Help me find the value of my sterling tea set. :)

April 17, 2011 7:07 AM

How do I find the value of a silver tea set?

I have an sterling silver tea set that was my grandmothers. The mark appears to be of Redlich and Company and says 3999 on all three pieces.
I can find a bunch of stuff on Redlich online but not this pattern and not this number.

Where do I go from here?

posted by Thrillhouse to Grab Bag (3 answers total)

It's worth whatever someone is willing to pay, unless you want to insure it. You could try contacting a professional appraiser, an auction house, Replacements Ltd, and Worthpoint.com. There's also specialty forums, as the Antiques one on Gardenweb.com and the SMP Silver Salon, as well reference books on American silver.
posted by Ideefixe at 7:32 AM on April 17, 2011

Selling it is the best way to find its value.

It's value will depend on the pattern. For a quick guide you can weight it with a springbalance, estimate the weight of the handles and deduct, then check it against the price of silver online. Unless it is a horrendously unfashionable pattern you'll get more than its scrap value, but the scrap value will give you a minimum.
posted by fire&wings at 7:38 AM on April 17, 2011

Google Redlich and Company and hit shopping
posted by IndigoJones at 3:47 PM on April 17, 2011