Posted 14 years ago
donnyork
(1 item)
I need the cash, but I'm clueless about whether this sterling flatware ought to be valued for more than its melt value. I'm told that's the case for but a minority of pieces. I bought these in a low rent antique district in London circa 1980. Botton of stem is different on spoons than on forks; hallmarks are discernable via zoom. Help a body decide?
http://www.silvercollection.it/mappinwebb.html
This is a great website but it takes some persistence to unravel. The second set of halmarks tells you this was made in Sheffield by M&W. the fact that it is on this website tells me it is sterling and not plate. Let us know what you discover !
I have the flatware here with me; I posted it here with my own digital photos. Still wondering whether to avoid selling a portion instead of the whole set together for its additional "antique" value.
I would find a reputable Jeweler in your area and get a scrap price. Since the pieces don't match it isn't a "set".f you watch "Pawn Stars" he generally offers 25% of an appraisal or less. Good luck.
Also, visit a couple of pawn shops or antique stors to see what the "retail " price is.
Usually best to sell sets by the piece. People rarely want to pay for a set - they are usually looking for a piece or two missing from their old set. and Yes, the value of silver flat wear is higher than meltdown. Replacements might buy it, but they'll only give you a small percent. Have you tried to sell on Craig's list? Once you have a good idea about price, cut it in half & see what happens. Things sell pretty quickly on CL.
DM: I haven't had much luck selling on CL.. I agree about selling by the piece. Especially the extras like ladles or cake servers. What city CL do you use?
I live in the Raleigh/Durham NC area. I suggest CL because it's pretty much a no-lose situation. Since it's free, you might as well try. I have some friends who have Bonanzle booths - it's free to list there & tiny selling fee - plus they have a feature for arranging local pick-up. They list on CL with a link back to the booth that allows people to pay with Google Checkout(much lower fees) or Paypal (your preference; I think PP is evil). If people know they have an option to pay with a credit card, it may improve your ability to sell. My shop is on hold right now, so I haven't set up a CL/Bonanzle connection.
Replacements will look at it, but they'll only pay a fraction of retail.
You are right on Replacements pricing,I have some Roseville dishes that I talked to them about,they sent me a list of what they would pay.It wouldn't cover the packing material that I would have to use.I didn't expect retail,everyone has to make a profit but needless to say I still have my dishes.