The Journal
Notes on silver & its marks
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How to Tell If Gold Is Real
Start with the stamp: 10K, 14K, 18K or 417, 585, 750 means solid gold; GP, GF, HGE or RGP means plated or filled. Then try simple home tests.
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Silver Sauce Boats: Period and Value
Silver sauce boat value tracks maker and decoration: pairs made £250 to £3,315 with premium at Bonhams, 2012 to 2025. Date yours by its feet, then its marks.
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Silver Christening Mugs: Marks and Value
Christening mug marks sit near the rim: read the lion, town mark, date letter, then sponsor. Single mugs made £229.50 to £875 with premium at Bonhams, 2018-21.
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Silver Hip Flasks: Makers and Value
Antique silver hip flasks sold alone made £70 to £400 hammer at Toovey’s from January 2024 to August 2026; all-silver flasks mostly outsold glass ones.
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Silver Cigarette Cases: Dating and Value
Silver cigarette cases sold alone made £60 to £340 hammer at Toovey’s from April 2024 to August 2026; enamel and crests sold highest, heavy plain cases lowest.
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Silver Photo Frames: Marks and Value
Antique silver photo frames sold alone made £75 to £320 hammer at Toovey’s from January 2024 to July 2026; enamel sold highest, plain engine turning lowest.
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Silver Cruet Set Value: Complete or Not
Complete Georgian silver cruet frames with their bottles made £550 and £1,300 hammer at Toovey’s in 2026; frames sold without bottles made £260 to £320.
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Silver Toast Racks: Marks and Value
Single Georgian silver toast racks made £100 to £440 hammer at Toovey’s in 2025-2026; pairs of small four-division racks made £130 to £380.
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Silver Mustard Pots: Liners and Value
Most single antique silver mustard pots made £120 to £270 hammer at Toovey’s in 2025-2026; a chased Dublin pot made £420 and a Bateman drum £1,560 at Bonhams.
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Silver Wine Labels: Dating and Value
Antique silver wine labels in groups of two to eight made £40 to £200 hammer at Toovey’s in 2024-2026; single Scottish provincial labels made £275 and £286.80.
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Silver Sugar Tongs: Dating and Value
Plain antique silver sugar tongs made £20 to £50 a pair at UK auction in 2010-2026; Newcastle, Exeter and Bateman groups made £200 to £380.
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Silver Christening Set Value: What Sells
Cased three-piece silver christening sets made £30 to £45 at UK auction in 2015-2026; single mugs made £30 to £160 and a Cartier set with a mug made…