Spotting Fakes: How to Identify Authentic Antique Silver
In the world of antiques, few things are as frustrating — or disappointing — as discovering a beautiful silver piece is a fake. Whether you’re new to collecting or a seasoned enthusiast, being able to confidently identify authentic antique silver is essential.
At Shropshire Silver, we believe in empowering collectors with knowledge. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key features to look for when identifying genuine antique silver — and the red flags that suggest otherwise.
1. Understand the Hallmarks
One of the most reliable indicators of authenticity in British silver is its hallmark.
What Is a Hallmark?
A hallmark is a series of stamps applied by an official assay office to verify a silver item’s purity and origin.
Key British Hallmarks Include:
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Standard mark – e.g. the Lion Passant for sterling silver (.925), or Britannia figure for Britannia silver (.958)
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Assay office mark – a symbol identifying where the piece was tested (e.g., London – leopard’s head, Birmingham – anchor)
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Date letter – a letter representing the year of assay
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Maker’s mark – usually initials of the silversmith or company
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Duty mark – found on older pieces, indicating tax had been paid (used 1784–1890)
Red Flag:
Poorly defined or inconsistent hallmarks, modern stamps mimicking antique ones, or misshaped punches can all suggest forgery.
2. Check the Silver Content
Solid Silver vs. Silver Plate
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Sterling Silver is 92.5% pure silver — look for "925" or British hallmarks.
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Britannia Silver is 95.8% pure and marked accordingly.
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Silver Plate is a base metal coated in a thin layer of silver — usually marked “EPNS”, “EPBM”, “Silver on Copper”, or similar.
Test Tip:
A magnet won't attract real silver. However, this isn’t foolproof — some plated items also aren’t magnetic. A professional acid or XRF test is more reliable but should be done with care.
3. Inspect the Craftsmanship
Authentic antique silver is usually finely made, with clear attention to detail in engraving, casting, and finish.
Signs of Authentic Craftsmanship:
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Clean, crisp lines in engraving
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Balanced proportions
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Subtle signs of age and wear (especially in consistent places like handles or edges)
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Heavy feel for size — silver is dense and has a certain “weightiness”
Red Flag:
Items that feel unusually light, appear overly shiny or polished, or have sharp, modern engraving are often suspect.
4. Consider the Patina
Antique silver naturally develops a soft, darkened patina in recessed areas, highlighting detail and age.
What to Look For:
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Even tarnish in crevices and joins
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Gentle fading consistent with use and time
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No signs of artificial ageing or rough chemical use
Red Flag:
A piece that looks too perfect — overly shiny, no wear marks, or inconsistent tarnish — may have been artificially aged or recently manufactured.
5. Know the Common Fakes
Unfortunately, there’s a thriving market for reproductions and forgeries. The most common include:
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Pseudo-hallmarks: Stamps made to look like British hallmarks but without legal standing
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Overstruck marks: Replacing original maker’s marks with a more desirable one
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Silver-plated items passed off as solid silver
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Copycat designs: Reproductions of popular 18th- or 19th-century patterns sold as antiques
What You Can Do:
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Research known patterns and silversmiths
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Buy from trusted dealers with a return policy or certification
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Use reference books or online hallmark databases
6. Trust Provenance and Documentation
When available, documentation can help establish a piece’s history. This might include:
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Sales receipts
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Auction records
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Letters or certificates of authenticity
At Shropshire Silver, every item in The Wrekin Collection comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring confidence in every piece.
7. When in Doubt, Ask an Expert
There’s no shame in consulting a professional — in fact, it’s wise. Whether it’s a trusted dealer, an auction house, or a certified valuer, expert eyes can often spot what a casual inspection might miss.
Final Thoughts
The joy of collecting silver lies in its history, artistry, and authenticity. Learning to spot the real from the reproduction protects both your investment and your passion.
When you subscribe to The Wrekin Collection, you’re not just getting beautiful antique silver — you’re getting the peace of mind that comes from expert sourcing, careful verification, and genuine provenance.
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