Antique silver flatware is one of the most common—and most misunderstood—categories of inherited personal property. Whether tucked away in a dining room chest or divided among family members over time, silver flatware often raises the same questions: Is this sterling or plated? Is it collectible? Is it worth appraising individually or by weight?
Preparing properly for an appraisal helps ensure the valuation is accurate, efficient, and appropriate for its intended purpose. This guide walks through what to do before scheduling an antique silver flatware appraisal and what information an appraiser will need.
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Before the appraisal begins, it’s helpful to understand that silver flatware may have value for different reasons:
An appraiser will determine how your flatware is valued, but knowing these broad categories helps set expectations.
You don’t need a formal spreadsheet, but a simple inventory is extremely helpful. Start by listing:
If the flatware is stored in multiple locations or boxes, group like pieces together. This makes it easier for the appraiser to identify patterns, completeness, and overall scope.
Flip pieces over and look closely at the back of handles, knife blades, or stems. Common markings include:
Do not worry if marks are worn or difficult to read—photograph them as clearly as possible. Avoid polishing aggressively to “make marks clearer,” as this can actually reduce value.
This is one of the most common mistakes. While gentle cleaning to remove surface dust is fine, do not polish antique silver before appraisal.
Over-polishing can:
Appraisers expect tarnish and will factor condition appropriately.
If you have supporting documentation, set it aside for review. Helpful materials include:
Even informal information—such as “this set belonged to my grandmother and was purchased in the 1920s”—can help establish context.
If the appraisal will be conducted remotely, good photographs are essential. Provide:
Use natural light when possible and avoid harsh reflections.
The intended use of the appraisal matters. Silver flatware may be appraised for:
Each purpose may require a different definition of value and level of reporting detail. Be clear about why the appraisal is needed before work begins.
During the appraisal, the appraiser will assess:
Some flatware is valued primarily for silver content, while others—especially complete sets by desirable makers—may carry significant collector premiums.
Preparing for an antique silver flatware appraisal doesn’t require expert knowledge—just organization, transparency, and restraint. Avoid cleaning too aggressively, gather what information you have, and present the flatware as clearly as possible.
With proper preparation, an appraisal can provide clarity, confidence, and defensible value—whether the flatware is destined for sale, insurance coverage, or preservation within a family collection.
