800 Silverware: cutlery and sets
Identify and estimate the price of antique 800-millesimal silver cutlery.
At a glance800 silver is the traditional continental European standard for flatware, cutlery, and banquet platters. Frequently encountered in Swiss inheritances and family estates, it comprises 80% pure silver and 20% copper. This comprehensive guide covers hallmarking, valuation, and the critical trap of weighted knife handles.
Hallmarks and Identification of 800 Silver
From the late 19th through mid-20th centuries, 800‰ was the dominant alloy across Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Italy.
| Origin | Official 800 Fineness Mark | Associated Historic Symbol |
|---|---|---|
| Switzerland (Official) | '800' inside cartouche | Federal Grouse (Birkhahn) hallmark |
| Germany (Reichssilber) | '800' | Crescent Moon & Imperial Crown (Halbmond und Krone) |
| Italy | '800' in oval | Star mark with province designation number |
The Weighted Knife Handle Trap
In dinner flatware sets, knives must never be weighed as solid silver:
- The Blade: Crafted from stainless steel for food-safe cutting edges, possessing zero precious metal scrap value.
- The Handle: Built as a hollow 800 silver skin filled with resin, pitch, or silversmith cement to ballast the knife and anchor the blade tang.
Rule of Thumb: A heavy dinner knife weighing 90 grams contains only 15 to 22 grams of 800 silver (representing roughly 12 to 18 grams of pure fine silver).
Pure Silver Content Across Common 800 Cutlery Pieces
| Flatware Piece | Average Gross Weight | Silver Structure | Pure Silver (80%) | Indicative Value (Spot CHF 1.00/g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dinner Spoon | 70 – 85 g | 100% Solid | 56 – 68 g pure silver | CHF 47.00 – 58.00 |
| Dinner Fork | 65 – 80 g | 100% Solid | 52 – 64 g pure silver | CHF 44.00 – 54.00 |
| Dinner Knife | 85 – 105 g | Hollow handle with cement core | 12 – 18 g pure silver | CHF 10.00 – 16.00 |
| Teaspoon / Coffee Spoon | 20 – 30 g | 100% Solid | 16 – 24 g pure silver | CHF 13.00 – 20.00 |
| Serving Soup Ladle | 220 – 280 g | 100% Solid | 176 – 224 g pure silver | CHF 150.00 – 190.00 |
Frequently Asked Questions: 800 Cutlery
What does 'Alpaca' or 'Alpacca' stamped on cutlery mean?
Alpaca (nickel silver) is a base alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc. It contains zero silver despite its silver-like luster and carries no buyback value at precious metals counters.
Are flatware sets from Swiss silversmith Jezler worth more?
Yes. Jezler is Switzerland's most renowned luxury silversmith. Intact sets in original fitted boxes frequently fetch collectors' prices significantly above raw melting value.
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