When collecting antique plates you will run across some truly unique designs that have been used to create them. One that people love the most are those made with silver. When these antique silver plates have been freshly polished they have a gleam to them that looks like nothing else. It is almost a flawless look that helps to show off the intricate carvings and designs.
In order to get the best silver plates for your collection you will want to do extensive research. It will not do you any good to collect what you ‘think’ might be antique. There are many books and websites that have information on popular manufacturers. These resources should also be able to tell you what common designs they used and what marks they would use to help show people what is theirs.
It is best to focus your collection on one particular manufacturer or design. This will help to keep it all organized and allow you to show off the collection in one specific area. The best places to look for the antique silver plates are at flea markets, antique stores, second hand shops, and online.
Purchase a manufacturer catalog and bring it with you while you are out shopping. Use this as a guide to find what you know to be an antique rather then something that only has the look of one. You do not want to waste your time on something that was made two years ago.
It is important that you take good care of each piece that you have collected and learn how to properly clean them every so often. You will need to store them in a dry environment so as to keep them from tarnishing. If you are moving or wish to store them in boxes first place the in an anti-tarnish bag.
The best way to clean them and keep them looking nice is to polish them. Over a period of time silver will tarnish and turn it yellow or black. This will decrease not only the appearance but also the value of the plate. The very first time that you polish the piece will be difficult – but if you keep up on it you will find it becoming easier.
Rinse the silver plate in hot water and remove the dirt and dust on the surface of it. When getting the dirt out of the crevices you want to use a soft toothbrush. Apply silver polish to the whole plate. Follow the directions of the polish. Most will require that it sets on the plate for a few minutes before it can be removed.
When removing the polish, use a soft cloth and rub it in a circular pattern. After it is removed place the plate back in the hot water with mild dish soap. This will remove any excess polish and residue. Use a soft cloth to dry and buff the antique silver plate.