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Hi all-

I am sure this has been covered in previous threads but I don't usually do scrap so it's new to me. I was wondering what the typical rate for silverplate is in the marketplace? On ebay it seems to be around $5/lb, but I know ebay takes their 10% cut, and them paypal gets in on it for another 3%-

Main reason is that I started really getting into garage sales right before winter, but there arent any now, but I was hoping to start back up when it gets warm...any price ceilings?

There's also several thrift stores by me that have tons of silverplate, but it's usually high. I'm not really looking to buy it to refine the silver; I know all the stories, etc. Rather, just a little spare change that I can get by flipping it, If I can earn a free tank of gas in a month, I'll take it, lol.

Thanks, wags

5 dollars per pound seems pretty good.

I would think #1 copper rate would be fair.

Been asked before and typically the base metal over rides any kind of return you can receive for recovery of Silverplate. I wish it wasnt like this becuase I find pounds and pounds of the stuff, and not all cheap either (lots of Gorham, Wallace, International,etc.)

Some guy locally offered $3/pound of silverplate flatware in quantity, citing that flatware has more plate than other sources of silver plate items (plates, tea sets, bowls, etc.). His offer has been flaky and might have been during the $40's, so I do not know if it still stands or not.

He currently sends all the crap off to China because the environmental laws are too harsh here. If you think about it I think he does 500 or 1000 pound lots, which to China is prob the cost of a 1992 Mazda in shipping costs.

shipping would be an issue too if you have big bowls and such...I wish I could find a local place to sell it.

The plating on most silver-plated items is incredibly thin, and is more difficult to remove than gold plating. No individual or company I deal with has found an economical way to remove the plating.

Silverplated items, particularly flatware, are popular with crafters. You can buy rings made from old spoon handles and wind chimes made from forks. Many of the lots on eBay are selling for a premium to crafters or dealers who recognize valuable patterns or solid silver mixed in.

In terms of scrap value only, silverplated items are worth what the base metal is. Usually, it is one of the following:

1) pewter

2) copper

3) brass

4) nickel silver

This is why you'll see dealers paying $2.00/lb for mixed silverplate - most of it is worth at least scrap brass price, with the copper and pewter base items being worth far more.

Thats whats interesting- most of the silverplate I find is brass with some silver on copper here and there. The scrapyard takes these items no problem. Most times their shell shocked to see such nice things go, but its just how things work!.

But a lot of silverplated items have silver base metals underneath. I can tell into pewter, and a little research says pewter wasnt used very often, with it being found means its quite old and might have some kind of antique value. Which leads me to think its nickel silver. I have yet to figure out how to get any kind of price for nickel silver.

Any thoughts Doctor? Would you be interested?

jimineez wrote:shipping would be an issue too if you have big bowls and such...I wish I could find a local place to sell it.

The local Salvation Army has an entire room dedicated to it in their "upscale boutique" place where I live. Some of the prices are abit outrageous. $10 for a teacup for example.

What are the odds of finding sterling with no hallarks? 100% of the time it's silverplate? Just looks and feels too good! And the tarnish....is to die for. Do you guys just acid test to find the base metal?

Robarons: Despite its low nickel content, nickel silver doesn't usually go for a premium over brass price. In theory it should be worth more, but most dealers just throw it in with the mixed brass.

The easiest way to tell the difference between pewter and nickel silver without chemicals or expensive equipment is the softness of the metal. Pewter, as you know, is incredibly soft and melts at very low temperature. Nickel silver is harder, melts at a higher temperature, and is often marked EPNS for "electroplated nickel-silver". Silver-plated pewter is often older, but not necessarily more valuable as an antique or collectible.

I would agree that when it comes to yard sale silverplate, the order of base metals from most common to least is: brass, copper, nickel-silver, pewter.

TheJonasCollegeFund Sterling is sometimes found without hallmarks, either because the piece never had marks to begin with or the marks have worn off from use. Easy test for base metal: hit with grinder or file. Red=copper, yellow=brass, gray/silver="nickel silver" or pewter, see above.

Dr. Cadmium wrote:Robarons: Despite its low nickel content, nickel silver doesn't usually go for a premium over brass price. In theory it should be worth more, but most dealers just throw it in with the mixed brass.

The easiest way to tell the difference between pewter and nickel silver without chemicals or expensive equipment is the softness of the metal. Pewter, as you know, is incredibly soft and melts at very low temperature. Nickel silver is harder, melts at a higher temperature, and is often marked EPNS for "electroplated nickel-silver". Silver-plated pewter is often older, but not necessarily more valuable as an antique or collectible.

I would agree that when it comes to yard sale silverplate, the order of base metals from most common to least is: brass, copper, nickel-silver, pewter.

TheJonasCollegeFund Sterling is sometimes found without hallmarks, either because the piece never had marks to begin with or the marks have worn off from use. Easy test for base metal: hit with grinder or file. Red=copper, yellow=brass, gray/silver="nickel silver" or pewter, see above.

Thanks....will try tomorrow morning.

I hit some cheap brass mugs and candle holders the other day and then saw the bowl....not a serving plate.