Sterling is not the only valuable silver

Press, 28 January 1986, Page 12

Sterling is not the only valuable silver

Collecting with Myrtlp Duff

Silver collectors in New Zealand seem to have a strange reluctance about buying silver other than sterling. Fine pieces of Continental ware are sometimes available at prices considerably below those asked for similar things bearing the magic mark. These are often neglected at auction sales.

Preference for sterling is understandable. Its strict requirements have protected silver standards since the year 1300. A system of hall marks enables a collector to ascertain the date of origin, maker, and quality of a silver article more readily and accurately than can be done for any other category of antiques. Its guaranteed silver content has remained at 92.5 per cent, except for a brief period from 1698 to 1720 when it was required to be increased to 95.8 to discourage silversmiths from melting down the

coin of the realm for their own

A small pocket reference book enables a prospective buyer to find out all he needs to know. Such reliable information is invaluable, and is reflected in the continuing high value placed on sterling silver.

Continental marks are not so well documented. Silversmiths there, and in other parts of the world, have not enjoyed the well organised system which has existed for so long in Britain.

Such silver usually has a slightly lower silver content than sterling, usually 80 per cent or 84 per cent, and this is often clearly marked on the article. Some pieces are also hall marked, though the system is not so complete as in England. One must offset against this the fact that much Continental silver is of a high standard, and is usually less expensive.

Recently a friend bought two fine Continental serving spoons for less than she would probably have paid for one similar spoon in sterling. The 8.5 per cent difference in the silver content is of little account, and she is well pleased with the purchase. Silver from India, China, and other parts of the world is also available at reasonable prices.

Traditional pieces such as coffee pots, Europeanstyle teapots, and salts, will not be plentiful but some most attractive jewellery can be found occasionally. I have always regretted missing a set of silver finger bowls from India. They were priced individually, and I bought one as a gift. By the time I had realised my foolishness a more astute buyer had scooped up the remaining five.

When you see something like this which appeals to you be bold — buy it. The chances are your instinct will have served you well. “Non-sterling” silver is about in most local shops, and is sometimes offered at auction. If it cannot be classified by reference to any recognised hall mark, you may ask a jeweller or silversmith to test it for you.

The small fee will set your mind at rest. Examples illustrated include a European-style cigarette case with pagoda and mountain design, possibly from Japan. It is stamped “950 Silver,” and inscribed on the back with the name of a previous owner “H.M. Cameron.”

In this case the 950 indicates a higher silver content than that of sterl-

ing. This is for sale at Mandy’s Antiques, in Colombo Street north, together with the magnificent belt buckle from India, and three items of silver filigree jewellery also of Asian origin.

There was also a chafing dish which will certainly be of interest to some collector. The second illustration shows a selection of nonsterling from Village Bygones, in Papanui Road. One item is something which has always fascinated me, and I am sure will interest many people — a lorgnette, one of the most attractive I have seen.

There is a lipstick holder; a Dutch cigar case with a rural scene and original owner’s name inscribed inside the lid; an unusual and beautifully made little strainer, and a

pickle fork.

All are from outside the sterling category, and yet of good quality. Whatever category of silver you choose, it is important always to remember that it is one of the softest metals and can, literally, be rubbed away.

One of the oldest methods of removing tarnish is to rub with the thumb, but even this will remove a certain amount of silver. Alloys are safer, perhaps, than plate, as the only way the silver could disappear altogether would be to rub a hole.

With plated wares — Sheffield, E.P.N.S., or Britannia — it is possible to rub the silver completely away and be left, at least on the outside, with the copper or other metal base.

If your silver is badly tarnished most authorities recommend dipping It completely into a chemical cleaner which will dissolve the tarnish without attacking the silver. Precious objects can also be easily dented, so it is best always to treat your silver very gently. When next shopping for treasures remember that all good silver is not necessarily sterling. Most pieces marked simply St.Sil. will probably be of that quality, but only the official. assay mark is a true guarantee. Other pieces not claiming in any way to be of sterling may be of equal value. The word itself carries no assurance.

The British currency is still officially known as sterling, but has included *

no silver coins since 1947.