Start by Understanding What You Have
Before you contact a buyer, it helps to do a quick inventory of what you have. You don't need to be precise — a general understanding helps you communicate clearly and helps us give you an accurate preliminary estimate.
- —Identify sterling vs. plate: Look for stamps on the back of flatware handles or the underside of serving pieces. "Sterling," ".925," or "Ster" = genuine sterling. "EPNS," "Silver Plate," or brand names like "1847 Rogers Bros." = silver plate.
- —Note the brand and pattern if visible: Gorham, Towle, Wallace, Reed & Barton, Kirk Stieff, and Tiffany are common makers. The pattern name is often stamped near the maker's mark.
- —Get a rough weight: A kitchen scale that reads in grams gives you the most useful information. A complete 8-place flatware service typically weighs 1,000–2,000g. A single sterling candlestick might weigh 200–400g.
Don't Over-Research "Collectible" Value
Many families spend significant time researching whether their silver pattern has special collectible value — checking eBay sold listings, antique price guides, and auction records. While this research is understandable, it can lead to unrealistic expectations.
The vast majority of sterling flatware sets sell for prices based primarily on their silver content, not their collectible premium. There are exceptions — certain highly sought-after patterns (Gorham Chantilly, Wallace Grand Baroque, Reed & Barton Francis I, for example) do command a premium from collectors — but most patterns trade at or near melt value in today's market.
An experienced buyer will tell you honestly whether your pattern has collector demand beyond melt value. This is what you should ask when you bring your pieces in.
What Actually Determines the Offer
When you bring your inherited silver to Malpass, Inc., here's how we arrive at an offer:
- 1.We confirm the pieces are sterling by reviewing the hallmarks and stamps on each piece.
- 2.We weigh the pieces — typically excluding knives (which have hollow handles) and any silver-plated pieces that may be mixed in.
- 3.We apply the current silver spot price to calculate the melt value. We offer a fair percentage of this value.
- 4.We note any pattern premiums if applicable — patterns in high collector demand that justify paying above melt.
Tarnish, Condition & Missing Pieces
Don't polish or clean your silver before bringing it in for an evaluation — it's unnecessary and can actually damage soft sterling pieces if done incorrectly. We've seen everything from museum-quality pieces to deeply tarnished sets stored in attics for decades.
Tarnish does not reduce the silver content or the offer we make. A tarnished piece has the same silver content as a polished one.
Missing pieces reduce the set's value proportionally but don't disqualify the remaining pieces. A 96-piece set missing 12 pieces is still a valuable set.
Getting Multiple Opinions
We encourage families to get more than one offer if they feel uncertain. A legitimate buyer will always welcome this — it confirms that their offer is fair. If a buyer pressures you to decide on the spot without letting you seek other opinions, walk away.
Out-of-Town Customers
If the estate is located outside of Hampton Roads, or if you've already moved out of the area, you don't need to be local to work with us. Contact us with photos of your pieces, the approximate weight, and the brand or maker if you know it. We'll provide a preliminary estimate of what we can pay. If you'd like to proceed, we'll give you shipping instructions.
We purchase from customers across the entire United States.
Ready to Get Started?
Contact us to describe what you have. We'll respond promptly with a preliminary sense of what we can pay and, for local customers, schedule an appointment at a time that works for you. There is no obligation to sell.