Antique Silverware & Silver Holloware

To authenticate antique silverware, always begin with the hallmarks. On French pieces, the Minerva mark (introduced in 1838) guarantees a silver fineness of 950 or 800 parts per thousand; earlier pieces carry the Ferme générale charge-and-discharge marks. A maker's punch — the silversmith's initials enclosed within a lozenge — identifies the workshop and adds considerably to value. The great houses such as Odiot, Puiforcat, Boulenger and Christofle are especially sought after by collectors, and a documented provenance from one of these ateliers can double or triple a piece's market value.

In terms of budget, a single hallmarked piece — a spoon, salt cellar or mustard pot — can be found from as little as thirty to eighty pounds, while a complete antique silver tea service from the 19th century may reach several thousand pounds depending on weight, decoration and maker. Antique vermeil (silver-gilt) and pieces with historicist or Neo-Renaissance ornament frequently command a premium. Always check the completeness of a service, look for clumsy repairs around solder joints, and confirm that hallmarks remain fully legible.

Caring for antique silverware is straightforward: polish regularly with a non-abrasive silver cream, store away from humidity and sulphurous air, and rinse carefully after use. Never put antique silver in a dishwasher — the heat and detergents attack solder joints and dull chased decoration. For pieces in solid silver, a professional clean by a specialist silversmith restorer is recommended every ten to fifteen years to preserve the metal's integrity.

On Antiquités en France, every piece of antique silverware is offered by a verified professional dealer who can supply a full hallmark report, silver weight and documented provenance. Browse our selection of antique silver-plate for decorative pieces at more accessible prices, and contact the dealer directly for valuations, condition reports or shipping advice before you buy.