People often pass down flatware to the next generation as a keepsake from the past, but others buy it new for wedding and housewarming gifts. Being able to identify your flatware pattern can aid you in replacing or adding to your collection and can help you to know what your collection is worth. Read on to learn how to identify flatware patterns.
Look at the flatware, paying close attention to the pattern on the front and the marks on the back. Many manufacturers stamp their names into the pieces, while others leave marks to indicate the pattern.
Buy or borrow a sterling flatware guide book to determine which patterns you have. Look for books such as the "Encyclopedia of American Silver Manufacturers" by Dorothy Rainwater and Martin and Colette Fuller, or "Sterling Flatware: An Identification and Value Guide" by Tere Hagen.
Find the manufacturers' marks in the book and look through photos and sketches to match your flatware pattern. You may be able to find the name of the creating company, the year they produced the piece and the value of your specific pieces.
Search online at websites such as Nancy Silver to browse photographs of silverware patterns. Browse by manufacturer or pattern name to find the date and whether or not the style is currently in production.
Email a digital image or mail a photograph of your pattern to an expert such as Replacements, LTD. or Silver Warehouse. These companies offer free identification services and send you all the information they have about the flatware pattern and how you can order replacements or additions for your collection.