How do you clean silver cups?

Wash them in warm soapy water with a soft cloth. Dry the metal immediately to prevent water spots. Use a specialist polish sparingly. Heavy rubbing removes the patina and gradually wears away the hallmark.

I found this dark tarnish inside the bottom of a cup I just bought and I was wondering if it means the silver is ruined?

Dark stains inside a bowl usually come from old wine or acidic liquids sitting in the vessel. It is a surface reaction. Gentle polishing will lift most of it. If the metal is pitted underneath, leave it alone.

Can you drink from them?

Yes, provided the interior is clean. Many buyers use them daily for water or wine.

My grandmother left me a goblet with a really elaborate coat of arms engraved on the front, can I get it taken off so it's plain?

Removing an engraving requires filing down the surface of the silver. This thins the wall of the cup and weakens the metal. Most dealers advise against it. An erased crest often leaves a visible shadow or a flat spot that ruins the profile.

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Antique Silver Cups from the 19th Century

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Antique silver cups range from simple footed tumblers to grand two-handled vessels. They were traditionally used for communal toasts or everyday drinking while providing a physical display of household wealth.