Thar Be Treasure - Identifying Sterling Silver 

As an expert in American and European silver, I find that most of the information you provide here is correct. The "Numbers" you refer to are pattern numbers used to match the table pieces to a flatware pattern. Most folks in the late 1800's and early 1900"s who could buy silverware services for their homes bought the flatware and all of the accesory pieces such as fruit baskets, bon bon baskets, and nut cups. The small nut cup you said was not hallmarked most likely is stamped under the rim. The pierced basket by Gorham is a Bon Bon or candy tray and the larger oval tray by Towle is either an asparagus tray or bread tray depending on the size.

Hi The Dragon's Trove! Nice pickups! 😎I just subscribed to your channel!

Best way to test without acid is by using an icecube. It will instantly melt on silver.

You mislead a little by saying don’t pay attention to numbers. You say also that sterling is 92.5 % silver, which is fact, but some pieces may only have a “925” stamp which means “sterling or 9.25” 👍🏻

When you handle various metals for a long time, your fingers develop a 'feel' for the metal and hence aid in its identification. Silver has a unique, satiny feel that can help differentiate it from silver plated items.

That basket you showed is actually not English, it’s American it’s manufactured by Gorham from providence Rhode Island and its worth more than scrap. I hope you didn’t scrap that, that’s a very nice piece.

Thanks, good info

Good info thanks

Silver is not a light metal they make it thin plus a magnet doesn't stick to plate.

Gday mate

Interesting topic presented in an uninteresting way. Use fewer words and a lot fewer hand movements.