How do I clean antique silver?

Clean silver gently with a soft microfibre cloth and a specialist silver polish formulated to preserve old patination. Avoid harsh abrasive dips that strip the character from engraved details and hallmarks. Store pieces in dry conditions away from direct sunlight to minimise tarnishing. Regular, light dusting keeps the metal bright without requiring aggressive scrubbing.

How do I date a silver pepper pot?

Examine the stamped hallmarks on the base or piercing cover to find the date letter assigned by the specific assay office. Reference tables match these letters to exact years of manufacture. Stylistic cues such as Georgian baluster curves, Victorian chased foliage, or Art Deco geometric lines also indicate the likely era.

What is the difference between a pepperette and a caster?

A pepperette is typically smaller, designed specifically for individual or shared table placement to hold ground pepper. Casters are usually larger vessels originally intended for sugar, though many eighteenth-century forms served multiple dry condiments. Both feature pierced lids, but the scale and internal capacity generally separate the small table shaker from the grander caster.