How do I know it's silver?

[kriskwery]

I have an old vesta to sell. It's a bit special, with sovereign holder, place for stamps, small pencil & toothpick. I'd always thought it was silver but now realise there's no hallmark. How do I know whether it's silver or something lesser, eg. silver gilt?

[molly]

Does it have any marks on it at all? If you can find EPNS on it, it will be silver plate.It could also be foreign made, then it wouldn't necessarily have any marks on it. You could take it to a dealer, auction room or even museum. they might be able to help.

[kriskwery]

Thanks for advice. It has a Patent No (4709) inside the stamp compartment, therefore I assume it's British. Haven't attempted to research the patent, though - perhaps I should!

[lisaj]

http://webdb2.patent.gov.uk/rspc/Search.asp is where you want, but that patent no. doesn't come up.

[kriskwery]

Thanks, lisaj, for trying! Interestingly, I've just seen the exact same item (without the patent info) advertised on eBay and the seller craftily doesn't mention what it is made from! (For info: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&it
em=3263799836&category=595&rd=1 )

[sft42]

I am a regular auction goer and I can say from experience that nearly all silver hallmarked (it's illegal to sell silver without it being asseyed) and even if it escaped this a maker of such a piece if it was silver would have surely put a maker stamp at the very least.......It would be IMHO epns and if you want to sell it on I would advertise it as being white metal that will cover your bases......A more professional opinion will most likely be given free of charge at your nearest auctioneers.