Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Do I have to register to purchase from your site?

Answer: No, registration is available but is not a requirement. More information may be found here

Question: What are your shipping rates?

Answer: Shipping rates for both United States and International orders may be found here

Question: Do you have a return policy?

Answer: Yes, we do. Please see our Return Policy

Question: The piece I need is out of stock. Will you notify me when it is available?

Answer: Yes, if your piece is currently shown as 'On Back Order or 'Currently Out Of Stock', please click on the link "Notify Me When Another Like This Becomes Available". This will alert us to the piece you need and we will contact you by e-mail when it is available.

 

Please note that the stock notification system is entirely automated. When stock quantity is updated, an email is automatically generated and sent to you. It is important that you select the correct piece for stock notification because you will be notified about that particular one only. Your email address is not used for any other purpose and you will be notified only once.

 

Also note that several people may have requested notification for the same piece(s). Everyone receives notification at the same time. If the updated quantity has already been sold by the time you get to it, just re-enter your email information and you will be notified the next time stock is updated.

Note that prices for products currently on Back Order or Currently Out Of Stock are subject to change.

Question: I do not see the piece I need listed on your site. Can you help me find the missing piece for my flatware set?

Answer: Yes, we will attempt to locate any flatware or holloware piece you request. Simply complete our Matching Service form and we will contact you by your preferred method when the piece is available. This service is free of charge and you are under no obligation to buy.

Question: Can you help me identify my flatware pattern?

[NOTE: This service is temporarily suspended until we can set up a more convenient way for you to send us an image of your pattern.  Thank you for your patience.]

Answer: Yes, we offer free identification services. Please see our Pattern Identification instructions for requests.

Question: Can I order by telephone?

Answer: There are two ways to do this:

 

1. To simplify the process and to ensure that you get the piece you need, orders can be placed online but you can pay by telephone. Ordering online takes the item out of stock immediately so that it cannot be purchased by someone else in the meantime. During the checkout process, you will have the option to choose "Telephone" as your payment option.

 

2. If you prefer to not use this checkout system, you may call in an order. More information for placing an order by phone may be found here Please keep in mind that while you are calling to place an order and until the order is manually processed, the item is still available for someone else to purchase it online with our shopping cart checkout.

 

If you have questions before ordering, please Contact Us

Answer: We sometimes buy from individuals. Please fill out the Sell to Us form

 

Answer: Your item will have to be evaluated in person by an appraiser. Try to locate an appraiser in your area or fill out the form at this site. They will help you find a local appraiser.

 

Question: How do I know if I have sterling, silverplate, coin or nickel silver?

Answer: We have received many questions regarding the silver content in sterling, coin and silverplate; and how to tell the difference. Here are the minimum facts you should know when buying American silver:

Sterling Silver is 92.5% pure silver. The backstamp will include either the words "sterling silver" or "sterling"; sometimes will be simply marked as "925" or "925/1000". Some sterling pieces prior to about 1860 were not marked as such, and were not required to be, but American sterling earlier than this is uncommon.

Coin Silver is 90% pure silver. American pieces are generally marked with only the maker's initials or name, and are sometimes marked with the word "coin" or "C".

Silverplate is marked with the manufacturer or company name. Flatware pieces will sometimes also have the terms A1, XXX, quadruple and other words or symbols to indicate the amount of applied silver. Silverplate flatware consists of a base metal, usually nickel silver, covered with a layer, or layers, of 92.5% silver.

Nickel Silver has NO SILVER content. It is a an alloy made of nickel, copper and zinc. There are various tradenames for nickel silver such as Alpacca Silver (aka Alpaca), German silver, Afghan Silver, among others. Nickel silver was often used as a base metal for silverplated flatware, holloware and jewelry. Nickel silver items are still being made today in various countries and are sold here in the U.S.