You can't pore over auction records and price guides for values if you don’t know exactly what you have and who made it. The Internet offers a wealth of information on sterling silver and silverplated wares. Here are some of the best spots online to assist you in researching silver origins, craftsmen and manufacturers:
Online Encyclopedia of Silver Marks and Hallmarks
- Pamela Wiggins
An extensive resource for researching silver marks, hallmarks, trademarks & maker's marks on old silver from around the world, especially those used on vintage and antique sterling and coin silver. Also has a section of silverplate marks.
Online Encyclopedia of American Silver Marks
If you're sure your piece is American made, this is the place to start your research. This collection of American manufacturers and retailers of sterling silver, coin silver and silver plate marks are listed alphabetically by manufacturer.Silver Jewelry Hallmark Basics
A useful introduction to silver hallmarks used on antique and vintage jewelry from around the globe.SilverCollect.com Sterling Silverware Patterns
- Pamela Wiggins
A good resource for researching antique flatware and serving pieces in sterling silver by Gorham Whiting, Towle, Dominick & Haff, Reed and Barton, R. Blackinton & Co., Tiffany, Unger Bros. and Wallace.
