Silverplate ... over polished or some kind of residue?

A couple years ago I started a box where I would put silverplate flatware when I got it inexpensively, thinking I would sell as a "mixed silverware lot" in a flat rate Priority box. (I think I got the idea on the boards from @bercrystal ) Mostly the pieces I've collected are ones some decoration on the handle, antique looking, etc. and will be fun for someone's craft or art project.

Just last week a thrift had these in the photo-- was a half price day, so 2 for .25 (cents) and I purchased the group shown to add to the hoard.

Already did okay, because (not shown) turns out there were 3 sterling spoons accidentally in the group.

Was wondering what is going on with the ones that seem "almost white". Is this polish residue or have they been over-polished do you think? Mostly was wondering if some crafter is going to be pleased with these, or if I should not include them.

Thanks for taking a look.

 

The ones with the whitish appearance have probably been dipped in Tarnex or left too long in one of those metal plates with washing soda solution. Most crafters want the silver clean but retaining the original patination in the grooves of the design.
Liver of sulfur will tarnish the whole piece and you could then just polish the body of the piece, or not, if you feel crafters would want an overall tarnish and let them decide whether to polish.
A quick and easy method I have heard of to restore tarnish is to slice a hard boiled egg, place a paper towel between egg and silver and place in a ziploc for a few hours. Haven't tried it myself, but pretty sure it would work.

 

I could try the egg trick -- and see what happens. I think if they still look whitish, might leave them out.

Thanks!

 

I agree, those have been DIPPED! (Heaven forfend...) Sometimes, using a good, regular silver polish (Wrights, Haggerty, etc) with a soft cloth and bit of elbow grease will allow you to bring back the luster.

Note that this will NOT restore any tarnish or darken any crevices, but it MAY be enough to make them appealing enough to sell.

 

The other thing that could have caused that discoloration, is a dishwasher. Believe me, I almost ruined the first piece of 1890's silverplate my grandmother have me.

 

Lucille, I have friends who buy silverplate items, such as groups of 2, 3 or 4 forks and spoons in similar or same patterns to use in their kitchens. In fact, I have a drawer of parents and grandparents items in the kitchen that we use for stirring, etc. Even use for meals when the dishwasher is full. Just a thought. Don't know if it would be worth your time.
Patd

 

And years later, a bonafide silver expert!

....as for these over polished pieces...

I may try a few things -- and or leave these white-ish ones out.

Pat, I mentioned crafts above, but I think it is possible some buyer might get the lot to set out for sale in a store for that exact reason -- to sell individually or small groups as decorative serving pieces. I do the same, I have a couple of really fancy ones I use for parties, etc.

Part of the original idea was to get a piece here, a piece there, and take advantage of the Priority Flat Rate to ship a large group, as the weight quickly adds up with these.

But I'll do some checking first on Ebay and see how best to sell.

Thanks for the responses!

 

I'm with Bakers, these were put in the dishwasher with an aluminum pot. The dishwasher acts as an electrolysis machine. Have done this many times myself.

Try polishing one, it will probably be just fine.

 

Banana skins work too, as well as peeled eggs. It's the ethylene and/or H2S.

 

I never use to clean any of the flatware I sold in bulk. I did find that you would get more if you sold the types of flatware separately. Many of the crafters do not want the knives, so they would be sold by themselves usually for the least amount of money. The teaspoons, forks & small serving pieces are what most want to make the jewelry pieces.

BTW I agree with the crowd regarding those serving spoons. Report back to us if you try any of the suggested methods.

Also if you do decide to sell in bulk, mention if you have a number of pieces in the same pattern.

 

There should be a warning label on those silver dips! It's hard to understand why Hagerty's themselves - who generally sell quality products - sell a "silver bath", as they call it.

 

Don't get me started. I hate that stuff.

 

My mother dipped everything in Tarnex or Brasso. Aaarrrggghhhh!
I used to have such heated spats with our old friend Deep on the Feebay Antique Boards about his recommending it that I got pink slapped twice. I could never understand why he was allowed to give people bad advice and get away with it.

 

Hi Bev,
It was because he was "handicapped" and other people besides you and me were "picking" on him so we were pink slapped and I was thrown off the board. That $563LL0475#78% SOB.
greg

 

All of these tips are good to know. I like the ones with the natural substances... banana peels or eggs.

 

Full disclosure, I'm probably not going to try accelerating tarnish with this batch. But appreciate the tips, as well!

(Although I'm usually not trying to add tarnish in general.)

I just took photos today of all my mismatched collected silverplate flatware pieces. What a PIA! But getting ready to list.

Looking at other sold auctions for this kind of thing, learned a lot. For example, check out this auction for just 8 floral mixed lot spoons:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mixed-Lot-Ornate-Victorian-SP-Flatware-Florals-Craft-Lot-8-Pcs-spoons-Wm-Rogers-/132484904801?hash=item1ed8b73761:g:6-sAAOSwFmxabMYz&nma=true&si=AsEordMCHK37%2BrSAPgg5ciPMcFA%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

These 8 sold for more than some large lots of misc. I'm guessing because they are so decorative --not rare or anything, right?

Might keep an eye out for the most ornate ones henceforth at sales, etc.

 

I think the bidders got carried away. Admittedly not the worst damage I have seen in a craft lot, but for 8 pieces that's a lot of money. I wonder what crafters could make them into that would justify that amount.

 

Probably jewelry; spoon rings are still a "thing". Bracelets too. It could also be someone who kept bidding on some pieces of Grandma's silverware until she got it.

 

I can't see a dealer spending that kind of money.
They looked like they were all in good shape.
If 4 tablespoons retailed at 15-20, 4 teaspoons retailed at 8-10 = 108 - 120. That doubles the outlay.
Still not worth it in my opinion.

 

I'll let you know after the sale if it was worth it or not. In general have been picking pieces up (with some decoration on the handle, not just plain) for .10-.25 when I see them at estate sales, thrifts, etc.