Weighted Sterling Scraping Guide- How much silver in candlesticks and common items

[goldencoin]

Hello everyone, I recently sent off a large amount of scrap to the refiners. I wanted to post a list of individual recovered weights as a quick reference for novice scrapers in regards to how much one should pay for common items. All numbers are troy ounce sterling (not actual silver weight). Each entry is the recovered weight after all non sterling plaster, wax, and glass is removed. Prices are the total value of the pure silver contained when silver is $25/troy ounce (spot price).


Standard-sized weighted candlestick
0.55
0.57
0.6
0.61
0.66
0.66
0.69
0.71
0.82
0.88
0.88
0.93
1.12
1.14
1.17
1.19
1.21
Avg: .85
Depending on the size, a weighted candlestick should be worth between $12 to $28
Additional information: A plastic bottomed weighted sterling candlestick weighed 1.06, a small sized one weighed .34


Weighted 3 socket candelabra
1.36
1.50
Depending on the size, a weighted candelabra should be worth between $31 to $35


Standard Sterling Rimmed Coasters
0.11
0.12
0.13
0.14
0.14
0.15
0.19
0.24
0.38
AVG .18
Depending on the size, a sterling rimmed coaster should be worth between $2.50 to $9 (but most would be worth less than $3.50)

Weighted Salt and Pepper shakers
.22
.23
.23
.35
Depending on the size, a sterling weighted shaker should be worth between $5 to $8


Sterling weighted vase with glass top
.18
.19
.19
.26
Depending on the size, a sterling weighted vase with glass top should be worth between $4 to $6


Weighted trumpet vase with sterling top
1.01
1.18
1.31
1.55
Depending on the size, a sterling weighted vase with sterling top should be worth between $23 to $36
Additional information: A very small bud vase weighed .57, a very large bouquet vase weighed 5.39


Wedding cake knife with weighted handle
.32
.37
.40
.41
Depending on the size, a sterling wedding knife should be worth between $7 to $9.50

Server/butter knife with weighted handle
.52
.16
.48
.61
Depending on the size, a sterling weighted handled item should be worth between $12 to $14

DISCLAIMERS: These are by no means a random sample, you may find different types of items in your local area. Prices are calculated at a silver spot price of $25 per troy ounce. Changes in the spot price will change value of silver contained within. Sterling silver may be slightly less pure than .925, which may result in lower values. Scrapers will typically sell at a discount to actual value, sometimes as low as 60% to 70% of prices above. I myself use midwest refineries, which pays 90% of the prices above. (they, however, will test the actual purity of the medal. My sterling scrap actually tested at .900 purity, which reduced payout)

HH
-GC

 

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[Red-Coat]

That’s some great information, especially since it’s based on real data.

Just to clarify your statement that “Sterling silver may be slightly less pure than .925”:

Although it has varied slightly over time and also varies by country, the allowable tolerance in composition for “sterling” silver is (and has always been) small. Most makers slightly “over-egg” the content to avoid dispute. Currently (and since 1905) in the US, sterling silver must contain “at least” (ie it can be higher) 925 parts per thousand of silver with a tolerance of no more than 4 parts per thousand (or 10 parts per thousand if it’s a composite piece that has been soldered).

All bets are off of course for pieces that have been fraudulently marked, or which have been repaired/modified subsequent to sale.

Anything outside that isn’t “sterling”, but might be “coin silver”. Currently, in the US, the minimum silver content for a mark of “coin” or “coin silver” is 900 parts per thousand, with the same tolerances as for sterling. Older pieces of coin silver may have been produced in times when it was largely unregulated and could be significantly lower.

 

[jklund38]

That is great info. I picked this Preisner 192 Trumpet Vase up the other day for $20. More than I typically pay for weighted, but there is a lot of sterling above the weighted piece.

I figured scrap was worth more than $20 on it, but wasn’t sure. 10 inches tall.