About Michelle Lieberman Expertise My expertise is in the area of American sterling silver and coin silver flatware and holloware, including identifying silversmiths and makers, types and patterns of flatware and their usage. I am unable to answer questions pertaining to silverplate or foreign silver.
Experience With over 25 years experience in selling vintage silver, I now devote much of my time educating others in this field.
Education/Credentials BA California State University Los Angeles
Question Hi! I've inherited a lovely fish serving set that I am trying to identify. It was my great grandmother's so I know it is quite old. I don't really know that much about antiques and I am hoping you can help me. The fish set is in a gold velvet case and I can't tell if it is silver plated or sterling. The handles have a raised flower pattern and I can't tell if they are ivory or celluloid. I can't find any markings at all on either of the pieces nor the case. Not much help am I? If you could help me or steer me to somebody that can I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks!
Answer Hello Sandi. I'm afraid I'm not going to offer up much information here. If the box isn't marked and the pieces aren't marked, is probable that the maker of your set will be lost forever.
Now as far as whether the "working ends" are sterling or silverplate, if they're not marked, most likely they're silverplate. There is a very remote chance they're sterling, but that's going to depend on the age. It would be well worth it for you to have the metal tested by a jeweler (any decent jeweler should be able to do this, and it's not expensive). They should also be able to tell you what the handles are made of.
