Expert: Michelle Lieberman - 5/31/2009

Question
Michelle,
I have a set of Mappin & Webb, Pembury pattern, purchased in about 1950.  The set is comprised of 110 pieces. Eight place settings of eight pieces each (conventional knives, forks and spoons of graduated sizes) are all hallmarked sterling silver.  The rest of the set is comprised of more unusual pieces (oyster forks, fish knives, etc) and are all silver plate ("Prince's Plate" in Mappin & Webb parlance).  Then there are also some serving pieces (large spoons, carving set).  Would you be able to venture a guess about the approximate value if I were to sell this set?
Thank you very much.
Joan

Answer
Hi Joan.  I'm just not comfortable giving valuations on silver from the U.K.  The factors that drive the price of sterling are the maker, pattern, and condition.  I'm familiar with Mappin & Webb of course, but don't have a feel for how they rank among silver manufacturers, and I don't know one pattern from another as far as their popularity goes.

I can recommend a very good place where you can get an estimate at no cost to you, although it takes several weeks to get a response.  It is HA.com.  Go there and click on the What's Valuable link to get to the appraisal form.

Regards,
Michelle