"Thank you for this wonderful group.  I love to collect old sterling, particularly American Silver and enjoy reading the history of the companies.  It's amazing what you will learn by researching a souvenir spoon....and I am in…"

"This gorgeous piece has a crosshatch incised pattern on the glass bowl. The silver or silverplate frame with ornate floral handles has three hallmarks on the rim. I have not been able to identify them. There are 3 squares - the first has a crown,…"

"Have you tried looking at the photos on Replacements.com? It's a bit tedious but I have had success with that type of search. Just look up Reed & Barton under the silver tab, then click on the far left hand column to get the photo gallery…"

"Can anyone tell me if this in fact a sugar bowl? Can you identify the hallmarks? Is it silver or silverplate? Is it pressed glass or cut crystal? Any thoughts on pattern, age, value or maker? Any information is greatly appreciated."

"Trying to ID this old Reed & Barton silverplated fork.  Any one know?  I can't find it in my books. Pat. May 31 1888 3+  "

"I have a silver cuff bracelet marked WFS sterling ~ any idea what this means?   THANKS :>)"

"Greetings silverware and antiques enthusiasts!   I've just added another link to the library above.  Not specifically silver - but resources for antiquing in the UK.  Tours, a great WSJ article, and a calendar of…"

"I have attended a lot of auctions over the last couple of years, and the guys who buy silver to send to the melter are out in full force.  Unfortunately, there is a point where the price goes too high for an antique dealer to purchase an item…"

"Oh, I know.  I know what "scrap dealer" means, and there are times when I'm happy to find one nearby.   I guess I'm just glad I'm in this area of the business.  It's much more rewarding, even if things…"

"I don't think it's a matter of caring or not.  It's just that they are in a different part of the business.  Many - would you prefer - "metal traders", are just that.  Metals are the commodity they deal in.…"

"It's hard to know.  The term, "scrap merchant," has kind of a negative connotation/sound to it, so my instinct is to say "they may know, but I'm betting they don't care,  if they can get quick cash for…"

"Hi Jen -   It's not the Vintage/Antiques market where this is the problem.  We know how to price our items (or should!)  It's people at home with Grandma's silver sitting in the closet (something I take a strong stand…"

"I'm hoping 2011 will be a better year.  Sales for me have been dismal since 2009.  I think 2010 was slightly better, but I'm still not satisfied (though thankful for every sale.)   I have a TON of items I have not…"

"That's really depressing.  I love silver.  That's why I sell it.  :(   Hopefully, pricing mine as I do will prevent people buying it just for that purpose.  (I research my prices before setting them.)   Jen…"

"Hi Vintage Glass -   What you fear has been going on for a couple of years now.  The things that are sold for scrap would break your heart!  I have contact with some scrap dealers and the items they get in are astonishing - I'm…"