Silver can be worth its weight in scrap — or several times that if it is Georgian, by a known maker, or a desirable form. We read every hallmark, test every item, weigh accurately, and assess whether the design, maker, or period justifies a premium above melt value. Written per-item valuation, not a bulk weight price.
The following ranges are indicative only. Values depend on hallmark, maker, date, condition, and current silver price.
| Category | Typical range | Key value factors |
|---|---|---|
| Sterling flatware set (6-place) | £150–£800+ | Weight, maker, pattern, date, condition |
| Georgian silver (pre-1837) | Premium above weight | Maker, form, condition, rarity |
| Victorian silver (1837–1901) | Weight to 2x weight | Maker, design, condition |
| Silver tea service (3-piece) | £200–£1,500+ | Maker, date, weight, condition |
| Silver candlesticks (pair) | £100–£800+ | Loaded vs. cast, maker, date |
| Silver salver/tray | £80–£500+ | Weight, maker, date, engraving |
| Silver cigarette case | £30–£200+ | Weight, maker, enamel work |
| Modern sterling (plain) | £0.50–£0.80 per gram | Weight and silver content only |
| Silver-plate (EPNS) | Minimal | Exceptions: antique Sheffield plate, fine makers |
Important: The difference between scrap silver value and collector value can be dramatic. A plain modern silver chain is worth its weight. A Georgian silver cream jug by a known London silversmith can be worth 5–10 times its melt value. This is why specialist assessment matters — a scrap dealer treats both identically.
British silver hallmarking has been compulsory since 1300, making the hallmark system one of the oldest consumer protection measures in the world. A full hallmark tells you the maker, the city of assay, the year of manufacture, and the silver standard. Reading hallmarks accurately is essential for distinguishing a valuable Georgian piece from a Victorian reproduction — and for confirming that an item is sterling silver rather than plate.
Our specialists read hallmarks as part of every silver assessment. If a hallmark is worn, obscured, or absent, we test the silver content directly. Items confirmed as silver-plate are assessed honestly — we will tell you if a piece has no meaningful resale value rather than making a token offer.
Tell us what you have. We send a free insured postage label by email.
Pack carefully, photograph before posting. Fully insured in transit.
We send a written valuation explaining every factor and comparable sales.
Accept and receive payment in 72 hours, or decline for a free insured return.
Every piece hallmark-read, weighed, and assessed individually. Sterling, antique, and hallmarked silver. Written per-item valuation. Free insured postage both ways.
Request a free silver valuation →How do I know if my silver is real sterling silver?
British sterling silver carries a hallmark: a lion passant (walking lion) for English silver, a thistle for Scottish silver, and a crowned harp for Irish silver. The hallmark also includes a date letter, a maker's mark, and an assay office mark. If there is no hallmark, the item may be silver-plate, continental silver, or unhallmarked antique silver. We test all items to confirm silver content.
Is silver plate worth anything?
Generally, silver-plate (EPNS — Electro Plated Nickel Silver, or Sheffield plate) has minimal resale value unless it is antique Sheffield plate from the 18th century or early 19th century, or a very fine quality piece by a known maker. Modern EPNS flatware and tea sets typically have little value. We will assess plate items honestly and tell you if they are not worth selling.
How is antique silver valued — by weight or by design?
Both. Modern or damaged sterling silver is valued primarily by weight at the current silver price. Antique silver by important makers (Paul Storr, Hester Bateman, Paul de Lamerie) or from desirable periods (Georgian, early Victorian) is valued on design, maker, and condition — which can be many times the silver weight value. We assess every piece for both.
Should I polish silver before valuation?
No. Do not polish or clean silver before specialist assessment. Original patina and natural toning can be indicators of age and authenticity. Over-polishing can damage hallmarks, remove original gilding, and flatten detail on decorative pieces. Present silver exactly as found.
What silver items do you value?
All hallmarked and sterling silver items: flatware (cutlery sets, serving pieces), tea services, candlesticks, salvers, trophies, cigarette cases, vesta cases, card cases, photograph frames, christening sets, and any other hallmarked or tested silver items. We also assess coins with silver content (pre-1920 and pre-1947 British silver coins).
Also see: Sell silver cutlery · Sell silver & plate · Estate silver buyers · Inherited silver guide · Jewellery valuation UK