Silver has long held a significant place in history, symbolising status and craftsmanship. Once a luxury reserved for the wealthy, silver items like cutlery, tea sets, and dinnerware became more commonplace during the 18th and 19th centuries as mass production flourished. The allure of silver lies in its lustrous beauty and the artistry that reflects the changing tastes of society over centuries.
For collectors and enthusiasts, understanding antique silver’s style and history is key. Motifs, techniques, and forms often mirror those seen in other fine arts like porcelain and furniture. However, one of the most reliable ways to uncover a piece’s origins is through its hallmarks.
Hallmarks are stamped marks that provide valuable information about silver items, including their place and date of origin, the maker, and the purity of the silver. These marks are essential for identifying genuine silver, as they distinguish solid silver from silver-plated items.
At O’Reilly’s Auction Rooms, our silver auctions feature carefully inspected pieces, ensuring buyers can bid with confidence.
While antique silver is no longer a household staple, it remains highly sought after by collectors and those who appreciate its timeless appeal. Rare and finely crafted pieces, especially Irish silver, tend to perform exceptionally well at auction, while more common items may still hold value due to the intrinsic worth of silver as a precious metal.
However, Silver plated items, which are not to be confused with solid silver, do not have the same value. You may find the letters EPNS (electroplated nickel silver) stamped on silver plates and this will help to distinguish between solid and plated silver.
Whether you’re looking for an elegant antique or a more modern piece to add to your collection, O’Reilly’s Auction Rooms is the ideal place to explore and bid on remarkable silver pieces. Keep an eye on our upcoming auctions to discover the perfect silver item.
Irish silver does well at auction as it is popular among collectors. Irish Provincial silver being the rarer, for example Carden Terry, of Cork, Maurice Fitzgerald of Limerick, West's of Dublin. Irish Georgian silver is highly sought after realising good prices. Modern silver is also attractive and Scandanavian silver is popular with collectors.
How do I register for a silver auction?
You can register on our website, over the phone, or in person. Once registered, you’ll receive a unique bidder number, giving you access to our silver auctions.
Are the silver items inspected before being listed?
Yes, all silver items in our auctions are carefully assessed by specialists to verify their hallmarks, authenticity, and condition before being offered to bidders.
How do hallmarks help identify silver?
Hallmarks reveal critical details about a silver item, such as its origin, maker, date, and silver purity. These marks are key for determining value and authenticity.
Can I view the silver items in person?
Absolutely! Our auction house offers pre-auction viewing days. You can also browse high-quality images and detailed descriptions online if you can’t attend in person.
How can I tell if a piece is solid silver or plated?
Solid silver will feature hallmarks indicating its purity, while silver-plated items are often stamped with "EPNS" or similar marks. Our specialists ensure proper identification.
What types of silver are most sought after at auction?
Antique silver tea sets, hallmarked dinnerware, and decorative pieces with intricate craftsmanship tend to attract collectors. Rare items with historical significance and provincial silver i.e., cork or limerick are particularly valuable.
Why do silver-plated items sell for less?
Silver-plated items contain a thin layer of silver over a base metal, making them less valuable than solid silver. Most of our auctions focus on solid silver pieces.
Can I sell my silver at auction?
Yes, we accept silver for auction. Bring your item for a valuation, and our experts can guide you on its market potential and auction process.
Is silver worth buying for its metal value?
Even lower-quality silver can hold significant value due to its weight and industrial use in electronics and other applications, making it an appealing option for investors.
What makes buying silver at auction special?
Silver auctions offer access to unique, historically significant pieces, often at competitive prices. Each piece has a story, making it more than just a purchase—it’s a connection to history.
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