Flatware refers to serving items such as spoons, forks, and knives. It wasn't until recently that knives were included in the definition of flatware. In the past, knives were only considered to be part of cutlery. Today, flatware and cutlery are essentially the same.
Flatware can be made of different metals. Modern flatware is mostly made of stainless steel because steel is an inexpensive and durable metal. Antique flatware was commonly made of sterling silver. Silver plated flatware is also available for both new and old sets. If you're wondering whether or not your items are real silver, then check out our guide on how to authenticate silver.
Value
The value of silver flatware will depend on several different factors. These factors include: silver content, condition, and pattern.
In order to get the melt value of your silver flatware, you'll need to multiply the total ounces of silver by the spot price of silver. We make this easy for you with our scrap silver calculator. All you need to do is load up the calculator, select the purity, enter the weight of your item, and then click the 'calculate' button.
The pattern on your item can contribute to its value. Rare patterns are sought after by collectors. In some cases, a collector will search for a specific flatware piece to complete their set.
Lastly if your items are in good condition then they will sell for more money. Scratches, dents, and discoloration spots can decrease value.
See also: