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

Рет қаралды 101,321

5 жыл бұрын

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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Пікірлер: 188

@rosiebambrick3471 2 жыл бұрын

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

@TheUltimateRecycler 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Rosie! 👍😊

@agnesturpin4604 4 ай бұрын

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 ай бұрын

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 😊👍

@alonys 2 жыл бұрын

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

@TheUltimateRecycler 2 жыл бұрын

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

@Bellathebear777 Жыл бұрын

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

@jjsmama401 4 ай бұрын

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 ай бұрын

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!

@shauncummings2361 2 жыл бұрын

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 жыл бұрын

Thanks Shaun, glad you enjoyed it! 😊👍

@leomutombo5458 2 жыл бұрын

kzfaq.info/get/bejne/p7aAnKynnpy8oJc.html

@kurotsuki7427 Ай бұрын

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 Ай бұрын

That's great! Thanks for watching 😊👍

@bonbiskadafi9423 2 жыл бұрын

Wow thx for this video, much needed info!

@TheUltimateRecycler 2 жыл бұрын

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

@folksongpreacher2255 Жыл бұрын

Very helpful sir. Thank you!

@TheUltimateRecycler Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful FSP! Thanks for watching 😊

@talicatinai2637 3 жыл бұрын

Easy listening and very informative . Thanks for that .

@TheUltimateRecycler 3 жыл бұрын

Thankyou Talica! 😊

@leomutombo5458 2 жыл бұрын

kzfaq.info/get/bejne/p7aAnKynnpy8oJc.html

@madsholmberg1612 3 жыл бұрын

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

@TheUltimateRecycler 3 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear it! 😊

@leomutombo5458 2 жыл бұрын

kzfaq.info/get/bejne/p7aAnKynnpy8oJc.html

@David-sw3on Жыл бұрын

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

@TheUltimateRecycler Жыл бұрын

That's awesome, thanks Dave! 👍😊

@kathleendinsmore1986 2 жыл бұрын

Very helpful. Thank you!

@TheUltimateRecycler 2 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful! Thanks Kathleen 😊

@cxz504 2 ай бұрын

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

@TheUltimateRecycler 2 ай бұрын

That's great, thanks for watching 😀👍

@kasambike6543 2 ай бұрын

Thanks ❤ love your video , its help a lots❤️

@TheUltimateRecycler 2 ай бұрын

That's excellent! Many thanks for watching 😊👍

@anthonygarcia7451 Жыл бұрын

Awesome Lesson.🙏

@TheUltimateRecycler Жыл бұрын

Thanks Anthony! 😊👍

@Hawkeye2001 2 жыл бұрын

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

@TheUltimateRecycler 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Steve, glad it was helpful! 😊👍

@leomutombo5458 2 жыл бұрын

kzfaq.info/get/bejne/p7aAnKynnpy8oJc.html

@frankpowell29 Жыл бұрын

Thank you, very helpful

@TheUltimateRecycler Жыл бұрын

Thanks Frank, that's great! 👍😊

@lucreziarussell4694 2 жыл бұрын

Thank You - much appreciated.

@TheUltimateRecycler 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! 😊

@leomutombo5458 2 жыл бұрын

kzfaq.info/get/bejne/p7aAnKynnpy8oJc.html

@lisatai1120 Жыл бұрын

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

@TheUltimateRecycler Жыл бұрын

That's awesome! Thanks for watching Lisa! 😊

@CCasyno Жыл бұрын

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

@TheUltimateRecycler Жыл бұрын

Yes Charles, 92.5% sterling 😊

@Taliatekito 2 жыл бұрын

This is a fantastic video

@TheUltimateRecycler 2 жыл бұрын

Thankyou! I'm glad you enjoyed it! 😊

@leomutombo5458 2 жыл бұрын

kzfaq.info/get/bejne/p7aAnKynnpy8oJc.html

@johntysoe4391 2 жыл бұрын

Well explained .

@TheUltimateRecycler 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks John! 😊

@leomutombo5458 2 жыл бұрын

kzfaq.info/get/bejne/p7aAnKynnpy8oJc.html

@crossroadschronicles4647 9 ай бұрын

Thank you

@TheUltimateRecycler 8 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching! 👍😊

@nikkisolo9080 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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

@nikkisolo9080 Жыл бұрын

@@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!!!

@brandonelmore3261 2 жыл бұрын

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

@TheUltimateRecycler 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching Brandon! 😊

@walkinghorsejones Жыл бұрын

I love silver plate junk lol 😆for my art

@TheUltimateRecycler Жыл бұрын

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

@cptrikester2671 2 жыл бұрын

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

@TheUltimateRecycler 2 жыл бұрын

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

@leomutombo5458 2 жыл бұрын

kzfaq.info/get/bejne/p7aAnKynnpy8oJc.html

@smacpost3 2 жыл бұрын

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 жыл бұрын

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

@libbylandscape3560 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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

@NicoleGizzy79 Жыл бұрын

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

@smacpost3 Жыл бұрын

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

@MyrnaAbriol 11 күн бұрын

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

@TheUltimateRecycler 10 күн бұрын

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

@lucreziarussell4694 2 жыл бұрын

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 жыл бұрын

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 жыл бұрын

kzfaq.info/get/bejne/p7aAnKynnpy8oJc.html

@najattvmorocco8164 Жыл бұрын

👍👍👍👍

@TheUltimateRecycler Жыл бұрын

Thanks Najat! 😊

@stuartwynne3200 3 жыл бұрын

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 жыл бұрын

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 жыл бұрын

kzfaq.info/get/bejne/p7aAnKynnpy8oJc.html

@margaretdobkowski7394 2 жыл бұрын

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

@TheUltimateRecycler 2 жыл бұрын

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 жыл бұрын

kzfaq.info/get/bejne/p7aAnKynnpy8oJc.html

@vernkay. Жыл бұрын

Wow, thanks.

@TheUltimateRecycler Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching Marilyn 😊

@BI-11y_TheStormTrooper Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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

@BI-11y_TheStormTrooper Жыл бұрын

@@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 Жыл бұрын

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

@victorm6176 3 жыл бұрын

Ijust found a victa silver spoon.

@TheUltimateRecycler 3 жыл бұрын

That sounds cool!

@leomutombo5458 2 жыл бұрын

kzfaq.info/get/bejne/p7aAnKynnpy8oJc.html

@virginaeastwood1870 11 ай бұрын

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

@TheUltimateRecycler 11 ай бұрын

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

@littlewhitedaisy11 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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

@TheUltimateRecycler Жыл бұрын

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

@June-jg2qp Жыл бұрын

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

@TheUltimateRecycler Жыл бұрын

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.

@brandonelmore3261 2 жыл бұрын

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

@TheUltimateRecycler 2 жыл бұрын

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

@leomutombo5458 2 жыл бұрын

kzfaq.info/get/bejne/p7aAnKynnpy8oJc.html

@darrenrowney3152 7 ай бұрын

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

@TheUltimateRecycler 7 ай бұрын

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 ай бұрын

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

@shamuthebear 11 ай бұрын

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 ай бұрын

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!

@barbaramoakes-jl5jh Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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

@briansmythe3000 Жыл бұрын

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

@TheUltimateRecycler Жыл бұрын

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

@woodpecker5040 2 жыл бұрын

are silver plated Australian spoons without the markings worth anything ?

@TheUltimateRecycler 2 жыл бұрын

Very little I'm afraid Wood pecker..

@woodpecker5040 2 жыл бұрын

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

@TheUltimateRecycler 2 жыл бұрын

@@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 жыл бұрын

@@TheUltimateRecycler okay thanks for the reply

@zoemeow7677 3 жыл бұрын

😋🍜💖✨

@jubeibob 2 жыл бұрын

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

@TheUltimateRecycler 2 жыл бұрын

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 жыл бұрын

@@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 жыл бұрын

kzfaq.info/get/bejne/p7aAnKynnpy8oJc.html

@apefromthekitchen 3 жыл бұрын

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

@TheUltimateRecycler 3 жыл бұрын

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

@leomutombo5458 2 жыл бұрын

kzfaq.info/get/bejne/p7aAnKynnpy8oJc.html

@billr6344 Жыл бұрын

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

@TheUltimateRecycler Жыл бұрын

Sterling silver sells pretty well on ebay actually Bill!

@Angel-nr8td 3 жыл бұрын

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

@TheUltimateRecycler 3 жыл бұрын

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

@Angel-nr8td 3 жыл бұрын

@@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 жыл бұрын

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

@Angel-nr8td 3 жыл бұрын

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

@leomutombo5458 2 жыл бұрын

kzfaq.info/get/bejne/p7aAnKynnpy8oJc.html

@jessevos5109 2 жыл бұрын

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

@TheUltimateRecycler 2 жыл бұрын

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 😊👍

@jaredness8895 2 жыл бұрын

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

@TheUltimateRecycler 2 жыл бұрын

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

@leomutombo5458 2 жыл бұрын

kzfaq.info/get/bejne/p7aAnKynnpy8oJc.html

@katua723 Жыл бұрын

I have the one written BTW for sale

@joycecamangyan2969 2 жыл бұрын

Epns a1 sheffield england. How much value or price

@TheUltimateRecycler 2 жыл бұрын

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

@leomutombo5458 2 жыл бұрын

kzfaq.info/get/bejne/p7aAnKynnpy8oJc.html

@victorwadsworth821 Жыл бұрын

How did you burn your fingertip?

@TheUltimateRecycler Жыл бұрын

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

@djanicealvezferreira9997 10 ай бұрын

Tinha que ser em portugues Brazil

@TheUltimateRecycler 10 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching 😊

@katua723 Жыл бұрын

I have BTW is it valuable?

@TheUltimateRecycler Жыл бұрын

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

@jairussrussellcipre5356 3 жыл бұрын

N OK

@brandonelmore3261 2 жыл бұрын

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 жыл бұрын

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

@leomutombo5458 2 жыл бұрын

kzfaq.info/get/bejne/p7aAnKynnpy8oJc.html

@philwhipple4557 2 жыл бұрын

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

@TheUltimateRecycler 2 жыл бұрын

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

@leomutombo5458 2 жыл бұрын

kzfaq.info/get/bejne/p7aAnKynnpy8oJc.html

@kristinebailey6554 Жыл бұрын

Wondering why you never mentioned the lion hallmark. Hmmmm

@TheUltimateRecycler Жыл бұрын

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

@debracurry4159 Жыл бұрын

What do WM Roger's mean

@TheUltimateRecycler Жыл бұрын

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

@danieldevite668 7 ай бұрын

Simple turn over the silverware and read what is stamped

@TheUltimateRecycler 7 ай бұрын

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

@MrLidiaJC 10 ай бұрын

What means if is say wRogers IS?

@TheUltimateRecycler 10 ай бұрын

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

@ivypoison9098 8 ай бұрын

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

@TheUltimateRecycler 8 ай бұрын

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 😊

@mmdeldouks5750 3 жыл бұрын

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

@TheUltimateRecycler 3 жыл бұрын

Sorry, no idea on that one!

@leomutombo5458 2 жыл бұрын

kzfaq.info/get/bejne/p7aAnKynnpy8oJc.html

@TheUltimateRecycler 8 ай бұрын

@johnmeigs719 Thanks John, appreciate your input! 👍😊

@brandonelmore3261 2 жыл бұрын

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 жыл бұрын

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

@brandonelmore3261 2 жыл бұрын

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

@jenniferresuello7611 4 ай бұрын

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

@TheUltimateRecycler 4 ай бұрын

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

@jenniferresuello7611 4 ай бұрын

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

@TheUltimateRecycler 4 ай бұрын

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

@jenniferresuello7611 4 ай бұрын

Ahm... Ok sir thanks po.

@jenniferresuello7611 4 ай бұрын

I sell this tyspoon sir. Where can I sell this

@OragnatSerniatsac 2 ай бұрын

How much Brasil cotchara

@TheUltimateRecycler 2 ай бұрын

Sorry, I don't know what you mean? 🤔

@dogdooish 9 ай бұрын

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

@TheUltimateRecycler 9 ай бұрын

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!