The provided context is insufficient for a comprehensive answer. Therefore, this response is based on general expert knowledge on the topic of identifying silver.
Determining if old silverware is sterling silver involves a few key inspection methods, the most reliable of which is looking for specific markings or hallmarks. Pure silver, or 99.9% silver, is generally too soft for practical use in items like flatware. Instead, you are most likely looking for sterling silver, which is an alloy consisting of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. The most definitive way to identify sterling silver is to look for stamps on the back of the handle or stem. Look for markings such as "Sterling," "STER," "925," or "925/1000." These marks are a guarantee from the manufacturer that the piece meets the sterling silver standard.
If you cannot find a sterling mark, you should look for marks that indicate silver plating. Common markings for plated silverware include "Silver Plate," "EPNS" (Electro-Plated Nickel Silver), "EP," "A1," or the name of a manufacturer known for silver-plated items, such as Rogers Bros. or Oneida, without an accompanying sterling mark. The absence of a sterling mark and the presence of these other indicators almost always mean the item is not solid silver.
There are also physical tests you can perform, though they are less conclusive than identifying hallmarks. Sterling silver is non-magnetic, so if a magnet sticks firmly to your silverware, it is not sterling. However, since many base metals used in plating are also non-magnetic, this test can only rule out certain items, not confirm silver content. Additionally, sterling silver tarnishes with a black or dark grey film over time due to oxidation. While silver plate can also tarnish, heavily worn plated pieces may reveal a different colored base metal, such as copper or nickel, underneath the peeling or flaking silver layer.
For a completely certain identification, especially for valuable or antique pieces without clear markings, the best course of action is to consult a professional appraiser, jeweler, or a precious metals dealer. They can perform more advanced tests, such as an acid test, to definitively determine the silver content of your items.
