Can you put real flowers in them?

Yes. You just need to check the interior condition first. Some antique silver vases have pinholes or weak solder seams that let water seep out onto the table. If the metal is sound, water will not harm the silver. Many owners drop a cheap glass liner inside to be safe and keep the interior clean.

My grandmother always kept her big silver vase wrapped up in green cloth in the cupboard, so does it need special storage?

That green cloth was likely treated with anti-tarnish compounds. Silver reacts with sulphur in the air, turning yellow and then black over time. Wrapping it slows this process down. Keeping it in a dry cupboard away from direct heat also helps. If you want to keep yours on display, expect to polish it lightly every few months to maintain the finish.

How do I clean the inside?

Warm water and a mild dish soap will remove old dried stems and loose dirt. A soft bottle brush helps reach the bottom of tall, narrow examples. Never use harsh chemical descalers or abrasive pads. If there is stubborn water residue, leaving a weak solution of white vinegar inside for an hour often loosens the mineral deposits.

There is a weird heavy black substance filling up the bottom of the base on my vase, should I try to dig it out?

Leave it where it is. That substance is pitch or a similar resin, poured in at the workshop to add weight. Without it, top-heavy shapes would tip over when filled with water and tall stems. If you dig it out, you ruin the balance of the piece.

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Antique Silver Vases

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Shaped from silver alloys to hold floral arrangements or stand empty as table centrepieces, these hollow decorative vessels evolved from classical urns into a wide array of varied forms featuring weighted bases, swelling bodies, and flared rims.