For generations, people gave gifts of silver to commemorate special occasions like weddings or anniversaries. Through the years, items like tea sets, serving platters, place settings and serving utensils were treasured as heirlooms for their connections to generations past. As a result of this long history, many families have ended up with more silver than they know what to do with. And the reality is, for today’s families, silver is not very practical. Each time the silver is brought out for Thanksgiving or other special occasions, it may require hours of polishing to restore its full luster.
Massachusetts pawn shops have seen an increase in the number of customers who want to sell their silver for fast cash. With the price of silver nearly double what it was just 5 years ago, this may be the best time to clean out the china cabinet, closet and attic. Silver serving platters, candelabras, hollow ware and other silver pieces that have markings that validate their silver content are extremely desirable.
Recently, we paid over $900 in cash for a customer’s silver tea set consisting of only a teapot, creamer and sugar bowl. Another customer brought in 12 silver place settings. Each one contained a knife, two forks and two spoons and brought the owner $77 per place setting. Multiply that by 12! The customer walked out with nearly $925.00 in cash!
Today’s family is hosting more casual affairs for family and friends. This change in entertaining style is making silver service pieces obsolete. Add the fact that beautiful, modern pieces made from stainless steel don’t require the painstaking polishing that silver requires, and it’s easy to see why selling silver serving pieces to Massachusetts pawn shops is so popular.
Stamps or markings on your pieces will tell you if what you have is truly silver, or simply silver plated. A stamp that says “925” (meaning 92.5% silver) or “Sterling” indicates that what you have is the real thing, and can be sold for cash. While these are the most common markings, you may also see other number markings such as “900” or “800”that indicate that your pieces could be worth cash.
Your pieces may display other markings as well, but they are often just manufacturer, silversmith or country or origin marks and don’t represent the value of the metal. Antique dealers and collectors may have interest in these pieces if they are older, or have specific markings. Unlike clearly marked silver pieces that have obvious value to Massachusetts pawn shops, these items may require more work to find an interested buyer.
For fast cash, remember what the Lone Ranger used to say: Hi-you Silver, Away!
