So, I found this bowl at a thrift store today, and I went ahead and bought it, on the bottom is says "International Silver Co." below that is a serial number(?), then below that it is marked 79. I filed a small piece of the bottom and it looks solid, not silver plated. Anyway, I just wanted to ask the experts and get their opinions. I was thinking maybe it was 79% silver?
I'm not an expert on this, but as best I can tell International Silver is a company that makes sterling silver products. Here is something similar I found on ebay from that company. http://cgi.ebay.com/Wilcox-Internat...r-Plate-/230409812718?clk_rvr_id=250003185308 That item is only going for $20, and indicates it is "silver soldered", but since yours has a serial number that seems more likely to be legitimate.
Yeah, I've had a lot of trouble finding any information on this as well, it did however pass the magnet test (I know, not 100% accurate) but it did pass . It weighs ~11 oz. I think I'm going to bring it somewhere and have them test it, as long as I can sell it for more than I bought it for.I'm happy! I figured for the low price of $3.50 it's worth the gamble.
My guess is the 79 could be the pattern number. As far as whether it's sterling or not you will have to take it to a jeweler or coin shop. Years ago even on silver plate they used serial numbers, not sure why but it's a great looking bowl either way. :thumb:
Your bowl is silver-plate. Unless it says Sterling it isn't solid silver. Sorry to disillusion you. I hope that you didn't pay too much for it.
Agreed... International would mark their sterling "International Sterling" and their plated pieces "International Silver Co."; there's a LOT of I.S.C.'s items on eBay right now, you may find one comparable to your piece: http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_trkparms=65%3A12%7C66%3A1%7C39%3A6%7C72%3A5358&rt=nc&_nkw=international+silver+co&_cpr=300&_dmd=2&_ipg=200&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14.l1514
Yeah, no maker would pass the opportunity to mark its silver products as sterling or .925. Definitely silver-plated. Nice bowl, though!
I agree with this 100%, just as jloring and Athenshunter have stated. If it's sterling, it would be marked as sterling, and hallmarked.
