how can you tell if something is pure silver, or just silver plated?

[Silverhawk]

Just curious to know if there was an easy way to tell the difference between silver and silver plated?
I have been to a few garage sales and found some silver spoons and tea sets, but have been hesitant to purchase them.

What is the average price for a small silver spoon (3"), if marked sterling or 925?

I am a newbie at this, so i would appreciate any info.

 

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[Argentium]

Most U.S. silver if sterling , will be designated STERLING - in addition to a makers mark . I should
qualify this by saying that very early American silver , may be marked coin , or just have a series
of marks more in keeping with English and European marks - which tend to have several incuse
shield shapes onto which are stamped ; city marks , makers marks, quality mark (sterling/other)
monarch profile . Hope this helps - on line searches of old silver/hallmarks , will bring you up to
speed fairly quickly on the necessary info regarding silver hallmarks -domestic and foreign.
Argentium.