What percent silver is old silverware?

The amount of silver in antique silverware varies and depends on several factors, such as the time period, the country of origin, and the specific manufacturer. Some antique silverware is marked with a hallmark that indicates the silver content, but not all pieces have this marking.

In the United States, the purity of silver is measured in "parts per thousand," also known as "per mille." The most common silver purity standard in antique silverware is sterling silver, which contains at least 925 parts of silver per 1000 parts of metal. This means that sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver.

Coin silver, which was a common standard in the 19th century, contains at least 900 parts of silver per 1000 parts of metal, making it 90% pure silver. Britannia silver, another historical standard, contains at least 958 parts of silver per 1000 parts of metal, making it 95.8% pure silver.

Some European countries have their own hallmarking systems that indicate the silver content. In the United Kingdom, for example, the standard for sterling silver is 925 parts per 1000, while in France, it is 800 parts per 1000.

It's worth noting that, in some cases, antique silverware may have been replated or repaired with alloys or other materials, which can affect the overall silver content. Additionally, regional and historical variations can further influence the silver purity in antique silverware.

If you have specific antique silverware pieces and want to determine their exact silver content, you can consult with an expert in antique silver or have them professionally tested.