Understanding my silver collection

Discussion in 'Silver' started by habeo_antiquities, Jan 20, 2026 at 1:58 PM.

  1. habeo_antiquities

    habeo_antiquities New Member

    Hi all, I have attached an image showing some of the silver items I own. Small pill boxes I've seen online, but the stamp and note holders I haven't seen much of. The train with moving wheels, and lute with actual strings I have not seen any of.

    How would I begin to learn more about the age and history of these pieces, as well as how to get an accurate valuation? There are hundreds of silver items all together!
     

    Attached Files:

  2. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

  3. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

  4. vitry-le-francois

    vitry-le-francois Well-Known Member

    start by looking at the hallmarks. Are they American, English, European? Those will affect values. With the price of silver being what it is, most of your items are worth more scrap (NOT saying you should) than having intrinsic or collector value. Post some of the larger items here, individually, showing clear pictures of the hallmarks. Lots of super talented and smart people here (I'm NOT one of them! LOL).
     
    Marote and komokwa like this.
  5. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    accurate value....... no such thing... too many variables to place a single cost price on any one item...

    r u selling , buying or insuring
    do u have a store , sell by auction, or or buy at flea markets
    do u sell online , from the US , Italy, Mexico, Australia , Burka Fasso ......???
    do you ship, or pick up only...
    r u in a big city, or in the country side up a mountain...

    ballpark values can be sourced out from several areas , only once most of those questions have ben answered...

    It's why we don't normally do valuations here..;)
     
    laura9797, Marote and Houseful like this.
  6. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    hey Vit.... u have your moments....like the rest of us !!!!:happy::happy:
     
    Marote likes this.
  7. evelyb30

    evelyb30 Well-Known Member

    Full pictures of all marks needed, to start with. We also need dimensions. Without marks we're dead in the water.
     
    Marote likes this.
  8. Debora

    Debora Well-Known Member

  9. Debora

    Debora Well-Known Member

    We're, of course, happy to help but... How you tried identifying pieces with Google Images? For instance, a Google Images search brings up a number of similar silver mandolins, like this one.

    Debora

    images.jpeg
     
  10. evelyb30

    evelyb30 Well-Known Member

    The little coal-fired switcher looks like it might well be plated, but I like it anyway. I think one Majarjah or another had a train set made of sterling, but usually they're something else including the ornamental ones.
     
  11. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    ....& pill boxes and writing pads.... cute... but ordinary.

    good sellers for Valentines Day though..
     
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