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Sterling or Silver plate?
I have a 105 year old silver trophy. Made by the Alvin silver co. It is engraved in two places with the word sterling. But the only number on it is 7071, as well as a fancy script letter "E" and another mark which Alvin used back then.
Can anyone tell me for sure what the 7071 means? Or any other info for that matter? Please.
These are great answers so far! It's not magnetic. It was made by the ALVIN silver co. Do you really think a trophy would have a style number? And does anyone know what the "E" might stand for? I was thinking electroplate... but I hope not!
4 Answers
- oil field trashLv 71 decade agoFavorite Answer
If it is marked sterling then it is most likely solid silver. I suspect the number 7071 is likely a pattern number or a piece number. You might follow up with the folks at this site:
http://www.replacements.com/silver/ALS.htm
The magnet test is not always right since a lot of silver plate is done on a copper base.
As to the pattern number question. I suspect even trophies are not completely custom made but are personalized based on previous designs that are made ready for engraving.
- VortexLv 51 decade ago
Is it magnetic? Even a 105 y/o could be plated as Rogers and Co. used this technique for the majority of their silverware. Stick a magnet to it and see if it sticks. Silver, when flicked or tapped will make a high pitched "ding" noise where steel, brass and copper will make more of a louder lower pitched thud.
- mr.obviousLv 61 decade ago
You might try the antique roadshow web site to find allot of great answers and what it may be worth.
