I just bought a Hampton a 20 piece 24kt gold plated silverware set for $20.00
The cheapest set of flatware Walmart has to offer is called the Cambridge Silversmiths 53 piece set. It costs $34.97
Sterling Silver" Flatware is actually plated
The value of a set of 1947. Rogers Brothers flatware is dependent upon the condition of the flatware. The flatware can be worth as much as $1000 for a full set
Oneida sterling flatware had a mark with a "cube" on the left side of the name. According to my reference, it is "The silver cube. Our silversmiths' mark of excellence," and was used since 1965. The cube is apparently a mark of excellence. (American Sterling Silver Flatware, by Maryanne Dolan.)
The "430" marking on a silver bowl made by Old Colony Silversmiths typically indicates the silver purity and the model number or pattern designation. In this case, "430" may refer to the specific alloy composition or the design series used by the manufacturer. Old Colony Silversmiths was known for producing silver-plated items, so this number helps identify the piece's origin and craftsmanship. Always consult a silver expert or appraiser for precise identification and value.
EPSS stands for Electro Plated Stainless Steel. It's a fancy way of saying that Frank Smith flatware is made of stainless steel with a thin layer of silver or other metal electroplated on top. So basically, it's stainless steel with a little bling bling to make it look fancier than it really is.
If it is marked "STERLING" OR "925" on the back of it, it means the silver is about 92.5% of the total weight of that piece. Otherwise the piece of silver plate flatware contains very insignificant amount of silver.
24kgp means that the piece is 24 karat gold plated. A gold plated piece is worth much less than a piece that is 24 karat gold.
Vagabond House manufactures a Bamboo pewter 5 piece setting .
Yes, flatwear should always be lead free, or else it can be dangerous.
Flatwear can come in many varieties, from as small as 3 piece sets, to much much larger.
IS stands for Inlaid silver. ie Holmes and Edwards have a full line of Inlaid silver, which is major improvement over silver palte and the IS is stamped on each piece, usualy in a square box stamp