How do I clean an antique silver sugar bowl?

Wash the silver gently in warm soapy water using a soft cloth, avoiding harsh abrasive dips that strip the patina. Dry and buff the surface thoroughly with a clean microfiber cloth. Take care to remove any glass liners before washing so the moisture does not become trapped between the glass and the metal basket framework.

Were these bowls always sold with glass liners?

Not all sugar bowls required liners, but pierced baskets and open frames relied on coloured glass inserts to hold loose sugar crystals securely. These liners came in shades such as ruby, cranberry, amber, and vaseline glass. Finding an antique piece that retains its original matching glass liner is a significant bonus for collectors.

How can I tell if a piece is solid silver or silver plated?

Solid sterling silver pieces will bear official hallmarks indicating the silver standard, the assay office city, and the date letter for the year of manufacture. Silver plated items usually carry maker marks indicating electroplate or base metal foundations without standard silver assay stamps. Examining the rim or base for signs of wear where the base metal shows through can also reveal silver plate.