Before selling silverware, the essential step is to tell solid silver (Minerva hallmark, 950 or 800 finenesses, bought by fine weight) apart from silver plate (explicit mention, square hallmark, near-zero value by weight). Reading the hallmarks avoids the main disappointment.
In France, solid silver carries guarantee hallmarks that attest its fineness. The main one is the Minerva, a helmeted head, whose first standard corresponds to 950 thousandths and second to 800 thousandths. You also find the boar's head (an old Paris mark for small items), the crab (silver of at least 800 thousandths, imported or modern), and a lozenge-shaped mark identifying the master silversmith.
These marks are often on the back or underside of pieces, near a solder or an edge. Their presence signals solid silver, whose value is calculated by fine silver weight according to the fineness. A magnifying glass helps to spot them and tell them apart from purely decorative marks.
The main pitfall is confusing solid silver with silver plate. Silver plate is a base metal covered with a thin layer of silver: this is the case for many common table pieces. Its value by silver weight is near zero and it is not bought at the silver price. Spot it through these clues:
Doing this sort before any step saves you from overvaluing a set that, however attractive, has no value by silver weight.
Group the pieces that are genuinely solid silver by fineness, weigh them and note the hallmarks identified. There is no need to over-polish: the dealer works by fine silver weight. Request several free, no-obligation valuations, asking each for a net buyback rate and the day's price used.
A serious buyer verifies your identity, keeps a register and pays by bank transfer or cheque above the legal limits. To place the offers in context and understand cutlery in particular, rely on our ranking of silver buyback professionals and on our guide on selling solid silver cutlery.
Look for hallmarks: the Minerva (950 or 800 thousandths) attests solid silver, while a "silver plate" mention or a square hallmark without a Minerva indicates plating with no value by silver weight.
It is not necessary for a weight-based buyback: the dealer estimates the fine silver weight, not the appearance. Aggressive cleaning can even damage some pieces without increasing their value.