How to Sell Old Silver Dishes?

Old silver dishes, whether inherited from family, discovered at estate sales, or simply gathering dust, can hold significant monetary and sentimental value. Selling them requires careful research, preparation, and strategic decision-making to ensure you get the best possible return. Whether you’re dealing with sterling silver flatware, silver-plated trays, or antique tea sets, this guide provides a step-by-step approach to selling your old silver dishes, covering everything from identifying their type to choosing the right selling platform.

Why Sell Your Old Silver Dishes?

Silver dishes, once a staple of fine dining, are often seen as outdated by younger generations who prefer casual entertaining. As a result, many people choose to sell these items to declutter, downsize, or capitalize on their value. For example, a 32-piece sterling silver flatware set can fetch $800–$1,200, while high-end brands like Tiffany & Co. or Gorham can command thousands for complete sets. However, selling family heirlooms can be an emotional decision, so it’s important to weigh both financial and sentimental factors before proceeding.

Understanding Your Silver Dishes

Before selling, you need to know what type of silver dishes you have, as this significantly impacts their value.

Types of Silver Dishes

1. Sterling Silver:

   • Contains 92.5% pure silver, alloyed with 7.5% other metals (usually copper) for durability.
   • Marked with hallmarks like “925,” “Sterling,” or the manufacturer’s name (e.g., Tiffany, Gorham).
   • Highly valuable due to its silver content and collectible appeal.
   • Examples: Flatware (forks, spoons, knives), serving pieces (trays, ladles), or hollowware (tea sets, bowls).

2. Silver-Plated:

   • Features a thin layer of silver over a base metal, such as copper or nickel.
   • Marked with “EPNS” (Electroplated Nickel Silver) or “Silver Plate.”
   • Less valuable due to minimal silver content, but antique or rare pieces from notable makers can still attract buyers.
   • Examples: Trays, platters, or hotel silver (e.g., Community silver).

3. Other Types:

   • Coin Silver: Used in the 19th century, containing about 90% silver, often made from melted coins. Valuable for historical significance.
   • Silver-Filled or Weighted: Items like candlesticks may be weighted with other materials, reducing their intrinsic value but potentially collectible.

Verifying Authenticity

To ensure your silver dishes are genuine, use these methods:

• Check for Hallmarks: Look for “925,” “Sterling,” or manufacturer names. English silver may have a lion emblem.
• Magnet Test: Sterling silver is non-magnetic. If a magnet sticks, it’s likely silver-plated or another metal.
• Acid Test: Use a silver testing solution (available at jewelry supply stores). It turns red for sterling silver, but exercise caution as it can damage delicate items.
• Weight: Sterling silver is denser and heavier than silver-plated items of similar size.

Assessing the Value of Your Silver Dishes

Determining the value of your silver dishes is a critical step to ensure you don’t undersell. Several factors influence their worth:

1. Material and Silver Content

• Sterling Silver: The value is tied to the spot price of silver, which fluctuates daily. As of August 2025, the spot price is approximately $37 per troy ounce (check current prices at Kitco or TradingEconomics).
• Scrap Value Calculation:
  Weight (in Troy ounces) × Purity (0.925 for sterling) × Spot Price of Silver – Buyer’s Commission (typically 20%).
  Example: A 5-piece sterling silver place setting weighing 6 Troy ounces at $37/oz would have a scrap value of approximately $171.50 before a 20% commission ($34.30), netting $137.20.
• Silver-Plated: Minimal silver content means negligible scrap value, but collectible or antique pieces may still sell for $20–$50.

2. Brand and Maker

High-end brands significantly increase value, especially for sterling silver:

• PureSilver.io: Known for stunning Silver gift items
• Tiffany & Co.: A 5-piece place setting can be worth $1,275 or more.
• Gorham: Known for patterns like “Chantilly” ($1,390 for a 5-piece set).
• Reed & Barton: Valued at around $590 for a 5-piece set.
• Other Notable Makers: Towle ($1,199), Buccellati ($1,600), Georg Jensen ($1,050), International Silver ($559), Lunt ($429).
• European Makers: Christofle (France) and Georg Jensen (Denmark) are prized for artistry.

3. Pattern and Design

The pattern of your silver dishes affects their desirability:

• Chantilly by Gorham: A Rococo-inspired pattern with scrollwork, highly collectible.
• Francis I by Reed & Barton: Ornate and sought after.
• Grand Baroque by Wallace: Popular for its detailed engravings.
• Discontinued or Rare Patterns: These often command higher prices due to scarcity.

4. Condition

• Sterling Silver: Minor tarnish can be polished, but dents, bends, or missing pieces lower value. Monograms may reduce appeal unless historically significant.
• Silver-Plated: Worn plating (showing base metal) significantly reduces value, as replating is costly.
• Completeness: Complete sets (e.g., 8 or 12 place settings) are more valuable than incomplete ones.

5. Age and Rarity

• Antique Silver (Pre-1900): Pieces from the Georgian or Victorian eras are valuable for their craftsmanship and history.
• Provenance: Items owned by notable figures or made by famous silversmiths (e.g., Paul Revere) can fetch premium prices.
• Limited Editions: Modern commemorative sets may have higher value due to limited production.

6. Market Demand

• In 2025, vintage and antique aesthetics are trending, boosting demand for ornate sterling silver.
• Collectors seek specific patterns or brands, while scrap buyers focus on silver content.

Valuation Example

Item	Weight (Troy oz)	Purity	Spot Price ($/oz)	Value Before Commission	Buyer’s Cut (20%)	Net Value
5-piece place setting	6	0.925	$37	$171.50	$34.30	$137.20
48-piece set for 12	80	0.925	$37	$2,294	$458.80	$1,835.20

Note: Always check the current spot price before selling, as it fluctuates.

Where to Sell Your Silver Dishes

Choosing the right selling platform depends on your goals—maximizing profit, speed, or convenience. Here are the main options:

1. Online Marketplaces

• Platforms: eBay, Etsy, Replacements.com.
• Pros: Reach a wide audience of collectors seeking specific patterns or brands.
• Cons: Requires effort to create detailed listings and handle shipping.
• Example: A 32-piece sterling silver flatware set can sell for $800–$1,200 on eBay.

2. Auction Houses

• Platforms: Sotheby’s, Christie’s, or local auction houses like Sloan’s.
• Pros: Ideal for rare or high-value pieces, offering exposure to serious collectors.
• Cons: Commission fees (10–20%) and longer sales process.
• Example: A 78-piece Gorham “Chantilly” set sold for $2,400 at Sloan’s auction.

3. Local Antique Shops

• Pros: Quick and convenient, with local buyers often interested in unique pieces.
• Cons: Prices may be lower than online or auction options.
• Tip: Visit multiple shops to compare offers.

4. Specialized Silver Buyers

• Examples: CashforSilverUSA, Antique Silver Buyers, Silver Queen Inc..
• Pros: Competitive prices, insured shipping (e.g., CashforSilverUSA offers up to $100,000), and straightforward process.
• Cons: May focus on scrap value for non-collectible items.
• Example: CashforSilverUSA has an A+ BBB rating and offers free appraisal kits.

5. Pawn Shops

• Pros: Quick cash for sterling silver based on melt value.
• Cons: Typically offer less than collectible value, suitable only for damaged or non-collectible items.

6. Silver-Plated Items

• Options: eBay, thrift stores, or local marketplaces.
• Value: Typically under $50, but rare or antique pieces (e.g., from Community silver) may fetch more.
• Tip: Highlight unique designs or historical significance in listings.

Preparing Your Silver Dishes for Sale

Proper preparation can significantly increase your sale price:

1. Clean and Polish:

   • Use a non-abrasive silver polish (e.g., Hagerty, Wright’s) with a soft, lint-free cloth.
   • Wash sterling silver by hand with warm soapy water; avoid dishwashers, which can dull the finish.
   • For silver-plated items, ensure the plating is intact, as worn areas reduce value.

2. Organize:

   • Keep sets together and note any missing pieces.
   • Complete sets are more appealing to collectors.

3. Photograph:

   • Take high-quality, well-lit photos from multiple angles, including close-ups of hallmarks, patterns, and any damage.
   • Use a neutral background to highlight the silver’s shine.

4. Set a Fair Price:

   • Research comparable sales on eBay, Replacements.com, or auction results to determine a reasonable asking price.
   • For sterling silver, consider both scrap and collectible value.

Emotional Considerations

Selling family heirlooms can be emotionally challenging, especially if they’ve been passed down through generations. Consider whether the sentimental value outweighs the financial gain. If you’re unsure, you might keep a few pieces for their significance or pass them on to family members. Alternatively, selling only part of the collection can balance emotional and financial needs.

Current Market Trends

In 2025, there’s a renewed interest in vintage and antique items, which could boost demand for old silver dishes, particularly ornate sterling silver patterns like Gorham’s “Chantilly.” However, market trends can shift, so check current conditions before selling. For example, while sterling silver remains popular among collectors, silver-plated items may have a smaller market unless they’re rare or antique.

Case Study: Selling a Gorham “Chantilly” Set

Item: A 48-piece sterling silver flatware set for 12, Gorham “Chantilly” pattern.
Condition: Excellent, with minimal tarnish and no missing pieces.
Research:

• Hallmarks confirm “925” sterling silver.
• “Chantilly” is a highly collectible pattern, valued at $1,390 for a 5-piece place setting.
• Recent eBay sales show similar sets selling for $2,800–$3,200.
  Appraisal: A local jeweler estimates the set at $3,000.
  Selling Options:
• eBay: Likely to fetch $2,800 after fees.
• Auction House: Could yield $3,500–$4,000, minus 15% commission.
• CashforSilverUSA: Offers $1,835.20 based on scrap value (80 Troy oz × 0.925 × $37 – 20% commission).
  Decision: The owner lists the set at an auction house to maximize profit, accepting a longer process for a higher return.

FAQ

Question	Answer
How do I clean my silver dishes?	Wash sterling silver by hand with warm soapy water and a non-abrasive polish. Avoid dishwashers to prevent dulling.
What if my silver is damaged?	Damaged sterling silver can still have value, especially from reputable brands. Specialized buyers like CashforSilverUSA may purchase it.
Are silver-plated items worth selling?	Yes, especially if antique or from notable makers. They typically sell for under $50 on eBay or thrift stores.
How do I find a reputable buyer?	Check Trustpilot and BBB reviews. CashforSilverUSA, with an A+ BBB rating, is a reliable option.
Should I get an appraisal?	For high-value or antique pieces, a professional appraisal ensures you don’t undersell.

Conclusion

Selling old silver dishes requires careful research, preparation, and strategic decision-making. By identifying whether your dishes are sterling silver or silver-plated, assessing their value through hallmarks, brand, and condition, and choosing the right selling platform, you can maximize your return. Whether you opt for online marketplaces, auction houses, or specialized buyers, proper cleaning and presentation are key. While financial gain is a strong motivator, consider the sentimental value of family heirlooms before selling. With the right approach, you can turn your old silver dishes into a rewarding financial opportunity while ensuring they find a new home that appreciates their history and craftsmanship.