The most important tip for selling silver flatware is to determine if it's actually silver; check for markings on it to tell you. There should be inventory taken on all the pieces to determine whether it's a full set or just individual pieces. While doing research, get a rough estimate on the value of the flatware. This can be helpful when deciding who to sell it to or where to take it. Although it's often advised to polish it, consider waiting before cleaning it.
When selling silver flatware, take note of any markings. Look for words stamped on each piece that say “silver-plated” or “sterling,” the latter of which means that it's comprised of sterling silver. Check for maker marks, patterns or monogramming on the pieces and note any extensive flaws. Write all of the details out on a piece of paper to use for reference later on.
Determine if it's an entire set or if there are pieces missing. Count the amount of each type — a set typically comes with an even amount of utensils, so if there are four spoons, three knives and four forks, that means there is one knife missing from the set if all the pieces are the same. If there are the same number of each utensil, but there are a couple with different maker marks or patterns, it means there is a partial set along with a few individual pieces.
Selling silver flatware requires first doing Internet research to determine the value and history behind it. Start by looking up the maker mark followed by the type of pattern. There will likely be a description of when and where that particular type was made along with the value of a full set and individual pieces. Due to the personalization of monogramming, it typically significantly devalues the items. Compare the aforementioned information to the number of pieces currently in possession to get a rough estimate of the total value.
After getting an estimate about the possible value of the silver flatware, decide where to sell it. Those who are happy accepting a lump sum, which is typically based on the weight of the silver at its current market price, can take the pieces to a silver dealer. An antique dealer may be interesting in purchasing the flatware depending on its age. To get the most money, selling silver flatware via an online auction site is typically the best idea. Buyers who are missing pieces from a full set, or those who want a discontinued set, usually look to these sites to find what they need and are often willing to pay good money.
Many say it's best to remove the tarnish before selling silver flatware, however, consider waiting until after determining where the pieces are going to be sold. When selling online, it's best to polish the pieces so they can attract more buyers who see the pictures. An antique dealer may prefer the pieces in their current condition so they show a bit of their age, so ask first if it's best to polish the flatware before taking them in. When selling to a silver dealer, it's fruitless to spend time polishing the pieces when it's not relevant to the price you're going to be paid.