http://ianlafo.com/silver-tea/

Value of silver tea service?
I have a silver tea tray with two pots, sugar (2) and cream. It says "Alvin sterling" at the bottom. Approximately what is it worth?
You're a little in the wrong category. but … See ebay and see what similar measures are being sold. Maybe google to find other people who are selling and what they are getting for it. You can also take it to an appraiser and cause of value, I'm sure they will charge a fee.
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Dollshouse 1/12 Dining Room Accessories * 4 Pce ‘Silver’ Tea, Sugar & Milk Tray $3.53 |
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Silver Tea Set Miniature with “B” on Tray. Plastic $0.99 |
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Doll House Miniature Silver Teapot Tea kettle $4.69 |
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Royal Silver Tea Service with Red Velvet Jubilee Cake by Crown Jewel Miniatures $28.99 |
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SILVER TEA CUPS WITH SAUCERS – 4 $4.99 |
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Dollhouse Miniature Silver Metal Tea Set Miniatures $6.95 |
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dollhouse silver tea set cups creamer sugar tray vintag $13.59 |
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Dollhouse Miniature “Silver” Metal Tea/Coffee Set on Tray (1” scale) $9.99 |
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Dollhouse Miniature 1: 12 Scale Silver Tone Tea Set #Z87 $9.95 |
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Miniature Sterling Silver Tea Coffee SET Pitcher Creamer #477 $125.00 |
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Miniature St Silver TEA Coffee Pot Removable Cover #495 $54.00 |
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Obadiah Fisher’s Sterling Silver Paul Revere Tea Service Set -8 items $1,025.00 |
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Mini Lot #05 Silver Tea Set, Steins, Bowls and Gold Coffee Set Japan EXC $18.75 |
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Dollhouse Miniatures Tea Chart w/ Silver Tea Set, High Back Chair, End Table $3.00 |
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※1※ NEW!!! ANTIQUED SILVER Miniature Tea KETTLE DOLLHOUSE COLLECTABLES 16 x 20mm $0.99 |
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Dollhouse Miniature Vintage Silver Metal Tea Lid Pot Cup Set Plate Tray NEW 1/12 $4.69 |
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2 SETS LEAD FREE MINIATURE TIBETAN SILVER TEA SET /CHARMS JEWELRY SUPPLY DOLL $0.99 |
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Dollhouse Doll House Miniature SILVER PLATED TEA SET $25.99 |
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Dollhouse Miniature Furniture ~ Four Piece Tea Set in “Silver” ~ $3.99 |
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Dollhouse Miniature Silver Tea Set $7.99 |
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Dollhouse Miniature Tea SET WITH Serving Tray SILVER $6.95 |
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New Dollhouse Miniature Silver Tea Set Tray 8pc 1/12 $2.99 |
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SILVER METAL TEA SET WITH TRAY – 4 PIECE $4.99 |
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Dollhouse Miniature Silver Kettle Tea Water Pot Cooker $3.95 |
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Dollhouse Miniature Silver Tea Service, 5 pieces $6.95 |
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Dollhouse Miniature A Metal Silver Tea Pot DM26S $2.75 |
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Dollhouse Miniature 8 PCS Metal Silver Tea set DM62 $6.16 |
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Canister of Iced Tea Mix/Silver Top: Dollhouse Minis $2.49 |
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dollhouse Doll House Miniature TEA COFFEE SET SILVER $12.99 |
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Silver Plated George I Tea Kettle on Stand #8764 Dollhouse Miniature $19.95 |
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Dollhouse Miniature Furniture ~ Silver Tea and Coffee Set ~ $7.95 |
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Silver New Metal Tea Lid Pot Cups Tray Set 1:12 Doll’s House Dollhouse Miniature $11.99 |
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1:12 Dollhouse Miniature Silver Metal Coffee Tea Cup Plate Set DC100 $4.80 |
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※1※ NEW!! SILVER MINIATURE 3D TEA KETTLE 10.5mm x 15.5mm DOLLHOUSE COLLECTABLES $0.99 |
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Dollhouse Miniature Barbie toys kitchen tall big tea pot water urn jar silver $4.10 |
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COLLECTIBLE DOLLHOUSE PIECES – SENSATIONAL ENGLISH SILVER PLATED TEA SERVICE $25.00 |
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COLLECTIBLE DOLLHOUSE PIECES – TRADITIONAL ENGLISH SILVER PLATED TEA SERVICE $25.00 |
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Petite Touch Miniatures Queen Anne Tea Set Silver 5 Pcs $8.95 |
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Dollhouse Doll House miniature SILVER PLATED TEA COFFEE SET $7.99 |
The Uses of Silver
Today we are going to continue our series on the uses of silver. What is the first thing you think about when you hear the word silver? For me, I immediately think of my grandmothers silver tea set that sits proudly on her buffet in the dining room. Silver is such a unique and versatile material. It has so many uses.
One of its first uses was in currency. It is a metal that does not easily corrode so it is great conductor of electricity. It can tend to tarnish but is easily cleaned again with a little polish. It is flexible and also a great conductor of heat. I was surprised to learn that most switches and electrical appliances all have contacts that are made of silver. Silver is also used in materials for photography.
You may be surprised to know that of the world’s usage of silver, only 14 percent is used for silverware and jewelry. This is where sterling silver comes into play. In order to make it more durable and stronger, 7.5% copper is added to 92.5% pure silver and that is how you come up with “sterling silver.” It has reflective qualities and malleability which makes it extremely attractive in using it in decorative items and jewelry. When purchasing a piece of jewelry, one of the first things we do to make sure that it is true sterling silver is to check for the stamp that is usually placed near the clasp. It simply states 3 numbers, ..925 and having that somewhere on your piece of jewelry makes it authentic.
Many people who have allergies or reactions to certain kinds of metal will tend to choose something more pure like gold or sterling silver. That is why Gilbert and Frech items are of the highest quality sterling silver. Silver is such an attainable and affordable way to go especially in comparing it with some of the other metals which seem to be much more expensive. I personally like the color of sterling sliver much better than say a yellow gold. I love how, when paired with a gemstone, it reflects and enhances the beauty of the stone. It is something of quality that lasts much longer, much like a piece of gold would last, and yet not as costly. Tomorrow we will talk about its value and how its worth has changed dramatically over the years.
About the Author
Robert Frechette is Founder and CEO of Gilbert & Frech, a leading direct source of jewelry, gemstones, beads and supplies for more than 8 years. You can view wholesale items at http://www.TraderLou.com or view http://www.gilbertandfrech.com for retail listings that are nicely packaged. He can be reached at robert@gilbertandfrech.com or (919) 434-1644 for any questions and comments.