"How can I tell if my flatware is sterling or silverplated?"

This is our most frequently-asked question at SilverCollect.com. If a piece doesn't have the word "sterling," then it most likely is not sterling silver. The word "sterling" is found on American silver dating after 1860. Early American silver is very rare and was usually marked with only the maker's name or initials. Silverplate has the maker or company name and often includes terms such as "A1" or "quadruple plate." These are various descriptions of the amount of applied silver. Click here to read the complete article: http://antiques.about.com/od/silversilverplate/a/aa061204.htm?once=true&