Sterling questions

[madman326]

i know there have been quite a few posts about sterling silver recently, so i apologize if this is all repetitive.
does all sterling have marks of 'sterling' or '925' ?
do silver 'plated' objects stick to a magnet?
i have 8 different spoons that do NOT stick to a magnet. only one says sterling.
one is from the smith silver co. and has an S with a left and right arrow on each side of it.
one is a 1881 rogers oneida ltd.
one says 'community plate'
one says 'roos' on the top side of spoon with something about silver on back(yes, i need to get a loop or magnifying glass)
3 say 'holland'
they all look to me like silver, but im still learning. if anyone can help, thanks in advance!

[Oakair]

ya, Ive got a champagne glass with the goldish-plated base labeled '3' and nothing on the removable silver 'glass' part

it cost me 1.95, so it was definitely worth the chance...but is there any way to id unmarked sterling? would scratch testing work if its silver plate?

[Kurr]

No not all sterling is marked sterling or .925

This is a great question. The thing is, many items are stamped with a hallmark.

Check here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silver_hallmarks
and Here: http://www.925-1000.com/

for a good start on the learning of markings.

You have to watch out for patterns as well. Sometimes the particular patern your holding is worth FAR more than the melt value. Like numismatic value for antiques.

[Kurr]

A file would work to identify silver plate, and an acid test would reveal if it was silver or not.

[madman326]

thanks for the links. does anyone know if silver plated items stick to magnet?