Sterling pieces usually marked
Question: I have inherited a tea set and an assortment of flatware in various patterns from a distant relative. My problem is that I can’t determine plate from sterling. Can you give me some information that will help? ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES
Answer: Sterling silver indicates the purity of the metal in an object, such as a fork or coffee urn. Because pure silver is too soft to work, other metals must be used to stiffen the item. An item that has 92.5 percent silver content is considered “sterling” and in America is marked as such. Some older pieces may be marked coin, pure coin or variations thereof. Coin silver relates to the percentage of silver in early U.S. coins, which is 90 percent as opposed to 92.5. The difference is insignificant.
Keep in mind that silver plate consists of a base metal that is not expensive, such as copper, which is coated with an application of sterling silver. Plate cannot be marked as sterling. Most silver and plate produced in the United States should not be difficult to identify.
One of the better silver experts in Phoenix is Scott D.
Gram, a member of the International Society of Appraisers. His contact is 602-705-2503 and sdgram@qwest.net.
Q: I have a pamphlet announcing a scheduled boxing event between Jack Johnson, then-heavyweight champion of the world, and challenger Stanley Ketchel, middleweight champion of the world. It lists Johnson’s record from 1903 to 1909 and is in fairly good condition considering it is more than a century old.
A: The copy of the pamphlet you sent me is a knockout. I suggest you contact Lew Lipset, a sporting-memorabilia expert who conducts frequent auctions of related materials. He might be interested. His addresses are P.O. Box 5092, Carefree 85377, and llipset @aol.com A second source is Randy Crow, owner of Sporting Antiques, 20269 N. 86th St., Scottsdale, sportcrow@aol.com, 480-502-0916.
Q: I have matching quilts for twin beds that were made in Pennsylvania at least 100 years ago. I am interested in finding someone who might want them for historical value.
A: I don’t want to needle you but I am not certain whether you want to donate your quilts or sell them. To cover both, I will provide you with two answers. To sell, contact Antique Trove, 2020 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Antiques on Central always has a nice selection of vintage quilts and also might be a good source for you. Contact is 5037 N. Cen- tral Ave., 602-264-4525.
To donate, try the Tempe Needlewielders, a group devoted to quilting and the preservation of older quilts, which meets 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Pyle Adult Recreation Center, 655 E. Southern Ave., Tempe.
Q: I have several vintage beer signs including one of Hamm’s Scene-ORama. Because of the delicate nature of the workings of some of them, I would like to sell them locally. Do you have any suggestions?
A: The local chapter of the American Breweriana Association (ABA) will sponsor a collectibles show and sale 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Aug. 8 at the Four Peaks Tasting Room, 2401 S. Wilson St., Tempe. The event will attract collectors from throughout the region and you might be able to find a buyer for your signs there.
Q: I have a Patek Philippe watch that originally belonged to my great-grandfather. It is in a gold case and has a serial number of 70,150. What can you tell me about it?
A: I can tell you that it was crafted in about 1885 and is probably quite valuable. To find out its value, I suggest you contact Bill Gesswein, owner of Clock Doctor & Music Box Co. in Scottsdale. He offers an appraisal service and might be able to help you. Contact is 10610 N. 71st Place, Scottsdale, www.clockdr.com, clockdr@clockdr .com and 480-205-1458.