800 Silverware: cutlery and sets
Identify and estimate the price of antique 800-millesimal silver cutlery.
800‰ silver (80% silver, 20% copper) is the predominant historical standard in continental Europe in the 19th and 20th centuries. it equips most tableware, cutlery and period dishware in Swiss and French estates.
Hallmarks to identify: In Switzerland, 800 silver bears the Minerva head hallmark (cantonal guarantee) or the federal OFAM hallmark. In France, Minerva 2 (800‰ silver) is the most widespread on antique cutlery.
Calculating a lot of cutlery: A complete table setting (knife, fork, spoon) typically weighs 80 to 120g. If your service for 12 people weighs 2,500g in total, the silver value is: 2,500 × 0.800 × 0.944 = CHF 1,888. After melter's margin (15%), you will get ~CHF 1,605.
Heritage Value vs Silver Value: A beautiful Empire or Louis-Philippe style service in excellent condition can sell at antique markets for 3 to 5 times its metal value. Have it evaluated by an antique dealer before melting — the loss can be considerable.
Classic traps: Silverplate is worth nothing from a metal perspective. A 'silverplated' setting bears the hallmark 'EPNS' (Electroplated Nickel Silver) or 'Metal Blanc'. Simple test: the cut edge reveals a greyish non-silver metal. Always check the legal hallmark before evaluating a lot.