How do I clean an antique sterling platter?

Clean the silver using a soft cloth and a reputable silver polish formulated to protect the metal. Avoid harsh abrasive pads that wear down delicate hand engraving and remove centuries of character. Wash the platter in warm, soapy water after polishing to remove chemical residue, then dry it thoroughly with a lint-free cloth. Store the piece in a dry environment away from direct sunlight to slow down tarnishing.

What do the hallmarks tell me?

British hallmarks provide a reliable biography of the object, showing the standard of silver, the town where it was tested and the year of manufacture. Additional marks often reveal the maker's initials or the reigning monarch's profile. Learning to read these tiny stamps helps verify the age and origin of the piece. Reference books and online registers map out the specific variations used by assay offices over the centuries.

How do I know if a tray is Georgian or Victorian?

Georgian pieces from the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries often favour cleaner lines, bright-cut engraving and simpler cast borders. Victorian items tend to introduce heavier floral decoration, complex repoussé work and wider stylistic revivals. Examining the shape of the maker's mark and the style of the script provides further clues to the decade of creation. Comparing the weight and construction methods also helps distinguish between the restraint of the Georgian era and the industrial techniques of the later nineteenth century.