Know Your Silverware Set

• 1). Find out the name of the pattern, the name of the manufacturer and the materials used to make your silverware set. The pattern of your silverware set will be distinct to one manufacturer. A silverware pattern guide will help you find your pattern name and manufacturer. A quick reference guide can be found at Silver Queen in the Reference section.
  
  
• 2). Study the markings on your silverware. Imprinted on the back of the silverware will be a date marking or a symbol used to determine the date and place the silverware was produced. Consulting an online encyclopedia of silver marks is helpful.
  
  
• 3). Study the imperfections and unique aspects of your silverware. Silverware might have imperfections that make it less valuable. Monogrammed silverware does not necessarily mean your silverware is less valuable, but it might. Some collectors value the hand-engraved monogram.
  
  

Determine the Market Value of Your Silverware

• 1). Determine if you are interested in the value of the sterling silverware in its flatware form or if you are interested in its silver value.
  
  
• 2). Research past sales and auctions for your sterling silver silverware set or similar sets. This will help give you a ballpark market value for the sterling silver silverware set as a whole. Websites like Worthopedia make this easier to do.
  
  
• 3). Ask an expert or professional appraiser. They can be found at antique stores, jewelry stores, and within silver collector associations like the Association of Small Collectors of Antique Silver. Experts can give you the current value of a sterling silver silverware set, especially if you are interested in its silver value. An expert will determine the value based on several characteristics, including how common the pattern of your silverware is and the year it was made.