The Sterling Silver Shortage and the Best Patterns for Silver Investing

[@Schroeder_-yh4sq]

hey I just inherited a reed and Barton classic rose set. its missing some pieces but we have not gone through all the inheritance yet so I'm not sure if we will need more pieces yet but I'm just curious about this set. it has a light brown outside with no markings, does not have a secondary drawer, has 12 knife slots in the lid and 10 slots for spoons forks etc. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[@AntiqueCupboard]

+Schroeder_2000 We have a great selection of Classic Rose in stock: www.antiquecupboard.com/ShowPattern.asp?Pattern=Classic+Rose&PatternID=107&Mfg=Reed+and+Barton

[@bobeileen1]

My parents bought Sterling silver table settings from 1941 to around 1958. I think we have about 8 sets. I recall them saying it was the Rogers pattern. Can you advise me as how to learn the true value? Thanks! bobh

[@AntiqueCupboard]

Hi Robert, Most Rogers flatware is silver plated. Look on the back of a fork or spoon and see if it is stamped with the word "sterling". If so, you can use our trademark identifier and find out the pattern name here: www.antiquecupboard.com/Trademark.asp

[@Figs4Life]

Hi there , I am looking to invest in precious metals and collectability for long term to pass down to my kids. Right now I collect silver bullion coins and I'm looking in to sterling silver antiques. Are sterling silver cheaper to buy then bullion rounds/bars? Is it there a market for collecting sterling silverware, or I I would have a hard time reselling those in the future? Which of these two is a better investment for the future, 9999 pure silver or antique sterling silver? And if I buy sterling silver must a complete the entire set or can I just buy pieces here and there? I would really appreciate for your response. Thank you very much

[@AntiqueCupboard]

Yes, there is a large market for collecting sterling flatware. The up side to collecting flatware is that the minimum worth is the silver value but it can go way up from there for unusual pieces. The value is not just in the "complete" set but in the desirability of the pattern or pieces. It is much more difficult to find desirable sterling flatware priced at scrap levels than bouillon.

[@Figs4Life]

AntiqueCupboard thanks for the response. I am now a big fan of sterling flatware thanks to you ;) All I have to do now is to educate myself to your videos.

[@FloresOriginals]

Hello, I have a question. My husband and I have some Sterlin Silver butter knives and I am wondering what is the best way to make money off of silver from around the house?

[@AntiqueCupboard]

The best way to make money off buying silver is to buy sterling for less than the value that you can sell it for. This could mean buying for less than the scrap value but also if you have an interesting or unusual piece it can be worth much more than the silver value.

[@francishodges6873]

What can you ell me of the Westmorland patterns (1940-1960). Is the workmanship as good as it is in the better known companies (Reed and Barton, Gorham, Towle, etc).

[@AntiqueCupboard]

Westmoreland had a bout 5 patterns that were sold door to door and on monthly payment plans. They were a very affordable option for brides. The patterns are simple and somewhat popular. The Wetstmoreland patterns are somewhat light and not very remarkable.

[@francishodges6873]

Francis Hodges Thanks. Prices on ebay don't seem all that different from other companies. Sounds like an attempt to get the working class to buy sterling. . . .We were considering "Milburn Rose," but we also like International's "Wedgewood." Is that readily available? We are considering replacing our sterling which was stolen a couple of years ago (R & B's "Spanish Baroque," which we didn't really like very much).

[@AntiqueCupboard]

Francis Hodges I would recommend Rose Point by Wallace which is similar to the Milburn Rose but nicer. Wedgwood is an interesting pattern. I would suggest buying a place setting or teaspoon in a couple patterns and then return within 30 days.

[@francishodges6873]

Francis Hodges Thanks. We have been seriously considering "Rose Point." Seems to be a lot of it out there.