What does M mean on sterling silver?

THE DIRECTORY OF STERLING SILVER MAKERS SILVERPLATE MAKERS. ALPHABETICAL LETTER MARK: M. (M) HICKOK-MATTHEWS COMPANY. Newark, NJ. (M) MANCHESTER MFG CO.

Does a lion passant mean sterling silver?

The mark for silver meeting the sterling standard of purity is the Lion Passant, but there have been other variations over the years, most notably the mark indicating Britannia purity.

How do I identify sterling silver flatware?

Before you can identify the pattern, you’ll need to determine whether it is silverplated or sterling silver. In most cases, this is easy. Almost all sterling silver is marked with the word “sterling” or the number “925.” If the piece is marked with either of these, you can be certain it’s crafted of sterling.

What does sterling applied mean?

In America, articles marked sterling must contain a minimum of 925 parts silver for every 1000 parts of material. Expressed another way, items must be 92.5 percent silver and no more than 7.5 percent base metal. This ratio is called the “sterling standard” and has been used in the US since the mid-1860s.

What does M 925 mean on jewelry?

This is the name used to denote silver jewelry covered with a thin layer of gold. Its mean that the jewelry is not made of solid gold. 925 is a universal sign of sterling silver content meaning 92.5 of the content is 92.5 silver and the remaining 7.5 percent is made of other elements.

How can you tell if silverware is vintage?

Many antique silverware pieces are stamped with a patent date, but the style of the pattern can also help you determine how old it is. Around 1915, many silverware manufacturers began to transition from the elaborate patterns of the Victorian era to the simpler geometric style and clean lines of the Art Deco period.

Is plated silver worth anything?

Since there is only a small amount of silver on each item, there is no melting value for the silverplate. Pieces that are more decorative, rare, and in good condition might sell for more money. Silverplate value is more about the antique market than it is about the metal market.

Is sterling silverware worth anything?

And yet, those rarely used utensils can be quite valuable, depending on the purity and weight of silver that they contain. A typical 32-piece sterling silver flatware set can easily bring you $800 to $1,200.