Flatware · Tea services · Candlesticks · Salvers · Hallmarked pieces
Inherited and estate silver.
Weighed, assessed, and fairly valued.
Silver from an estate rarely arrives in neat, categorised form. There may be a canteen of cutlery that has not been counted in years, a tea service in a velvet-lined box, a drawer of mixed pieces some of which are sterling and some are not. This is the situation we work with most often.
We identify hallmarks, assess sets as complete units, and give you a written valuation broken down by item type. You receive a clear explanation of what is sterling, what is plate, and what each category has been valued at — so you can make an informed decision.
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What we need to know — and what to photograph
Different types of silver are valued differently. The table below explains what affects value for each category and what photographs help us assess quickly.
| Item type | What affects value | What to photograph |
|---|---|---|
| Flatware & cutlery sets | Sterling vs plate, pattern name, maker, number and completeness of pieces, condition of bowls and tines | A spread of all pieces, close-up of any hallmarks or EPNS stamps, any serving pieces |
| Tea & coffee services | Sterling vs plate, maker (e.g. Mappin & Webb, Elkington), completeness of set, condition of hinges and lids | Full set from above, close-up of hallmarks on underside of teapot, any damage to spouts or handles |
| Candlesticks & candelabra | Weighted vs solid silver (affects melt value), maker, period, matched pairs | Both candlesticks together, underside showing any hallmarks or maker's marks |
| Salvers & trays | Weight, engraving (presentation engraving can reduce value), hallmarks, any armorial engraving | Face of the tray, underside hallmarks, any engraved inscriptions |
| Miscellaneous pieces | Maker, period, function, condition — cigarette cases, card cases, and dressing table sets can be collectable | Each item individually with any visible hallmarks or marks |
Tarnish does not reduce value and does not prevent us from identifying hallmarks. Polishing before photographs can obscure marks, and heavy polishing before sale can reduce value on collectable pieces by removing fine surface detail. Leave everything as found.
Common concerns, answered honestly
"I have a mixed drawer of silver and silver-plate and I have no idea which is which."
This is the most common situation we encounter. Photograph the hallmarks or stamps on each piece — even a blurry close-up helps. Sterling silver and quality silver-plate can both have value; we simply value them differently and explain exactly which category each piece falls into.
"I cannot read the hallmarks and don't know what they mean."
You do not need to interpret hallmarks yourself. Photograph them — even in low light — and we will identify them. British hallmarking has been consistent since the 14th century and tells us the maker, the assay office, the year, and the silver standard. It is our job to read them, not yours.
"The flatware set is incomplete — pieces are missing from the canteen."
Incomplete sets are common and do not automatically mean low value. A partial service in a sought-after pattern by a named silversmith can still be worth a meaningful sum. We assess what is there, tell you clearly what the missing pieces represent in value terms, and make an offer based on the actual items in hand.
"Several pieces are heavily tarnished and one tray has a dent. Should I try to have them repaired first?"
No. Do not commission repairs before contacting us. For sterling pieces valued on weight, repairs add cost without adding value. For collectable pieces, amateur repairs can reduce value. Tarnish is not damage. Send us photographs of items as they are and we will give you an honest picture of where condition affects the offer.
How the process works
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Photograph your silver and send it to us Photograph each type of item — spread the flatware out, photograph tea sets from above and from the side, capture close-ups of any hallmarks or stamps. Email everything to support@fairvintage.co.uk with a brief description of what you have.
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We identify marks and give a preliminary assessment Within one to two working days we will identify the hallmarks, distinguish sterling from plate, and give you a realistic indication of value. We will also tell you clearly if anything appears to be outside our scope or of negligible value, so you are not waiting for news that never comes.
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Free insured postage arranged Silver is heavy. We provide fully insured, tracked postage at our cost. We advise on packing — large trays and tea services need proper protection and we guide you through it before anything leaves your home.
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Hands-on assessment and written valuation On receipt we weigh sterling pieces, examine hallmarks in person, assess condition, and research current collector demand for notable pieces. You receive a written valuation broken down by category and item with our reasoning clearly explained.
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Accept, decline, or return any items You may accept the offer in full or in part. Payment is made within 72 hours of acceptance. Any items you choose not to sell are returned to you free of charge with no questions asked.
Frequently asked questions
How do I tell the difference between sterling silver and silver-plate?
Sterling silver carries hallmarks stamped into the metal — look for a lion passant (England), a thistle (Scotland), or an Assay Office mark alongside a date letter and maker's mark. Silver-plate is usually marked EPNS (electroplated nickel silver), EPBM (electroplated britannia metal), or A1 plate. If you are unsure, photograph any marks you can find and we will identify them. Both sterling and quality plate can have value, but they are assessed on entirely different bases.
I only have part of a flatware service — is it still worth anything?
Yes, often. A partial service in a well-known pattern by a named silversmith — Mappin & Webb, Walker & Hall, Elkington — can still attract collectors. We assess partial sets on the quality of the individual pieces, the pattern's collectability, and the silver content if sterling. We will always be honest if a partial set has limited resale value so you are not left guessing.
The silver was inherited and has no paperwork or receipts at all. Is that a problem?
Not at all. The vast majority of inherited silver arrives without documentation. British hallmarks are a legal record stamped into the metal itself — they tell us the maker, the date of manufacture, the assay office, and the silver standard. We do not require receipts or prior valuations, and the absence of paperwork does not affect our offer in any way.
Should I weigh the silver myself before contacting you?
There is no need. Weight is one factor in valuing sterling silver but it is not the only one — and for collectable pieces, maker and condition matter more than weight alone. Send photographs rather than measurements; a photograph tells us far more than a figure on kitchen scales. We weigh everything precisely on receipt as part of our assessment process.
Related pages
Find out what your silver is worth
Send photographs to support@fairvintage.co.uk or call us on 01234 815116. We identify hallmarks from photographs and respond within one to two working days.
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