Antique Silver Appraisal

5.0from 80+ client reviews
Antique silver appraisal services covering divorce, estate tax (Form 706), and charitable donations (Form 8283), prepared in accordance with IRS requirements. AppraiseItNow appraises sterling flatware, hollowware, tea services, candlesticks, and coin silver pieces.

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DEFENSIBLE, USPAP-COMPLIANT ANTIQUE SILVER APPRAISAL REPORTS — QUALIFIED FOR THE IRS, INSURANCE AGENCIES, LENDERS, AND MORE.

  • IRS
  • Goodwill Industries
  • Chase
  • State Farm
  • Habitat for Humanity
  • The Salvation Army
  • Bank of America
  • United States Courts

The personal property team behind every report we write

Between them, our personal property appraisers hold ISA and CAGA designations, and every report is written to USPAP for the IRS, insurance agencies, lenders, and more.

Joe Kattan

Joe Kattan

Owner & CEO

Joe founded AppraiseItNow to make a certified, USPAP-compliant appraisal as simple to order as anything else online. A former Bain & Company strategy consultant, Joe leads the entire team and specializes in strategy, growth, and the firm's tech capabilities.

Anne Hay

Anne Hay

Personal Property Appraiser

ISA Accredited Member with 30 years in the trade, from running estate sales and an auction gallery to appraising luxury apparel, furniture, artwork, antiques, and business assets, primarily for IRS tax filings.

Jason Dolph

Jason Dolph

Machinery & Equipment Appraiser

Third-generation auctioneer and CAGA Certified Appraiser with more than 20 years valuing machinery, equipment, vehicles, business assets, and estates for banks, attorneys, and trustees across the Carolinas.

Ashley Innes

Ashley Innes

Personal Property Appraiser

ISA Accredited Member specializing in Asian art, with a Master's from SOAS and a Postgraduate Diploma in Asian Art. Ashley chairs the ISA's Antiques, Furnishings, and Decorative Arts committee and appraises for charitable donation, insurance, and equitable distribution.

Aron Blue

Aron Blue

Client Success Manager

Manages each engagement from the first enquiry to the delivered report, and keeps you posted at every step along the way.

  • USPAPWritten to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice
  • International Society of AppraisersAccredited Member
  • Certified Appraisers Guild of AmericaCertified Appraiser
  • The Appraisal FoundationAuthorized by Congress as the source of appraisal standards
Standard
USPAPProfessional antique silver appraisals prepared for estate tax, charitable donation, insurance, divorce, and probate use.
Metals covered
Sterling, coin, platedSterling silver, coin silver, and silver-plated pieces, read through hallmarks, maker's marks, and period styles.
Value definitions
FMV, Replacement, ACVFair Market Value, Replacement Value, or Actual Cash Value, depending on the assignment.
Delivery
Remote, onsite for collectionsPhotographs and provenance documentation for most pieces; onsite inspection for large collections or museum-quality items.

Our antique silver appraisals read hallmarks, maker's marks, and period styles against the current secondary market

AppraiseItNow provides professional antique silver appraisals for estate tax reporting, charitable donation filings, insurance coverage, divorce proceedings, and probate, as a specialized subset of our personal property valuations.

What the work requires

Hallmarks, maker's marks, period styles, and market conditions

Antique silver is historically significant and often high in value, so our appraisers evaluate sterling, coin silver, and silver-plated pieces with the precision it demands: knowledge of hallmarks, maker's marks, period styles, and current secondary market conditions.

How we work

Photographs and provenance, or an onsite examination

Most antique silver appraisals are completed remotely from detailed photographs and provenance documentation. We coordinate an onsite inspection for large collections, museum-quality pieces, or items whose condition requires physical examination.

Purposes we serve

Estate tax, donation, insurance, divorce, and probate

We prepare antique silver appraisals for the legal and financial purposes that call for a documented valuation:

  • Estate tax reporting
  • Charitable donation filings
  • Insurance coverage
  • Divorce proceedings
  • Probate

Flatware, tea services, candlesticks, hollowware, and presentation pieces make up our antique silver appraisal work

We appraise antique silver across its many forms, periods, and origins, each with its own valuation considerations, from a single serving piece to a complete tea and coffee service.

Flatware and tea

Flatware sets, tea and coffee services, and trays

The silver of the dining table and the tea tray:

  • Flatware sets and serving pieces (sterling, coin)
  • Tea and coffee services (complete or partial)
  • Trays, salvers, and waiters

Hollowware

Pitchers, bowls, centerpieces, tureens, and sauce boats

Hollowware for serving and display, from water sets to centerpieces:

  • Pitchers, ewers, and water sets
  • Bowls, compotes, and centerpieces
  • Hollowware: tureens, sauce boats, vegetable dishes

Ceremonial, makers, and plate

Ecclesiastical, presentation, named-maker, and silver-plated pieces

Pieces valued for ceremony, honor, or the hand that made them, plus plated antiques where age, maker, and condition affect value:

  • Candlesticks, candelabra, and ecclesiastical silver
  • Presentation silver, trophy cups, commemorative pieces
  • Named American, English, and Continental silversmiths
  • Silver-plated antiques (age, maker, condition)

AppraiseItNow values antique silver for collectors, heirs, and donors as well as estate attorneys, CPAs, and trust administrators

We serve individual collectors, heirs, and donors alongside the estate attorneys, CPAs, trust officers, and charitable organizations that need a credible, documented antique silver valuation for a legal, tax, or financial purpose.

Collectors, heirs, and donors

Silver inherited, collected, or given away

Collectors, heirs, and donors engage us when a collection is being insured, divided in an estate or a divorce, or contributed to a charity and a documented value is needed.

Attorneys, CPAs, and trustees

Independent valuations for the professionals managing an estate

Estate attorneys, CPAs, trust administrators, and charitable organizations rely on our antique silver appraisals when a filing, a trust, or a donation needs a valuation from an independent appraiser.

What antique silver appraisal clients say we are known for

Antique Silver Appraisal Reviews: “Their process was honest, efficient, and very detailed” and “Five stars all the way”

  1. Being the appraiser they come back to“I highly recommend their services” Bruce A.Mentioned in 13 reviews
  2. Showing the research and the comparables behind the numberMentioned in 7 reviews
  3. Answering fast, and staying reachable while the work runsMentioned in 6 reviews
  4. Delivering the finished report ahead of the deadlineMentioned in 6 reviews
  5. Taking on items other appraisers had already turned downMentioned in 4 reviews

Across 23 published antique silver appraisal reviews, every one from a client who paid AppraiseItNow for an appraisal, the three things they raise most often are that they would hire us again, how much research is visible in the report, and how quickly we answer.

  • AppraiseItNow Inc. is the best company I was lucky to find by accident. I was looking for someone to appraise cabinets for a donation to charity. I asked for multiple referrals, called multiple appraisal services, etc., and no one could help me. I found AppraiseItNow and from the moment I started working with them, they were wonderful! Joe guided me on what I needed to send him, what needed to be done and stayed in touch with me the entire time. Their customer service is OUTSTANDING and a welcome surprise in today’s world where good customer service is an anomaly! They returned an appraisal in a timely manner, it was clear, concise, cost-effective and exactly what I needed. They followed up with me multiple times to ensure that I received it and everything was OK. My CPA is also thrilled to have them as an accredited appraisal service he can use for other clients. I rarely leave reviews, but I could not pass giving them 5 stars and I’d give 10 if possible! THANK YOU JOE AND ALL AT APPRAISEITNOW!!👊🏼
    Lisa K., Tampa, FL ·

    Personal Property Appraisal for Charitable Donation

  • I've dealt with several appraisers, and this was my first time using AppraiseItNow. They were by far the best. They did a great job. Their process was honest, efficient, and very detailed. Their staff was highly credentialed, and they provided IRS-compliant guidelines in their evaluation process, which was exactly what we were looking for. Their customer service also had prompt response times and was a pleasure to work with. If I need this service again, I won't go anywhere else.
    Robert E., Boca Raton, FL ·

    Personal Property Appraisal for Charitable Donation

  • We had an excellent experience working with AppraiseItNow. From start to finish, their team was professional, responsive, and incredibly thorough. They took the time to understand our specific needs and delivered a detailed and accurate appraisal that was well organized and easy to understand. Communication was clear and timely throughout the entire process. They were always available to answer our questions and provided thoughtful explanations whenever we needed more clarity. Their attention to detail and strong market knowledge gave us complete confidence in the final report. It’s clear that they take pride in their work and genuinely care about providing high-quality service. We would absolutely recommend AppraiseItNow to any business or property owner looking for a reliable and professional appraisal company. Five stars all the way.
    Heather D. , Las Vegas, NV ·

    Personal Property Appraisal for Charitable Donation

  • I asked AppraiseItNow to value a piece of sports memorabilia for purposes of a charitable donation. The item is rarely sold. Their research unearthed an important recent sale of a similar item, which I had not found previously, and which the first appraiser I used had not found either. AppraiseItNow was a good deal more expensive than the first service, but they crafted a detailed report in which I have much more confidence. They also helped me make sure the correct tax forms are used. Thank you!
    Cynthia W. , Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA ·

    Sports Memorabilia Appraisal for Charitable Donation

  • I used AppraiseItNow for the first time last month and I was extremely pleased with the results. I needed an appraisal done for insurance purposes and the level of detail about each of my antique furniture pieces was thorough and very helpful in my being able to get the highest amount possible from my insurance company for the antique items that were damaged. I could see that they spent time making sure that the information she included was correct and current for my antique furniture items in the current market. The team responded to my emails timely to answer any questions I had. I would highly recommend Appraise It Now to get a thorough and professional appraisal done on antique items. I do intend to use them again for other antique furniture and jewelry that I have. Job well done! 😃🤗
    Paige E. , Baldwin, NY ·

    Antique Furniture Appraisal for Insurance Claim

  • It is a pleasure to work with Joe and his team. They communicate every step along the way and made the process simple for us to have more than 35 firearms appraised. It was all done in a timely manner and the final report is easy to understand. I highly recommend their services.
    Bruce A. , Saint Johns, FL ·

    Gun Appraisal for Probate

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How our Valuation Process Works

1

Appraisal Request

Submit estimate or list of items for our review.

2

Quote Issued

We'll share a flat fee quote for your approval.

3

Kickoff & Intake

Submit details on all of your items for our review.

4

Research & Analysis

We'll conduct detailed research and prepare a written USPAP-compliant report.

5

Report Delivery

Delivery of your report and supporting documents (e.g., signed IRS Form 8283) by email.

How much does an Antique Silver appraisal cost?

Standard Fee Range

$195 – $995

Standard range for our antique appraisals based on past projects

  • Fixed fee quoted before any work starts
  • No hourly billing
  • USPAP-compliant report, accepted by insurers, courts and the IRS

Two report tiers. Your intended use sets which one you need.

Standard Antique Appraisals

from $195

USPAP-compliant report for standard purposes

  • Insurance Coverage
  • Personal Use
  • Probate Court
  • Estate Distribution

Advanced Antique Appraisals

IRS-qualified

from $295

USPAP-compliant and IRS-qualified report for advanced purposes

  • Charitable Donations
  • Estate Tax
  • Insurance Claims
  • Divorce
  • Legal Purposes

Pricing By Volume

Please note that the fees listed below are for informational purposes and are subject to change. Our team will review your materials and issue your quote before we get started.

  1. 1 item

    $195 – $395

    Single-item appraisal

  2. 10 items

    $695 – $1200

    Small collection pricing

  3. 50-100+ items

    $1,600 – $3,500+

    Discounted pricing for larger collections

What Drives Cost?

  • Intended use of the appraisal and required compliance guidelines
  • Number of antiques in scope
  • Item type and complexity
  • Documentation and provenance quality (clear photos, receipts, prior appraisals, ownership history)

Our Antique Silver appraisal fees are transparent, scope-based, and designed to be fully USPAP-compliant for your intended use. We don't bill by the hour and will propose a fixed fee before we start our work, so you'll know exactly what you are paying before engaging our team. Please note that the pricing outlined here is strictly for informational purposes; before issuing your quote, we will need to get a better understanding of your assets so we can properly scope the assignment.

AppraiseItNow appraises every category of personal property for gift tax, estate tax, charitable donations, divorce, and insurance claims

Given the USPAP-compliant nature of AppraiseItNow’s appraisal reports, we prepare our deliverables for major legal, tax, and financial reporting purposes for individual and commercial clients.

Popular uses of our appraisal reports include:‍

Taxes, Estates & Financial Planning

Life Events & Special Circumstances

  • Divorce
  • Social Security reporting or Medicaid Application Filings
  • E-2 visa applications

Insurance & Risk Management

Get an Antique Silver Appraisal for Any Need

Frequently Asked Questions on Antique Silver Appraisals

How is antique silver valued above its melt value?

Melt value sets the floor: weight in troy ounces times purity (0.925 for sterling) times the current spot price. Our appraisers then add premiums for recognized makers, rare or discontinued patterns, complete services, and strong condition, supported by realized prices from venues such as Sotheby’s, Christie’s, Bonhams, and completed eBay sales. For damaged or common pieces, metal content may represent essentially the entire worth; for rare or historically important silver, collectible premiums can far exceed scrap value.

Is silver plate worth the same as sterling?

No. Plated items, often marked EPNS, EP, or A1, carry only a thin silver coating and should never be valued by weight at the sterling spot price. Pricing plated flatware as if it were solid sterling is one of the most common overvaluation mistakes we see. Where marks are ambiguous, nondestructive X-ray fluorescence (XRF) testing can confirm composition.

Why are knife blades excluded from a silver appraisal’s weight calculation?

Because knife blades are typically steel, and hollow handles or wooden components contain filler rather than silver. Only the sterling components are weighed when computing fine silver content. Owners who weigh entire pieces without these deductions can overstate melt value by a meaningful margin, which distorts estate, donation, and sale pricing.

What do hallmarks tell an appraiser about antique silver?

Hallmarks identify purity (STERLING, 925, 800), maker, town of assay, and often the date of manufacture through date letters. A credible report decodes and photographs the marks piece by piece, with tables listing pattern, maker, purity, weight, and condition. Generic descriptions without hallmark documentation weaken the defensibility of the value conclusion.

When does antique silver need a formal appraisal for tax purposes?

When it appears on an estate or gift tax return. Form 706 reports property at fair market value as of the date of death, and Form 709 requires accurate values for noncash gifts. For notable silver services, the IRS expects itemized descriptions with market support; reports based solely on insurer schedules or scrap estimates are vulnerable to challenge.