Collecting Antique Silver
July 11th, 2009Are you interested in collecting unique and interesting antiques? Silver is fun to collect and is often quite valuable. Because silver is a metal and can be molded into numerous shapes and sizes, there is something out there for everyone’s taste. Silver is also more durable than other materials like glass, so its life span is much longer and, therefore, you can find much older pieces preserved exquisitely. Most companies that produced silver items over the centuries left a maker’s mark on them that identified the brand and/or silversmiththat crafted the pieces. These marks often survive and can be used to identify not only the creator, but also the time period and the value of the piece. In addition, tarnish and damage to silver objects can often be reversed, allowing you to buy older pieces at a lower price and then restore them to their former glory.
Some of the most popular items in the antique markets are silver spoons, tea settings, candlesticks, and chandeliers. Silver from both Great Britain, Ireland, and America are popular, but Georgian and Edwardian pieces are generally more valuable. Full sets are difficult to find, as families often split pieces over the generations. Silver antiques can be found at most local auctions with varying degrees of age and quality. The more prestigious and well known auction houses such as Christie’s would have the more rare and valuable pieces. Whether you are interested in a collectible baby rattle or a set of candlesticks or silverware for special occasions, silver pieces are a great way to bring historic elegance into your home. Not only are silver antiques beautiful and useful, they can become your own family heirlooms as you pass them on to the next generation!
