Treasure hunting in the cutlery drawer! How to pick Sterling Silver from plated junk

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Here's a beginners guide to identifying Sterling silver treasure in op shops or thrift stores. It's always worth going through old cutlery and good silver pieces turn up more often than you think - if you know what to look for!
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Опубликовано:

13 мар 2019

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Комментарии : 188

@rosiebambrick3471 2 года назад

Great explanation, thank you for contributing honest, interesting content and sharing your knowledge. I'll be looking twice at souvenir spoons now!

@TheUltimateRecycler 2 года назад

Thanks Rosie! 👍😊

@alonys 2 года назад

This should have millions of views. Wonderfully explained. Many thanks.

@TheUltimateRecycler 2 года назад

Thank you! My views are slowly increasing, but it's quite a long haul building a big channel!

@Bellathebear777 Год назад

I find it interesting that it's typically a small % of us, that show appreciation with a thumbs up. Come on people. 45,000 watched, you know you liked, you know it helped, lazy Americans , lol

@agnesturpin4604 4 месяца назад

Thank you for this instructional video. I don’t collect cutlery but these tips are good to know when I’m out treasure hunting. Thank you.

@TheUltimateRecycler 4 месяца назад

I don't collect it either - but have found some nice sterling silver in secondhand shops before by knowing what to look for! Thanks for watching 😊👍

@jjsmama401 4 месяца назад

I remember the days when you could go to Goodwill and find treasures. But nowadays people know what’s valuable and you almost never find treasures anymore.

@TheUltimateRecycler 4 месяца назад

Certainly less treasures sneak through onto the shelves Laurie, but they still turn up - especially in small country town op shops which are run by volunteers. I recently found a $100 (scrap price) Sterling silver bowl in an op-shop rubbish bin!

@David-sw3on Год назад

Hey thanks very much! I definitely picked up a few new tips. 👍😉🇨🇦

@TheUltimateRecycler Год назад

That's awesome, thanks Dave! 👍😊

@shauncummings2361 2 года назад

You , sir , are a champion. 👍 that leopard with the crown, is from London I think. And I’m a kiwi, so loved that spoon . Thanks again

@TheUltimateRecycler 2 года назад

Thanks Shaun, glad you enjoyed it! 😊👍

@leomutombo5458 2 года назад

ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-qPPiIv96Xpc.html

@folksongpreacher2255 Год назад

Very helpful sir. Thank you!

@TheUltimateRecycler Год назад

Glad it was helpful FSP! Thanks for watching 😊

@kathleendinsmore1986 2 года назад

Very helpful. Thank you!

@TheUltimateRecycler 2 года назад

Glad it was helpful! Thanks Kathleen 😊

@bonbiskadafi9423 2 года назад

Wow thx for this video, much needed info!

@TheUltimateRecycler 2 года назад

Thanks Bondis Kadafi, I'm pleased it was helpful! 😊

@talicatinai2637 3 года назад

Easy listening and very informative . Thanks for that .

@TheUltimateRecycler 3 года назад

Thankyou Talica! 😊

@leomutombo5458 2 года назад

ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-qPPiIv96Xpc.html

@Hawkeye2001 2 года назад

Thanks, I've inherited some odd flat wear. This gives me some basics to check.

@TheUltimateRecycler 2 года назад

Thanks Steve, glad it was helpful! 😊👍

@leomutombo5458 2 года назад

ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-qPPiIv96Xpc.html

@frankpowell29 Год назад

Thank you, very helpful

@TheUltimateRecycler Год назад

Thanks Frank, that's great! 👍😊

@lucreziarussell4694 2 года назад

Thank You - much appreciated.

@TheUltimateRecycler 2 года назад

Thanks for watching! 😊

@leomutombo5458 2 года назад

ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-qPPiIv96Xpc.html

@lisatai1120 Год назад

Thanks Ive definitely learnt something new today...kia ora from New Zealand

@TheUltimateRecycler Год назад

That's awesome! Thanks for watching Lisa! 😊

@anthonygarcia7451 Год назад

Awesome Lesson.🙏

@TheUltimateRecycler Год назад

Thanks Anthony! 😊👍

@cxz504 2 месяца назад

I really liked it!! Very relaxing and learning about silver

@TheUltimateRecycler 2 месяца назад

That's great, thanks for watching 😀👍

@madsholmberg1612 3 года назад

thanks for the amazing video. it was just what i needed.

@TheUltimateRecycler 3 года назад

Glad to hear it! 😊

@leomutombo5458 2 года назад

ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-qPPiIv96Xpc.html

@kasambike6543 2 месяца назад

Thanks ❤ love your video , its help a lots❤️

@TheUltimateRecycler 2 месяца назад

That's excellent! Many thanks for watching 😊👍

@kurotsuki7427 25 дней назад

I find this facinating. though im not just looking for pure silver, im fine with the copper and brass too. I just like being able to identify what my cutlery is so i know how to clean it properly so it can look its best.

@TheUltimateRecycler 25 дней назад

That's great! Thanks for watching 😊👍

@CCasyno Год назад

Lion with leg up is always silver. Nice video!! Thanks

@TheUltimateRecycler Год назад

Yes Charles, 92.5% sterling 😊

@crossroadschronicles4647 8 месяцев назад

Thank you

@TheUltimateRecycler 8 месяцев назад

Thanks for watching! 👍😊

@johntysoe4391 2 года назад

Well explained .

@TheUltimateRecycler 2 года назад

Thanks John! 😊

@leomutombo5458 2 года назад

ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-qPPiIv96Xpc.html

@Taliatekito 2 года назад

This is a fantastic video

@TheUltimateRecycler 2 года назад

Thankyou! I'm glad you enjoyed it! 😊

@leomutombo5458 2 года назад

ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-qPPiIv96Xpc.html

@cptrikester2671 2 года назад

Thanks. Wondered how I could sort these at the thrift stores.

@TheUltimateRecycler 2 года назад

It does take time, but there are treasures to be found!! 👍😊

@leomutombo5458 2 года назад

ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-qPPiIv96Xpc.html

@brandonelmore3261 2 года назад

These ate tarnished up iusw have. Lean them as kid after Thanksgiving before we put.m up

@TheUltimateRecycler 2 года назад

Thanks for watching Brandon! 😊

@walkinghorsejones Год назад

I love silver plate junk lol 😆for my art

@TheUltimateRecycler Год назад

Yes, I actually sell a lot of silver plate cutlery to people who make jewellery or even wind-chimes!

@smacpost3 2 года назад

This was a very helpful video, great job. Thank you. Question, please; what if a piece doesn't have any marks, like home-made native jewellery? Is there a way to identify without carrying around a bottle of acid? Thanks again :)

@TheUltimateRecycler 2 года назад

Thanks ess mac. No, not really. An acid test or a specific gravity test are probably the only way..

@libbylandscape3560 Год назад

Silver has a particular smell, rub it between your fingers up by your nose and you can smell it’s faint aroma. Try it first with something you know is silver first to learn the smell.

@smacpost3 Год назад

@@libbylandscape3560 ; I'll check that, thank you.

@NicoleGizzy79 Год назад

I saw somewhere if you drop it The sound will be like a bell Also a Magnet won't stick

@smacpost3 Год назад

@@NicoleGizzy79 ; that is helpful advice, thank you Victoria. My silver identification techniques are growing 🙂

@margaretdobkowski7394 2 года назад

thank you for this interesting clip. what does it mean if a utensil is marked GW 10L. BM? if anything...

@TheUltimateRecycler 2 года назад

Thanks Margaret. Those markings don't ring any bells, but I would think it's just silver plated. BM may stand for Britannia Metal - a type of tin alloy.

@leomutombo5458 2 года назад

ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-qPPiIv96Xpc.html

@stuartwynne3200 3 года назад

Hi very interesting video not sure when it was first produced but its now Feb 2021 I was wondering about some cutlery which has the marks AI, W&H, S R w&h would be interested in the marks if you can tell me about them

@TheUltimateRecycler 3 года назад

This video was almost a couple of years ago Stuart, but that makes little difference. W&H is "Walker & Hall" from memory - should be easy to google that. A1 would indicate that your cutlery is silver plated :) You could always look up my facebook page (The Ultimate Recycler) and post some pics there if you wish.

@leomutombo5458 2 года назад

ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-qPPiIv96Xpc.html

@lucreziarussell4694 2 года назад

Great video, thank you. Where is the best place to sell silver cutlery left to us that all we seem to do is drag out every few years and clean.

@TheUltimateRecycler 2 года назад

Probably Ebay would be the best. If you have sterling silver, and show the hallmarks and the weight clearly, it should sell well! 😊

@leomutombo5458 2 года назад

ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-qPPiIv96Xpc.html

@nikkisolo9080 Год назад

New to your channel, I had an Amazing find at a thrift shop last week, guess who found 32 pieces of Towle Sterling silver flatware in the design Awakening??Me!!!God is Good!!!

@TheUltimateRecycler Год назад

That's an awesome find!! Well done you! 👏😃

@nikkisolo9080 Год назад

@@TheUltimateRecycler Thanks,Truth is,the most Amazing part is that I paid only 6.00 US currency for that lot,still can't believe it myself!!!

@virginaeastwood1870 11 месяцев назад

I have some very old spoons that I purchased at a yard sale. They have a zig zag marking on back?

@TheUltimateRecycler 11 месяцев назад

Hmm, I don't know that mark! You could share a pic to my facebook page if you like. 😊

@littlewhitedaisy11 Год назад

Hi there, thanks for your interesting video. Could you tell me if this spoon is silver please? It has a crown a lion and q then W&N. Thanks in advance.

@TheUltimateRecycler Год назад

They certainly sound like silver hallmarks, yes. I'd need to see a close up pic. You could post it on my facebook page 😊

@littlewhitedaisy11 Год назад

@@TheUltimateRecycler yes, I didn't know you had a fb page. I'll look for it.

@TheUltimateRecycler Год назад

@@littlewhitedaisy11 Look up "The Ultimate Recycler" I think there's a link on my 'about page' 😊

@darrenrowney3152 7 месяцев назад

I found lots in an old house. Any chance you could have a look at them.

@TheUltimateRecycler 7 месяцев назад

For sure Darren, happy to. Are you local? You could always put some pics up on my facebook group (The Ultimate Recycler) and I'll have a look 👍😊

@darrenrowney3152 7 месяцев назад

@@TheUltimateRecycler I will put up this evening. I'm from ireland

@briansmythe3000 Год назад

Nice The LION with its hoof in the air means Silver Correct ?

@TheUltimateRecycler Год назад

Yes Brian, it's the British mark for sterling silver (92.5%)

@June-jg2qp Год назад

In this video, you talked about scrapping the silver. Where do you go to scrap it - a scrap metal yard?

@TheUltimateRecycler Год назад

Silver plate items which aren't good enough to sell go to the scrap yard as brass. Any solid silver scrap I save up - and will probably sell on ebay down the track.

@MyrnaAbriol 3 дня назад

have here a dozen of wm rogers & sons aa spoon fork and teaspoon

@TheUltimateRecycler 3 дня назад

The Rogers & Sons ones are pretty common. Thanks for watching 👍😊

@brandonelmore3261 2 года назад

What you think melt them down or try sell m as sets probably be ore smart

@TheUltimateRecycler 2 года назад

I sell silver plate cutlery at $1 each. Sterling silver for much more obviously!

@leomutombo5458 2 года назад

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@apefromthekitchen 3 года назад

Doesn't the New Sealand spoon has wear out spots as well?

@TheUltimateRecycler 3 года назад

The New Zealand spoon does have some minor wear but doesn't show any cheaper base metal underneath. 🙂

@leomutombo5458 2 года назад

ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-qPPiIv96Xpc.html

@barbaramoakes-jl5jh Год назад

Hi i have a load of knifes all the same design that being 52855 then they have the year 1950, 51, 52, 53, 54 and 55. They are all made by Hladwin Ltd, Sheffield Embassy Trade Mark. They are Stainless. I have about 50 of these knifes. They are not tarnished. Are they worth anything please? Thank you for your time !

@TheUltimateRecycler Год назад

I doubt they'd be worth anything substantial Barbara, certainly not for their metal content like silver is. We sell a lot of vintage cutlery items through our shop for just $1 each - So you may have $50 worth.. but finding a buyer may be tricky!

@barbaramoakes-jl5jh Год назад

@@TheUltimateRecycler thank you for your comment! I appreciate your time! 🤗

@vernkay. Год назад

Wow, thanks.

@TheUltimateRecycler Год назад

Thanks for watching Marilyn 😊

@woodpecker5040 2 года назад

are silver plated Australian spoons without the markings worth anything ?

@TheUltimateRecycler 2 года назад

Very little I'm afraid Wood pecker..

@woodpecker5040 2 года назад

@@TheUltimateRecycler okay was 50 cents per spoon worth it? how much silver do they scrap value

@TheUltimateRecycler 2 года назад

@@woodpecker5040 They are probably worth a lot less than that for scrap - there's hardly any silver value and it's not worth trying to recover it. I sometimes try and sell the souvenir spoons for $1 each to tourists.

@woodpecker5040 2 года назад

@@TheUltimateRecycler okay thanks for the reply

@victorm6176 3 года назад

Ijust found a victa silver spoon.

@TheUltimateRecycler 3 года назад

That sounds cool!

@leomutombo5458 2 года назад

ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-qPPiIv96Xpc.html

@billr6344 Год назад

Once you find it, where do you take it to cash in?

@TheUltimateRecycler Год назад

Sterling silver sells pretty well on ebay actually Bill!

@jessevos5109 2 года назад

I have a spoon that is stamped Antiko 100. Is that plated or real?

@TheUltimateRecycler 2 года назад

I believe Antiko is a German trade name and 100 represents the grade of silver used in plating the item. So, silver plated but quite good quality 😊👍

@shamuthebear 11 месяцев назад

Iv got a vase stamped A B * S but the s looks like a snake with a spear and the star is has rounded edges the only other marking i can see is of a hand holding flower but it very faint

@TheUltimateRecycler 11 месяцев назад

That mark doesn't sound familiar at all. It doesn't seem like an English silver mark, plated or otherwise. It may be European - some research required there!

@jaredness8895 2 года назад

Does a sterling mark always mean it's solid 92.5?

@TheUltimateRecycler 2 года назад

Generally, but not always Jared! There are fakes around!

@leomutombo5458 2 года назад

ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-qPPiIv96Xpc.html

@jubeibob 2 года назад

is something is plated in siliver but is not magnetic, what metal is common for the base metal?

@TheUltimateRecycler 2 года назад

The most common base metal you'll find on silver plated things would be an alloy known as nickel silver (the 'NS' in EPNS). It doesn't actually contain any silver, but is an alloy of copper, nickel and zinc.

@jubeibob 2 года назад

@@TheUltimateRecycler Thanks for the reply, the video helped clear things up for me too. sometimes I have to read it too. Thanks again for all the hard work making these videos

@leomutombo5458 2 года назад

ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-qPPiIv96Xpc.html

@najattvmorocco8164 Год назад

👍👍👍👍

@TheUltimateRecycler Год назад

Thanks Najat! 😊

@victorwadsworth821 Год назад

How did you burn your fingertip?

@TheUltimateRecycler 11 месяцев назад

Haha, I don't remember! I've nearly always got some type of war-wound from scrapping of mechanical work!

@joycecamangyan2969 2 года назад

Epns a1 sheffield england. How much value or price

@TheUltimateRecycler 2 года назад

Probably very little! Plated items are usually of low value..

@leomutombo5458 2 года назад

ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-qPPiIv96Xpc.html

@BI-11y_TheStormTrooper Год назад

I found 5 un-stamped sterling butter knifes , I bought them at a thrift store thinking they were silver plated. I payed $0.68 a piece for them , took them home, took a file to one and boom sterling silver.

@TheUltimateRecycler Год назад

Sounds like a great score Billy - but how did you know they were sterling with no stamps?

@BI-11y_TheStormTrooper Год назад

@@TheUltimateRecycler With a file and some weak acid . Also certain designs of silverware is an almost dead give away , so I took the gamble and it payed off .

@TheUltimateRecycler Год назад

@@BI-11y_TheStormTrooper Awesome! Well done you! 😊👍

@Angel-nr8td 3 года назад

Digging up a stump found really old dessert spoon only can make out its a epns

@TheUltimateRecycler 3 года назад

Wouldn't you love to know the story of how it got there? 🤔😮😊

@Angel-nr8td 3 года назад

@@TheUltimateRecycler for sure the house we live in was built in 1940 this spoon is deeper than modern day dessert spoons it looks rough i was shocked when it appeared my metal detector is not working im going to fix it up and see if there is anything else

@TheUltimateRecycler 3 года назад

@@Angel-nr8td Definitely worth detecting there! Also, under the clothes line is a good spot to find coins! 👍😊

@Angel-nr8td 3 года назад

@@TheUltimateRecycler funny you should say that we are in couple of months replacing washing line

@leomutombo5458 2 года назад

ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-qPPiIv96Xpc.html

@katua723 Год назад

I have BTW is it valuable?

@TheUltimateRecycler Год назад

I don't think so, that's likely to just be manufacturer's initials.

@zoemeow7677 3 года назад

😋🍜💖✨

@debracurry4159 Год назад

What do WM Roger's mean

@TheUltimateRecycler Год назад

William Rogers was an American silversmith through the 1800s Debra. He made both sterling silver and silver plate items.

@katua723 Год назад

I have the one written BTW for sale

@mmdeldouks5750 3 года назад

HI I have a plate written ,,Alpacca Lord,, on it Is it valuable?

@TheUltimateRecycler 3 года назад

Sorry, no idea on that one!

@leomutombo5458 2 года назад

ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-qPPiIv96Xpc.html

@TheUltimateRecycler 8 месяцев назад

@johnmeigs719 Thanks John, appreciate your input! 👍😊

@MrLidiaJC 10 месяцев назад

What means if is say wRogers IS?

@TheUltimateRecycler 10 месяцев назад

It's probably silver plated. I'd need to see a pic.

@brandonelmore3261 2 года назад

I know what worth silver but want make sure not somn special before I melt it down probably sel it like it is besides one set I ain't got box

@TheUltimateRecycler 2 года назад

Yes, sterling items are usually worth much more than scrap value unless damaged.

@leomutombo5458 2 года назад

ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-qPPiIv96Xpc.html

@djanicealvezferreira9997 9 месяцев назад

Tinha que ser em portugues Brazil

@TheUltimateRecycler 9 месяцев назад

Thanks for watching 😊

@jenniferresuello7611 4 месяца назад

I have a spoon sir..the stamp is U•S•N NATIONAL SILVER CO. its a real?

@TheUltimateRecycler 4 месяца назад

Jennifer, I think USN would signify United States Navy. The spoon would be silver plate, and not Sterling silver.

@jenniferresuello7611 4 месяца назад

Yes it's a silver Plate. Sir. They have value.

@TheUltimateRecycler 4 месяца назад

@@jenniferresuello7611 Not much value - maybe more to a collector of Navy stuff 👍

@jenniferresuello7611 4 месяца назад

Ahm... Ok sir thanks po.

@jenniferresuello7611 3 месяца назад

I sell this tyspoon sir. Where can I sell this

@kristinebailey6554 Год назад

Wondering why you never mentioned the lion hallmark. Hmmmm

@TheUltimateRecycler Год назад

Oh? I thought I did! I might have to rewatch this!

@ivypoison9098 8 месяцев назад

Hi thanks! Do you know where the saying: Born with a silver spoon, in his mouth! Came from??

@TheUltimateRecycler 8 месяцев назад

I think it refers to someone who was born into a wealthy family (as in, they could afford silver cutlery). The term is usually used to describe someone has never experienced poverty and is perhaps unable to appreciate the plight of poorer people. Thanks for watching 😊

@philwhipple4557 2 года назад

Rule of thumb pretty much is if the piece doesn't say sterling it probably isn't.

@TheUltimateRecycler 2 года назад

Especially in the USA Phil. Most English silver just has hallmarks and European silver has a number.

@leomutombo5458 2 года назад

ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-qPPiIv96Xpc.html

@jairussrussellcipre5356 3 года назад

N OK

@danieldevite668 7 месяцев назад

Simple turn over the silverware and read what is stamped

@TheUltimateRecycler 7 месяцев назад

..and then understanding what you are reading Daniel! Thanks for watching 😊

@brandonelmore3261 2 года назад

I foun name brand silver silverware my grandmother died I'm go look name's up I got 2 sets silverware nice ass boxes and me box git extra set I'm find name and year on it anybody know anything about it

@TheUltimateRecycler 2 года назад

Too hard to give you any info without a photo mate!

@brandonelmore3261 2 года назад

My bad yea don't know what I thinking IL post pocture of the brand names couple each peace

@OragnatSerniatsac Месяц назад

How much Brasil cotchara

@TheUltimateRecycler Месяц назад

Sorry, I don't know what you mean? 🤔

@dogdooish 8 месяцев назад

Bung all the EPNS into a tank and use some electrolysis to scavenge the silver! I'm sure you can do it!

@TheUltimateRecycler 8 месяцев назад

Mike, I'm sure I could if I was motivated too! Unfortunately the price of silver just isn't high enough to make the process viable. I sell the clean pieces at $1 each and the corroded or damaged ones go in the scrap brass bin!