Your silver will have a hallmark called a date letter. This marking will tell you when it was produced. However, the date letters used differ depending on where the silver was assayed. For example, the date letter for 1898 in London is a lowercase c, but in Sheffield, its a lowercase f.

Is it marking on silver spoon?

Look for the Marking Sterling Silver Sterling silverware made in the USA after roughly the 1850s always has a marking: either Sterling or 925. If your silverware does not have this marking, its most likely not real silver. spoons, youll see this marking on the back of the handle.

How can you tell how old a spoon is?

Look for marks such as “EP” or “A1” on the back of the stem. These marks indicate silver plate. This process of applying a thin layer of silver to a base metal body was first widely employed in the 1820s, so a silver-plated spoon will be no earlier than this date.

How do you identify silver markings?

Sterling silver (925): This is the standard for silver, identifying a silver item that is at least 92.5% silver mixed with copper to give it strength. Marks on these pieces include 925 or Sterling. Any mark indicating a higher silver content, such as 950, would also qualify as sterling.

How can you tell if a spoon is solid silver?

Buff the silverware to a shine with a soft, nonabrasive white cloth. If the silverware is real, it will leave a slight (or not so slight) black mark. Real silver chemically reacts with oxygen to form a patina (tarnish) while silver plating bonds to the underlying metal, so stainless steel will leave no such mark.