Sterling or Silverplate? How to Tell
Sterling silver, silverplate and stainless steel can look alike in the drawer. The mark on the back of the handle tells you which one you have.
SterlingMarked Sterling or 925
SilverplateMarked EP, EPNS, A1 or Silverplate
StainlessMarked Stainless, 18/8 or 18/10
Look at the back of the handle
| If it says | It is |
|---|---|
| Sterling, 925 or 925/1000 | Sterling silver (solid silver, 92.5% pure) |
| A small walking lion (on English pieces) | Sterling silver |
| EP, EPNS, A1, Silverplate, Silver Plate or Quadruple Plate | Silverplate (a thin layer of silver over another metal) |
| 1847 Rogers Bros, Wm Rogers or Community | Silverplate |
| Stainless, 18/8 or 18/10 | Stainless steel |
Other clues
- Worn spots. If a yellow or copper color shows through where the piece has worn, it is silverplate. Sterling is the same color all the way through.
- No mark at all. Sterling is almost always marked. A piece with no silver mark is usually silverplate or stainless.
- Tarnish. Sterling and silverplate both tarnish. Stainless steel does not.
Find the pattern name too
The maker's name is usually next to the silver mark. The pattern name is rarely on the piece, so match the handle design by eye, or ask us.
Missing a fork or a spoon? Browse our flatware patterns, or use our free Search For Me form and we'll look for your pattern.