Sterling silver - appraisal?

[pjean]

I recently received several boxes of things that have been stored in my father's basement for me. Most are my great-grandmother's, so probably date to the late 19th/early 20th century. Some I definitely would like to keep, but there's quite a lot of random silver that not even my grandmother used.

I'm thinking about selling some of it, but I have no idea whether I should have it appraised separately first, and whether I should have the things I plan to keep insured. And if I do end up having it appraised, how do I go about finding the correct person? I live in Chicago, if that's any help.

I also ended up with my great-grandmother's Limogues china, so I'd love to sell some of the silver I've never used or seen, and use the money towards a cabinet for the rest!

 

[VRBeauty]

Are you talking about jewelry, or flatware and hollowware?

If it's flatware, you can probably identify the pattern from one of the on-line resale sites. You can also get an idea of what they're charging for you patterns. The reference book I use for silver plate indicates that dealers likely will pay from 40% (sought-after pattern, pieces in excellent condition) to 12% of the sale price. BTW the book is by Tere Hagan, and I believe she's also published a reference book on sterling silver. A manufacturer's mark on the back of either flatware or jewelry will also make it easier to find information on-line or in the library.

You might also check with estate liquidators in your area. A good one would be able to give you some ideas about resell values. ETA I just noticed that you live in Chicago. There should be a lot of estate liquidators etc. in your area. Do you have any friends in real estate? A realtor that specializes in older houses would probably be able to recommend an estate liquidator.

BTW I think Replacements.com is the largest on-line reseller. I also like Silverqueen. The Silverqueen site is a PITA to navigate, but if yo can find it, there is a sterling silver picture library (pattern idenifier) on there somewhere!

ETA yet some more: I'd be in hog heaven with a box full of old silver to search through. Have fun!

 

[neatfreak]

There are people all over who specialize in antique appraising. That''s where I would probably start.

 

[pjean]

Thanks for the replies! Asking a real estate agent is a great idea - I know there are a lot of appraisers out there, I just don''t know how to tell good ones from bad ones. If there''s one thing I''ve learned from PS, it''s to choose your experts carefully!

I know of replacements.com only because i''ve looked at filling in some pieces of the china - my great grandmother had very bad arthritis late in life, so the set is a little short of things she used a lot. I''m hoping to register for cups, etc. that they have available, since I''m getting married next year and don''t really want a new set of china. I''d rather use this one! (Except I''m going to freak out the first time something gets broken.)

There is some flatware, and then some serving plates, dishes, etc. There''s also a fair bit of electroplated copper.

You''re right - I should definitely look on this as an adventurous project, rather than "oh, no! I have to get these boxes off the floor!"