Quick question on silverware set with "90" hallmark on back

[nathan104]

I made a deal with someone today to buy a set of silverware (8spoons, 8 forks, pie server, salt spoon, in original wood case that she said was her grandmothers and bought in Germany 60 years ago. She stated they were 90% silver. Made a deal for $175. I was expecting a hallmark of 900 or coin or something like that. BUT, the hallmark is a small makers mark and 90 next to it. Looking online, all Im seeing is that 90 means silver plated.

I told her this and she said she just had it checked at a local gold and silver exchange and the guy said it was 90% silver and offered her $175 for it. So, anyone have any input on a 90 hallmark?

 

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[nathan104]

 

[theekman]

I had a spoon that was marked 90 and it was plated. I would take it to a jewlery store or test it yourself if u have acid.

 

[nathan104]

I do have acid, but wouldn't I have to damage one of them to get down to a base metal if its plated since the silver plating would test as silver? And it was a local place that checked it and they said 90% silver. That just doesn't jive with what Im finding online for the 90 hallmark. Has anyone ever heard of a 90 hallmark that means 90% silver?

 

[Grundestoun]

I was just wondering the same thing about some silverware marked 90 that I bought. I would like to know too!

 

[diggummup]

You better go get your money back. That is a plated mark. Numbers on Silverplate - Encyclopedia of Silver Marks, Hallmarks & Makers' Marks

 

[tamrock]

I learned this lesson some time back. It's a German plating mark I think that designates the thickness of silver plate on the piece. I thought I found a 90% pure piece of silver and purchased it. I did my research and found it wasn't a solid item of silver. Now we have smart phones to reference things these days. My 90 mark didn't look like yours, so run it down to the scrapper. I think you'll need to sacrifice one piece to the file though to be sure.