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I've recently acquired a couple trash bags full of silver bowls,flatware,platters and other silver misc. items. Some are clearly marked sterling or plate, but some others are marked "IS","100" or something else. Does anyone know alot about silver marks or know of a good website about how to decode the silver markings?

Try this site.

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

Verbane

AWESOME description of a liberal. I definitely have to remember it.

Fake and misleading marks are found on both silver and silverplate items. I've seen items marked "sterling silver" that had absolutely no silver in them. Also, the term "German silver" confuses many people as it has no elemental silver in it.

That site is a great start. After pulling out the pieces that will sell for more than scrap, my next step is usually to do a magnet test and then get out a grinder or file and cut through to see the inside. Plated brass and copper are easy to identify, sometimes a chemical test is needed to distinguish plated pewter from solid silver.

I also use a chemical test to separate grades of unmarked silver, but there are electronic testers available.

Dr. Cadmium wrote:...I also use a chemical test to separate grades of unmarked silver, but there are electronic testers available.

Please site specifics. I might be in the market for one.

If anything is marked 84 thats russian silver,somewhat less pure than sterling.Anything with hallmarks-consult that website-its very helpful...and be sure to look for examples of american coin silver.it can be marked coin or 900 but often old stuff just has a makers name...do your research before selling good luck!