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Silverplate French Chippendale Design
Observe the overall look of the flatware piece to see if there is any discoloration or flaws. If it looks tarnished, or has scars or is bent, the value of the flatware may be compromised. - 2
Simplified Chippendale design
Rub the tarnished area of the flatware piece with a stiff cloth or silver polish. . If the tarnish rubs off and the surface regains its shine, it is either sterling silver or a good piece of silver plate. If it does not rub off, it is because the thin silver plating has rubbed off and the base metal beneath the silver is showing through. If the base metal is evident, the piece is considered "worn" and its value is low. Silver plate is expected to last only 20 years. - 3
Chippendale silver plate salad fork handle
Look at the back of the piece of flatware. If there is a raised or indented mark or writing on the back of the piece (usually on the stem), read it. A knife will have writing on the blade near the handle, describing its content. Look at the inscription through the magnifying glass, in order to determine what it says. A sterling silver piece will have the word "sterling" and possibly a number (.925) and the name of the maker. Silver plated flatware may have the maker's name and usually will say "plate." If there is no mark, or if the piece says "stainless steel," it is not silver. - 4). Compare the piece of flatware with the drawings in this article. If the top of the design is similar to one of the illustrations, then the piece is a Chippendale design. The mark on the back will tell you if it is silver plate, sterling, or stainless steel.
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