How do I clean tarnished silver plate?

Use a soft cloth and a gentle silver polish formulated specifically for plated items. Avoid harsh abrasives that strip the remaining silver layer from the base metal. Work slowly around raised details and chasing without applying excessive pressure. Rinse with lukewarm water and dry immediately to prevent spotting.

What is the difference between a candlestick and a candelabra?

A candlestick holds one single candle upright on a dedicated shaft and base. A candelabra provides multiple arms branching from a central stem to support several candles at once. Many period examples feature removable branches, allowing them to function as either single sticks or multi-light pieces.

How can I tell a Victorian piece from a Georgian one?

Georgian and Regency items often display restrained classical lines, simpler silver-plate manufacturing methods like Old Sheffield plate, and lighter proportions. Victorian examples lean towards heavier casting and ornate Rococo Revival or Neoclassical ornamentation. Stylistic cues combined with base metal characteristics usually point toward the correct manufacturing decade.