How to sell Antique Silver Flatware

Nadja,

I would like your advice on the best way to sell sterling flatware. I am interested in selling a set of Stieff Rose. Here’s a description of what I have.

78pc STIEFF ROSE PATTERN STERLING SILVER FLATWARE SET

Presented is a fine 78 piece sterling silver flatware set by Stieff. The set is done in the Stieff Rose pattern which was first produced in 1892. The knives, hollow handle carving fork, and servers have sterling silver handles and stainless steel blades. All other pieces are solid sterling silver.

The set includes:
• 8 dinner knives: 8 7/8 inches long
• 8 forks: 7 inches
• 8 salad or dessert forks: 6 inches
• 8 soup spoons: 6 ½ inches
• 8 teaspoons: 5 7/8 inches
• 8 small teaspoons: 5 ½ inches
• 8 flat handle butter spreaders: 6 inches
• 3 hollow handle servers: 9 7/8 x 2 ¼, 9 7/8 x 1 ½, 6 1/8x 1 3/8 inches
• 1 hollow handle carving knife 14 inches
• 1 hollow handle carving fork 11 1/2 inches
• 5 serving spoons: 8 1/2 inches
• 2 iced tea spoons: 7 ½ inches
• 1 butter or cheese knife: 7 1/4 inches
• 1 cold meat (three prong) serving fork: 7 5/8 inches
• 1 berry spoon with repoussé strawberries on the bowl: 8 inches
• 1 sugar spoon: 6 inches
• 1 point tip spoon: 6 inches
• 1 ladle: 6 1/4 inches
• 1 cocktail fork: 6 inches
• 1 2-prong fork: 4 3/8 inches
• 1 butter pick: 5 5/8 inches
• 1 broad flat spoon: 5 ¼ inches
The condition is very good to excellent. Several pieces need to be polished. The pieces are hallmarked on the reverse with Sterling Stieff. The backs are monogrammed with “W”.

I appreciate your advice.

L. W.
Response:

The good news is, the price of silver is going up. The bad news is, fewer and fewer people have time to polish silver and it is never a good idea to put sterling flatware in the dishwasher.
If you have the time, the highest prices are paid for individual pieces by folks who need to replace a missing item from their set, such as an iced tea spoon. You can selling the set, piece by piece on eBay or a similar online auction and the items are easy to ship, as they are not breakable. Set up an account. Wait until the check clears before shipping or only accept money orders.
If you are in a hurry, there are plenty of dealers who inventory large quantities of flatware to sell as replacement pieces. To give you an idea of prices– currently a five piece place setting is listed at $170 but an individual soup spoon is listed at $85. Expect to receive half of the list price from a dealer.
To give other readers some background on the Steiff Rose pattern, which is extremely popular in the Baltimore, Maryland region of the country- the design is characterized by an ornate raised rose pattern. The earlier pieces, probably produced before the factory moved from downtown Baltimore to the Wyman Park neighborhood are slightly larger in size and heavier in weight. In 1979 Steiff purchased Samual Kirk and Sons having previously purchased the assets of the Kirk Corporation in the late 60s. In 1990 Lenox Incorporated purchased Kirk-Steif and still produces the Steiff Rose pattern.

How to Sell Wedgwood Dishes

Charnwood, a discontinued pattern by Wedgwood

Hi Nadja,
I have enjoyed reading your articles in the magazine. I have a set of 8 plus other serving pieces of fine china – Wedgewood the Charnwood pattern. I am interested in selling the set but am not sure how to go about finding a dealer that might be interested in this china. Any ideas?

Thanks,
L.J.

Your inherited set of Wedgwood in the Charnwood pattern is sold by a number of dealers online who specialize in discontinued china patterns. Introduced in 1951, it is a colorful and handsome design inspired by polychrome designs from the late 19th century. If you no longer wish to keep the set of dishes, the pattern was discontinued in 1987, you could probably sell the dishes online. I found a similar set which was being offered for $1200. Individually a dinner plate sells for approximately $60, while a lunch plate sells for approximately $35. Plan on receiving approximately half of those list prices, if selling to a dealer. Consider trying to sell your set online at Craig’s List, Ebay, or through a newspaper classified advertsement.
Regarding your general questions concerning finding appraisal help, please read the previous blog entry.

How to Find an Antiques Appraiser

Hi Ms. Maril,

I am new to the area and was reading the Eastern Shore magazine and noticed an article you wrote on ruby glass and that you attended an art museum opening in Centreville, which is near our house. I was hoping you could guide us. We have several boxes of collectibles, many of them old and possibly antique, and would like to have them appraised before deciding what to do. This includes porcelain dishes, silverware, framed pictures, etc. In the article it mentioned that you are a former antique dealer. We wondered if you could recommend a couple of dealers who may be local to us whom we could call upon?

We really appreciate your help–

S.L.
Centreville, MD

There are so many different kinds of antiques, no one appraiser is an expert on everything. That’s why I would recommend that you first visit some local antique shops and ascertain who is specializing in what type of item. For example, there are dealers on Maryland’s Eastern Shore that specialize in oriental rugs and others who specialize in decoys. Consult with dealers who know about the items you’re seeking to have appraised. Do not pay for an appraisal, if the same dealer is planning to purchase the items.
You’ll also notice that there are a number of pseudo “Antique Road Shows” that give folks the opportunity to get a general appraisal for five or ten dollars. On March 21st and 22nd, such an event (16th Annual Antiques Show and Appraisal Event) is going to take place in Easton at the Waterfowl Building. The proceeds collected benefit the Mental Health Association of Talbot County. (410)-822-0444. This is an inexpensive way to get a general idea on values from experts.
(It’s written about on the Giving Back Page in the current March issue of What’s Up? Eastern Shore). Stay informed on local events by visiting our websiteand sign up for our e-newsletter when you visit the site.