How do I clean antique silver?

Clean silver using a gentle, non-abrasive cream polish applied with a soft cloth, following the contours of the metal rather than rubbing in circles. Wash the piece in warm soapy water afterwards to remove chemical residue and dry it thoroughly with a lint-free towel. Avoid soaking items that contain organic secondary materials like wood, velvet, mother-of-pearl, or tortoiseshell, as moisture can damage these components permanently.

What does sterling silver mean?

Sterling silver refers to an alloy comprising ninety-two point five percent pure silver and seven point five percent other metals, typically copper. Pure silver is too soft for practical items, so the addition of copper provides the necessary hardness for durability while maintaining the precious metal's colour. British items made to this standard are stamped with a lion passant alongside other assay marks confirming their purity.

How do I date a silver piece?

Dating a silver object involves reading the hallmarks stamped into the metal, which typically include a maker's mark, a standard mark, an assay office symbol, and a date letter. Each assay office used a specific sequence of fonts and shield shapes to correspond to individual years. Comparing the stamp style against established punch registers reveals the exact year the item was tested and hallmarked.

Were these items used daily?

Many George V silver objects, including napkin rings, christening mugs, dressing table boxes, and cream jugs, were manufactured specifically for regular household routines. Wealthier households utilised them across dining, writing, and grooming tasks as standard domestic inventory. Over decades of handling, these pieces acquired minor surface wear that reflects their active service in period homes.

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George V Sterling Silver

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George v sterling silver brings together early twentieth-century domestic tablewares, desk items and dressing accessories made under the standard alloy rules.