Based on general expertise, as the provided search results did not contain relevant information, the amount of silver in antique silverware depends entirely on whether the item is sterling silver or silver-plated. These are two distinct categories often grouped under the general term "silverware."
Antique sterling silver is an alloy that, by legal definition, contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% of another metal, typically copper. This standard, known as 925 silver, was established to add strength and durability to the soft nature of pure silver, making it suitable for functional items like forks and spoons. Antique sterling pieces from Britain are often marked with a "lion passant" symbol, while American pieces are typically stamped with "Sterling" or "925." Therefore, the vast majority of a sterling silver item's weight is pure silver.
In contrast, antique silver-plated items contain a very small amount of actual silver. These pieces are crafted from a base metal, such as copper, brass, or nickel silver, and are coated with a thin layer of pure silver through an electroplating process. The silver content is only on the surface and constitutes a minimal fraction of the item's total weight. The value of silver-plated antiques lies more in their craftsmanship, design, and historical significance rather than their intrinsic metal value. These pieces are often marked with abbreviations like "EPNS" (Electro Plated Nickel Silver) or "EP."
Ultimately, identifying the hallmarks or stamps on a piece is the most reliable way to determine if it is sterling silver, and thus has significant silver content, or if it is silver-plated.
