Realcent.org

Is there a really good, comprehensive resource that anyone would recommend to help a newbie to thrift/antique shops and yardsales? I hit up a few shops today, and took notes rather than buying anything. 99% of what I saw turns out to be electro plated, silver over copper, etc. I do need to go back to one place that had a nice serving tray that turns out it was actually silver. I just didn't know the hallmarks, makers, etc. to look for other than the words sterling or .925.

I did get my wife a really nice .925 ring for $1.

Thanks

Thats really just it- Sterling flatware and serving pieces will always say 'Sterling' and a maker mark, etc.

Also look for purities such as 925, 900, 835, 800, etc. British markings for sterling are also helpful (queens/kings head, rampant lion, letter, etc.) along with other European marks.
Coin silver is American 90% silver made from US coinage for the most part.

DO NOT BUY NICKEL SILVER, WHITE METAL, GERMAN SILVER, SILVERODE,ETC THESE ARE NICKEL ALLOYS WITH NO SILVER. Because your new only buy things specifically marked 'Sterling' until you learn otherwise.

http://www.925-1000.com/
Is the best Silver Hallmarks on the web. Shows all kinds of Silver markings across the world, even has a page to tell the difference in silver plate, Sheffield plate, and Sterling

Spent hours on this site- educate yourself

Robarons,

Thanks a ton for this link. I want to read a ton on there

Thanks Robarons. I've bookmarked that site.

As mentioned, I took notes yesterday, and will probably keep doing that unless something jumps right out at me until I am more confident in this. BUT - there are literally hundreds of thrift stores, antique shops within 40 miles of me, and the wife enjoys walking thru them as well. So on a rainy weekend when we aren't on the Harley, its a great option and a chance to make a little $$ as well.

Thanks Robarons,
I bookmarked this site also. I have a book on American silversmith marks, but this site is much more complete than my book!