sterling silver plates

[kakcsdad]

went to flea market and came across a guy that had about 7 or 8 sterling tea set trays. i looked at them for awhile and a few of them had hallmarks and a couple of them didnt. i noticed on one of them had silverplated copper on it. they were tarnished pretty good so i figured they must be real. the guy said he would take $15 for them. not knowing anything abt silver i didnt buy them but i got the fever alittle bit. should i have bought them?? just looking for advice!! for next time. thought abt going back next week to see if he might be there if yall say i should have bought them.
any advice would be great
thanks

would like to know where you could find approx values if possible

 

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[goldgrubber]

If they're American trays they should have sterling stamped on them. I think even with hallmarks on them they should say sterling. English sterling may just have hallmarks.