Do you buy silver-plated items?
No. We only purchase items that are solid sterling silver — marked 'Sterling,' '.925,' or 'Ster.' Silver-plated items, which have only a thin silver coating over a base metal, do not have significant silver content and are outside our scope.
How do I know if my silver is real sterling silver?
Look for a stamp on the piece — typically on the back of a serving piece, inside a ring band, or on a flatware handle. Sterling silver will be marked 'Sterling,' '.925,' or occasionally 'Ster.' American sterling is most often marked 'Sterling.' British and European silver uses '.925' or hallmark systems. If you're unsure, bring it in — we'll identify it for free.
Do I need an appointment?
Local customers are seen by appointment only. This allows us to dedicate adequate time and attention to properly evaluating your items. If you are out of town or out of state, call or email us with photos, the approximate weight of your items, and the brand or maker if known — we can provide an estimate of what we are willing to pay without you needing to travel.
What brands of sterling silver flatware do you buy?
We purchase all brands of sterling silver flatware, including Gorham, Towle, Wallace, Reed & Barton, Kirk Stieff, Tiffany & Co., Georg Jensen, Lunt, Alvin, International, and many others. If it's marked sterling, we're interested regardless of maker.
How is payment made?
Payment is made by check.
Do you buy incomplete flatware sets?
Yes. We purchase complete sets, partial sets, and individual pieces. A partial set has less value than a complete service, but the sterling silver content still has meaningful value regardless of completeness.
Do you buy broken or damaged silver items?
Yes. A cracked tray, a bent candlestick, or flatware with missing handles — if the piece is sterling silver, the metal itself retains its value. We assess each piece and pay accordingly.
Do you buy sterling silver tea sets?
Yes. Sterling silver tea and coffee services are some of the most valuable items we purchase. We buy complete services (teapot, coffeepot, creamer, sugar, tray) as well as partial services and individual pots.
Do you buy silver jewelry?
Yes. We purchase all types of sterling silver jewelry — rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, brooches, cufflinks, and more. We also buy vintage, antique, and broken sterling jewelry.
Do you buy silver coins, Silver Eagles, and silver bars?
Yes. We purchase silver coins, American Silver Eagles, silver rounds, and silver bars. American Silver Eagles carry a premium over raw silver spot, and we reflect a fair portion of that premium in our offer. Call or email us with details on what you have — type, quantity, and approximate weight — and we can provide an estimate.
Learn more about how we price silver coins and bars →What areas do you serve?
We are based in Chesapeake, VA and serve customers across the entire United States. Local customers are seen by appointment. Out-of-town and out-of-state customers are welcome to ship their items to us for evaluation and pricing, or call us with photos and an estimated weight for a preliminary offer.
What does 'Licensed & Bonded' mean?
Malpass, Inc. holds the appropriate state and local licenses to operate as a buyer of precious metals in Virginia, and carries bonding coverage. This provides legal and financial assurance that our transactions are legitimate and properly documented.