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http://www.goldguys.com/how-to-tell-if-your-silverware-is-real-sterling-silver/
What is sterling silver?
When we talk about real silver flatware, we are almost always talking about sterling silver. But because pure silver is too soft to eat with and would not prove very durable with such frequent use, sterling silverware is typically made from an alloy of 92.5% silver and 7.5% of a more resilient base metal like copper.
Sterling silverware made in the U.S. after the 1850s or so should have a marking on it that says either “sterling” or “925” (denoting its 92.5% silver content). This marking can usually be found on the bottom of platters, cups, and bowls, as well as on the backs of the handles on forks, knives, and spoons. If your silverware was made in the U.S. and does not have one of these markings, it is most likely not sterling silver.
If your flatware was made in a country other than the U.S., it may have another hallmark indicating it is sterling silver. This will look like a stamped icon, and there are hundreds of different varieties you may see.
Silver-plated items are also often marked with:
Silver plate
Plated
EP (electroplated)
EPNS (electroplated nickel silver)
Silver Co.
It is illegal to falsely claim plated silver is sterling silver, so you should feel confident in your ability to trust these markings in determining authenticity.
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Good Luck.
Zim.
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