Identifying Antique Silver: Hallmark vs. Maker's Mark - Expert Advice

Question
Hello from the UK, ive have bought a set of fish forks and knives, british ithink and not modern, they say sterling silver but do not have any symbols on to date them, only GW&SS EP I know the ep means electric plating but am unable to find the company?? Could you please help me, Lookforward to a response, Thanks Tiffany

Answer
HI TIFFANY,

WITHOUT HALLMARKS YOU CANNOT DATE IT. IT MEANS THEY ARE MODERN REMAKES AND NO COMPANY NAME IS STAMPED. 'GW&SS' IS A QUALITY MARK, I DON'T KNOW WHAT GW STANDS FOR BUT SS IS 'STERLING SILVER' AND OF COURSE 'EP' IS ELECTROPLATED. THIS IS A MASS PRODUCED PRODUCT OF RECENT ORIGIN.

THANKS
PETER