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Silver and Flatware/silver or not?

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Expert: Michelle Lieberman - 6/26/2009


Question

Silverware
I have recently acquired two sets of silverware manufacturer is Wurttembergische Metallwarenfabrik and need to determine if they are sterling or not?  suggestions?

Answer
Hello Bobbi.  I don't know a whole heck of a lot about German silver, but I do know that most German silver articles are a lesser grade of silver (80% silver, 20% alloy), not sterling (92.5% silver).  German silver is also hallmarked, so without hallmarks, it's not going to be silver.  There's very good information on this website about German hallmarks:

http://www.925-1000.com/Fgerman_marks.html

If you're still unsure, you can have the metal tested inexpensively at any good jewelers for silver content.

Regards,
Michelle

Silver and Flatware

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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

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