Expert: Michelle Lieberman - 8/27/2009

Question
i have numerous estate sale finds that i am trying to differeniate between silver and silverplate.  for example, i have a small ladle that is stamped  "symbol leading Wm Rogers star (separate space)I S". can you help me identify or point me in another direction?  thanks Diana

Answer
Hello Diana.

All American sterling made after 1906 and almost all American sterling silver made before this will be marked either Sterling, 925, or 925/1000.  

Coin silver may or may not be marked, but coin silver pretty much faded from the American scene around 1868.

Silverplate may or may not be marked. If it is marked, it may not be so simple as seeing the word "plate" on the back.  Terms like A1, XII, XIV, Deep Silver, and Sterling Inlaid all indicate silverplate.

Once you become familiar with the marks, you'll be able to spot sterling vs. silverplate in a second.

Now as for your Wm. Rogers (and this is another mark you'll become very familiar with), it's silverplate.  Almost all Wm. Rogers was issued in silverplate, and there's no sterling mark.  FYI, the IS is short for International Silver, the company that produces the Wm. Rogers line.

Regards,
Michelle