a larger version. By clicking on "Comments/Questions" below, you can see posted comments and add your own questions and comments. Or, you can send us an email by clicking on "View My Complete Profile" in the right column.

Etruscan Salad Fork Length Mystery

Here is a question we received as a comment to another post regarding Gorham Etruscan pieces. We've copied it here to gain more attention in the hope that someone has an answer. I don't.

Hi, I have recently listed a set of 4 Gorham Etruscan salad forks on ebay. It has been brought to my attention by a potential buyer that he has 7 salad forks that are different and he has been looking for one to match the other 7 he has. Low and behold! I seem to have the 8th fork. It is just a hair shorter than the others, a wee bit narrower and has beveled sides just before the stem. He states Replacement.com has said there is no difference in the Gorham Etruscan salad forks. Have you ever heard of or seen such a difference? Is this possibly not a salad fork? I have a photo I will email you showing the difference. Thanks so much, I appreciate your input.

This is the picture that was emailed. The fork on the right is the one is question

If you have any ideas, please post a comment or email us.

Click on any picture to see a larger version. By clicking on "Comments/Questions" below, you can see posted comments and add your own questions and comments. Or, you can send us an email by clicking on "View My Complete Profile" in the right column.

Sterling Flatware at Antique Shows

If you are planning to buy sterling flatware, here's another option - visit an antique show near your home. For example, there is a huge show one weekend every month in our city, Atlanta, sponsored by Scott Antique Markets. The same company has shows in Ohio.

An antique show typically will host many dealers, some of whom will bring sterling silver for sale. Dealers selling sterling can be classified roughly into these groups.

• Dealers selling all types of antiques may have some sets or individual pieces of flatware. You have to walk the entire show to find pieces in dealers' booths that interest you.
• Some dealers specializing in sterling flatware carry an inventory of used individual pieces and may have a wide variety. Some dealers polish it all; others leave it tarnished and sell for a little less. Sometimes these dealers have bargain tables where they will pile up pieces in a random method. Most of these bargains are less popular patterns or pieces not in great shape. However, we have bought a few pieces off tables like this at great prices.
• Other dealers specializing in sterling flatware may focus on sets only. You may find some very nice sets but they also may be at a hefty price.

The prices you can expect to see at an antique show are roughly comparable to "Fixed Price" or "Buy It Now" items offered by "power" sellers on eBay. Many dealers are willing to negotiate, especially on the last day of the show. Of course, the big advantage is that you can see the condition of the pieces first hand. You don't have to pay shipping but you may have to pay sales tax.

If you have some sterling flatware you want to sell, you could take it to a show and offer it to dealers. The price they will offer you probably will not be as much as you want. Expect 25-45% of the price they are selling it for.

If you don't know when shows come to your area, ask your friends. It's a popular thing. You might also check the Antique Week web site. You have to register there but it's free. Click on "Shows" in their heading.

By clicking on "Comments/Questions" below, you can see posted comments and add your own questions and comments. Or, you can send us an email by clicking on "View My Complete Profile" in the right column.

Successful Identification - Etruscan Ice Cream Spoon

The following comment was attached to our post, "About Soup Spoons". I think we have responded with a successful answer so I'm posting it here to brag a bit!

Hi, I have a question & hope someone can help me. I have 12 Gorham Etruscan spoons. Both are measuring at 5 3/8". One set of six has a bit of a lip on both sides of the bowl, closest to the stem of the spoon & a bit more of a fan shaped bowl than the 5 O'clock spoon. What type of spoon is the one with the lip?

I suggested to the author that pictures be emailed to me. Here are the two that were sent. The color, brightness and contrast were adjusted by me to try to define the edges a little better.

I located some pictures of Etruscan ice cream spoons on a couple of dealer web sites and sent links to the person who left the question. It appears that we have identified the spoon correctly as an ice cream spoon. If anyone has a differing opinion, comments are welcome.

Click on any picture to see a larger version. By clicking on "Comments/Questions" below, you can see posted comments and add your own questions and comments. Or, you can send us an email by clicking on "View My Complete Profile" in the right column.

Is it Flatware, Cutlery, Silverware, Tableware or What?

What's the generic name you use for your set of forks, knives, spoons, etc.? We use the term, "flatware", to describe such a set of dining utensils. This seems to be a fairly common term in the United States and extends to sets made of all types of material, not just sterling. So, to be specific, we always use the term, "sterling flatware", if that's what we are describing. Sometimes, you see this word misspelled as "flatwear".

Outside the United States, the term "cutlery", seems to be used a lot to describe what we call flatware. Here in the United States, we often use this term only to include items that "cut" such as knives and scissors.

In the South, we hear the term, "silverware", being used to describe what we think of as flatware, even if the pieces contain no silver! For example, someone might say, "I use my everyday silverware most of the time but on Sunday, I use my good silverware." This could be translated as, "I use my stainless steel flatware most of the time but on Sunday, I use my sterling flatware."

"Tableware" is also used but this term may broader in that it might include other dining pieces such as dishes.

Also in the South, we hear the term, "silver", being used to define sterling or silverplate flatware. I can remember hearing such phrases as, "On Thanksgiving Day, we set the table with our silver."

When we sell sterling flatware, we try to describe exactly what we are selling so there will be no question. When buying, we ask a seller to do the same thing. I have received many initial inquiries stating something like this, "I have some excellent sterling silverplate pieces."


By clicking on "Comments/Questions" below, you can see posted comments and add your own questions and comments. Or, you can send us an email by clicking on "View My Complete Profile" in the right column.

Luncheon, Place & Dinner Size - What's the Difference?

We hear variations of this question a lot. We've talked about the differences in sizes before. In the margin on the right of the screen, click on "Forks", "Knives" and "Place Size" to see what we've already said. Since we still receive questions, we thought we would summarize again here.

Many sterling flatware patterns offer at least three different sizes of forks and knives. Some also offer different sizes of salad forks and soup spoons. The size groups are called, moving from shortest to longest:

• Luncheon
• Place
• Dinner

The dinner size traditionally has been used for more formal dinners. Dinner forks typically range between 7.5 inches and 8 inches. Dinner knives range between 9.5 and 10 inches. Luncheon pieces typically have been used for meals other than formal dinners. A luncheon knife generally is 9 inches or shorter. A luncheon fork generally is 7 inches or shorter.

Some sterling flatware manufacturers started producing the "place" size as a compromise. Silver prices began to soar and it was too expensive for many homes to own more than one length of forks and knives. So, the place pieces served for luncheon or dinner. A place fork often is around 7.5 inches long and a place knife is often about 9.25 inches long. Gorham marks its place pieces with a "P" inside a tiny diamond shape.

It can be a bit confusing because some place pieces and dinner pieces are the same length in a given pattern. For example, in Gorham's Chantilly and Buttercup patterns, the dinner fork and place fork are both 7.5 inches long. When you examine the pieces closely in these patterns, you realize that the dinner fork is a tiny bit wider and somewhat heavier than the place fork.

There is another size, "continental", that is even larger than the dinner size. You see this sometimes in Europe but not often in the United States.

Today, size has become less important. All sizes are used for all purposes by many people. The choice is really up to you.

By clicking on "Comments/Questions" below, you can see posted comments and add your own questions and comments. Or, you can send us an email by clicking on "View My Complete Profile" in the right column.