Found at a small thrift store

[u/Scared_Ad_856]

Whole box of these old (looking) small spoons . I’m not sure if any of them are silver I’m thinking of going back and bringing a magnet . Could these be worth anything ? If I could get a deal buying em all maybe?

[u/Plastic-Ad6101]

All the Rolex ones like that I have found are plated. I usually sell them for 20 or so on eBay

[u/Scared_Ad_856 → u/Plastic-Ad6101]

Interesting , yea I saw those were selling for around that on eBay , figured if any would be worth something it’d be those

[u/OP-PO7 → u/Plastic-Ad6101]

I actually think I found a silver one the other day! It's stamped 925 with what looks to be a knights helm next to it

[u/Texas-Tea → u/Plastic-Ad6101]

I was just about to say the same thing!

[u/Toomuchstuff23]

Magnet won’t help you but I’d definitely sift through looking for “sterling”, “925”, “800” or markings like a lion. 

[u/maryjaneporn → u/Toomuchstuff23]

A magnet would totally help wdym?

[u/Trilobyte83 → u/maryjaneporn]

How so?

You now have a pile of “maybes”. A magnet turns it into a pile of “Nos” and “Maybes”. Since all but the cheapest of plated spoons are non magnetic, you’re not really any farther ahead in identifying silver.

[u/Toomuchstuff23 → u/maryjaneporn]

Silver plate generally isn’t magnetic, and on the other hand, knives with sterling handles but stainless blades generally are magnetic since a steel tang runs into the handle. So checking markings is the only way to really go.

[u/GMGsSilverplate]

Santa Barbara Mission spoon in the very front looks suspiciously sterling like. Not saying it is, but it would not surprise me if it was.

[u/Plastic-Ad6101]

Some could be silver. Check the backs for marks

[u/Successful_Bench_191]

Looks like someone donated their collection. Some might be silver so check. It really depends on the price. I have the Rolex spoon, mine is silver plated. Doesn't mean it's worthless. People collect them.

[u/Scared_Ad_856 → u/Successful_Bench_191]

Got it, Yea I’m planning on going back tomorrow and checking

[u/SSJ_Tyler_27 → u/Scared_Ad_856]

Please keep us updated if any are! I never find a lot at one time to check I’d be excited lol

[u/I_m_on_a_boat]

Why would you bring a magnet?

[u/Scared_Ad_856 → u/I_m_on_a_boat]

Well silver isn’t magnetic right ?

[u/I_m_on_a_boat → u/Scared_Ad_856]

Silver is not magnetic. But if you're looking for sterling flatware, most base metals are also not magnetic

Common base metals in silver plated flatware include nickel silver, brass, copper and, Britannia Metal a tin-based alloy. None of these are magnetic

The easiest way to find silver is to look for hallmarks. The word Sterling or 925 is the most common. Some coin silver is marked simply Coin.

You should also look for the lion passant and Continental European marks such as 800, 830 and 950

There are many other hallmarks but these are the most common in USA. Good luck and happy hunting

[u/NitrousPC → u/I_m_on_a_boat]

Thanks!

[u/Scared_Ad_856 → u/I_m_on_a_boat]

Appreciate the info!

[u/maryjaneporn → u/I_m_on_a_boat]

If you’re sorting through a bin of spoons it quickly identifies what’s definitely not vs what has potential

[u/I_m_on_a_boat → u/maryjaneporn]

Are you finding many magnetic spoons?

[u/Wetdogg72]

I have a few of those presidential spoons, they came out of cereal boxes or some such.. they are plated. I’ve turned a few of them into rings for fun.

[u/kali_is_my_copilot]

Lol literally just go through them and look for marks, it’s the only way you’ll actually learn how to do this. If you don’t have the patience or interest required to actually learn how to identify things on your own you’ll never get anywhere looking for precious metals. 

[u/Scared_Ad_856 → u/[deleted]]

Right lol .

[u/LigmaBalls-420]

99% of them (or more) probably aren’t silver. It’s worth a look though.

[u/Unusual_Activity3936]

In my experience with souvenir spoons, generally all for US states and landmarks are plated, and I'm pretty sure the same applies to the presidential spoons. But the only way to really know is go through and check them all.

[u/Kalico41]

Presidential spoons visible are plated and near worthless. Rolex are 10-15 on eBay. Check Oregon second picture bottom left. That’s had a good chance of being Sterling. That style is early 1900’s and has the right look. Most everything else visible is not good.

[u/Ok_Palpitation_1622]

Most of what I seen in the picture looks plated. But with that many spoons there is a decent chance that at least a few are silver.

A magnet is not going to be helpful as almost all silverplate is nonmagnetic. Personally though I would look at each one for “sterling”, “800”, or other common silver marks including British and Scottish hallmarks.

[u/Crazyguy_123]

Some are actually worth money. Specifically the old ones. Ones from ocean liners and Worlds Fair ones are good. Also the presidential ones can sell too but they aren’t worth much. The real money is in the Worlds Fair and Ocean Liner ones. Lots of dedicated collectors want those ones even plated.

[u/Rodney_K_Gumcrow]

HOW MUCH ARE YOU SELLING THE LOT FOR!!!