Bags of Silverware surprises

[biggmike]

Got out this morning and hit a sale that had a lot of interesting old things. They had silverware in 3 zip-lock bags and there was nothing real interesting in the first two but in the third I saw a familiar, eye catching site.







They stand out like a sore thumb if you know what to look for. They have a completely different look than stainless so just look for something that just looks a little different. They are almost always marked sterling too.







The rest are a very nice pattern that will get me at least 5 to 10 times my money back. (Have you checked the price of nice silverware)







This is the third time in 5 weeks that I have found sterling mixed in with regular silverware. Keep your eyes open when you see bulk silverware and you might be surprised what you might find.​

 

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[vpnavy]

Nice buys. Thanks for sharing...

 

[Rodbuster209]

I agree, I always check the boxes and bags of silverware for Sterling, also learn what the British Sterling hallmark looks like, the lion passant. a good thing to know. Great finds!.........Scott.

 

[insontis]

I agree, I always check the boxes and bags of silverware for Sterling, also learn what the British Sterling hallmark looks like, the lion passant. a good thing to know. Great finds!.........Scott.

I've been starting to check more and more recently. I've only found one piece and that was very recently. And it is not marked for sterling. It's a butter knife that is marked stainless on the blade and nothing on the handle. I've always checked and found some pieces that "looked" sterling, but were always marked otherwise or were magnetic. This knife's handle is what I spotted due to its tone and faded design. Took the magnet to the handle and .. no attraction! Picked it up for 10 cents and acid tested when I got home. It's the real deal!




Pretty sure the thrift stores in my area are too smart about sterling in general to let it slip by, but I got lucky on this one.

 

[Rodbuster209]

I've been starting to check more and more recently. I've only found one piece and that was very recently. And it is not marked for sterling. It's a butter knife that is marked stainless on the blade and nothing on the handle. I've always checked and found some pieces that "looked" sterling, but were always marked otherwise or were magnetic. This knife's handle is what I spotted due to its tone and faded design. Took the magnet to the handle and .. no attraction! Picked it up for 10 cents and acid tested when I got home. It's the real deal!

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Pretty sure the thrift stores in my area are too smart about sterling in general to let it slip by, but I got lucky on this one.

Sometimes the Hallmarks or makers mark is completely worn off, so recognising that black tarnish is key to making a score! Also I defineatly know what you mean about TS's & GW's knowing what to look for, they miss nothing when it comes to PM's here!.....Goodluck!.................Scott.

 

[2Minnesota]

Love it when that happens! Not all flatware are created equal or sell as well as others. You should definitely get your money back from that set and hopefully a lot more!