A Collector's Guide to the Top 12 British Silver Makers Of All Time

If you've inherited some silver pieces or been browsing luxury consignment shops like Around the Block, you've probably noticed that British silver has a special appeal. There's something wonderful about owning beautiful objects crafted generations ago and still perfectly usable today—whether it's a tea service for special occasions or serving pieces that make every dinner feel a bit more elegant.

British silver stands out for one brilliant reason: since the 1300s, British law has required silversmiths to stamp their work with hallmarks that tell you exactly what you're getting. It's like having a birth certificate for your silver, showing who made it, where, when, and confirming it's the real deal. This transparency makes British silver easier to authenticate and value than pieces from many other countries.

Today's luxury consignment market consistently shows strong interest in British silver, especially pieces with Royal Warrants (meaning they supplied the royal family), interesting histories, or designs by famous makers like Christopher Dresser. Whether you're furnishing your first home, looking for meaningful gifts, or simply love beautiful things, understanding these classic brands helps you recognize quality when you see it.

This guide introduces you to our picks for the top 12 British silver makers that you are likely to encounter in luxury consignment showrooms, estate sales, and auction houses. We'll explore what makes each silver brand special and what to look for if you're thinking of buying or consigning.

Understanding British Silver Hallmarks: Your Quick Guide

Think of British hallmarks as a piece of silver's identity card. These small stamps tell you everything you need to know about authenticity and quality. Once you learn to read them, you'll shop with confidence.

The Four Key British Silver Stamps to Look For

Every properly marked piece of English sterling silver should have four stamps. Together, they create a complete picture of what you own.

• The Maker's Mark identifies the creator of the piece. Early marks often used symbols (such as flowers or crowns), but by the Victorian era, makers typically used their initials or company names. Spotting marks from famous makers like Mappin & Webb or Garrard or other British silver brands tells you you're looking at quality work.

• The Standard Mark confirms the silver content. Look for the "lion passant"—a lion walking with one paw raised. This guarantees your piece is sterling silver (92.5% pure silver). It's basically the government's promise that what you're buying is genuine.

• The Assay Office Mark shows where the piece was tested. London used a leopard's head, Birmingham an anchor, and Sheffield a crown. These cities were famous for different specialties—Sheffield dominated flatware and serving pieces, whilst Birmingham was known for smaller decorative items.

• The Date Letter pinpoints the year of manufacture using a letter in a specific style. Each assay office rotated through the alphabet, using different fonts and shield shapes, allowing precise dating of pieces. This helps you know if you're looking at a maker's best period or later production.

Sterling Silver vs. Silver Plate: What's the Difference?

The difference between Sterling Silver and Silver Plate is crucial to understand, as it significantly impacts value.

• Sterling silver has hallmarks and is 92.5% pure silver throughout. It's valuable, ages beautifully, and can be passed down through generations.

• Electroplate (often marked "EPNS" for "electroplated nickel silver") has a thin silver coating over base metal. Quality electroplate from makers like Elkington can be lovely and quite collectible, but sterling silver always commands higher prices due to its precious metal content.

How can you tell? Check for hallmarks—sterling has them, electroplate usually has maker's marks instead. 

Also, look at worn areas, such as handles and feet. Electroplate shows a different colour underneath when the silver wears through, whilst sterling stays consistent.

Why the Story Behind a Piece Matters

Hallmarks tell you what something is and when it was made. However, a piece's history—specifically, who owned it and where it has been—often adds even more value and interest.

British silver presented to notable people, commissioned by royalty, or awarded at major exhibitions, becomes far more collectible. A tea service with an interesting backstory is simply more special than an identical piece without one. 

That's why original presentation boxes, documented histories, and engravings connecting pieces to specific events or prominent families are so prized by collectors and dealers alike.

The Top 12 British Silver Brands

These 12 makers represent the finest of British silversmithing from the 1700s through the 1900s. We've organized them into two groups to help you navigate the market—from prestigious royal warrant holders to innovative design houses that changed the course of silver history.

Tier 1: The Prestigious Names (Royal Connections & Museum Quality)

These five brands represent the pinnacle of British silversmithing. Pieces from these makers command premium prices and consistently appreciate over time.

1. Garrard & Co.

Founded in 1735, Garrard is about as prestigious as British silver gets. They served as Crown Jeweller for over 160 years, creating coronation regalia and maintaining the British Crown Jewels for generations. This royal connection infuses every piece with genuine historical significance that collectors worldwide recognize and value.

Garrard's neoclassical period produced elegant tea services with perfect proportions and restrained ornament, whilst their rococo revival work features exuberant scrollwork and naturalistic motifs. The firm excelled at large presentation pieces—centrepieces, trophies, and ceremonial plate—where technical mastery met artistic ambition. Their work from the Georgian and Regency periods (1714-1830) shows particular strength at auction, representing the firm's creative peak.

• What collectors seek: Pieces with London hallmarks confirm authenticity and premium positioning. Complete tea or coffee services in fitted cases represent investment-grade acquisitions that appreciate steadily. Presentation pieces with original engraving command exceptional prices, particularly those documenting historical connections or notable families.

• Condition considerations: Weight matters significantly—substantial gauge indicates quality construction and precious metal content. Examine finials, handles, and feet carefully; repairs diminish value considerably. Original cases, particularly those bearing Garrard's label, can add 20-30% to resale value.

• Value Tip: Monograms from distinguished families enhance rather than detract from value, provided the engraving quality matches the piece's overall execution.

2. Asprey London

Established in 1781, Asprey built its reputation on refined luxury goods for travelers, socialites, and royalty, utilizing British silver. The firm has held multiple Royal Warrants and remains synonymous with understated elegance. Asprey's specialty lies in vanity sets, desk accessories, and travel silver—pieces that beautifully combine aesthetics with genuine functionality, making them particularly appealing for modern collectors who want silver they can actually use.

Asprey's Art Deco period produced exceptional cocktail shakers, cigarette cases, and barware with clean geometric lines, crisp repoussé work, and innovative mechanisms that showcase the era's machine-age optimism. Earlier Victorian pieces demonstrate intricate engine turning, precise engraving, and thoughtful proportion that epitomize refined taste. Complete boxed ensembles command significant premiums—think dressing table sets with matching mirrors, brushes, and jars; travel sets with flasks, cups, and grooming tools; or desk sets with inkwells, letter openers, and stamp boxes. Asprey's fitted cases, often crafted in morocco leather with silk linings, survive remarkably well and significantly boost consignment value.

• What collectors seek: Complete boxed ensembles command significant premiums—think dressing table sets with matching mirrors, brushes, and jars; travel sets with flasks, cups, and grooming tools; or desk sets with inkwells, letter openers, and stamp boxes. Asprey's fitted cases, often crafted in morocco leather with silk linings, survive remarkably well and significantly boost consignment value.

• Condition is critical: Asprey's refined surfaces show wear prominently. Look for crisp repoussé without flattening, tight hinges on boxes, and undamaged enamel work (particularly common on Art Deco pieces). Original gilding, especially in the interiors of cups or flasks, should remain intact.

• Value Tip: Asprey marked pieces consistently throughout their history, so clear hallmarks and maker's stamps ensure straightforward authentication and provide confidence in your purchase.

3. Mappin & Webb

Since 1775, Mappin & Webb has successfully bridged Sheffield's manufacturing prowess with London's retail sophistication. The British silver maker earned Royal Warrants from four successive monarchs by consistently delivering quality across all price points, making it perfect for collectors seeking a prestigious name without the absolute top-tier prices. Their reliability and consistent quality make them accessible yet genuinely collectible.

The firm's sterling services showcase Edwardian taste at its most refined—tea sets with elegant ebony handles, entrée dishes with warming stands, and canteens in classic patterns like fiddle, king's, and rat-tail. Their "Prince's Plate" line offered electroplated silver with exceptional durability, democratizing elegant dining for Victorian middle-class households. Complete flatware canteens, particularly 12-place settings in original oak cases, represent practical investments that appreciate steadily whilst remaining eminently usable for modern entertaining.

What collectors seek: Complete flatware canteens, particularly 12-place settings in original oak cases, represent practical investments that appreciate steadily whilst remaining eminently usable for modern entertaining. Edwardian tea services (four pieces: teapot, coffee pot, cream jug, sugar bowl) with matched hallmarks sell particularly well.

• Critical consideration: Date letter consistency across sets matters tremendously—services assembled from multiple years or different makers reduce value considerably. Examine pattern integrity carefully, as replacement pieces should match exactly.

• Condition factors: For electroplate, worn plating with exposed base metal severely limits consignment potential. Sterling pieces benefit from honest patina rather than overzealous polishing, which removes desirable detail and weight.

• Value Tip: Original monograms from notable families can actually enhance value, whilst later removal or aggressive over-polishing diminishes it.

4. Elkington & Co.

Founded in 1836, Elkington revolutionized British silver manufacturing by perfecting electroplating, making elegant silver accessible to broader audiences whilst maintaining artistic standards that rivalled sterling work. The firm dominated 19th-century international exhibitions, winning medals in London (1851), Paris (1855), and beyond, establishing its reputation for both technical innovation and aesthetic ambition.

Elkington's most significant achievement came through collaborations with leading designers, most notably Christopher Dresser, whose geometric forms and Japanese-influenced aesthetics produced pieces decades ahead of contemporary taste. Exhibition pieces feature remarkable scale and detail—centrepieces with sculptural figures, wine coolers with elaborate repoussé, and serving dishes combining multiple metals for dramatic effect. These ambitious works demonstrate how commercial production could achieve genuine artistic merit when guided by visionary design.

• What collectors seek: Early electroplate from the 1840s-1870s in exceptional condition represents an affordable entry to museum-quality design, making Elkington accessible to newer collectors. Dresser-atttributed pieces, whether sterling or plate, command significant premiums and offer strong appreciation potential. Look for Elkington's detailed catalogue numbers stamped on bases—these facilitate research and authentication.

• Condition factors: For electroplate, examine high-wear areas —such as feet, handles, and rims — carefully for base-metal exposure. Rich, original patina adds character, whilst aggressive polishing or replating destroys value.

• Value Tip: Original fitted cases rarely survive but multiply value dramatically when present. Dresser signatures require expert verification before consignment.

5. Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co. London

Formed in 1880 through a merger of established silversmiths, the Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Company operated from Regent Street until Garrard absorbed it in 1952. The British silver maker specialized in presentation silver—trophies, centrepieces, and ceremonial plate commissioned by institutions, corporations, and private patrons seeking impressive pieces to commemorate achievements or honour individuals.

The company's work epitomizes late Victorian and Edwardian taste at its most elaborate: naturalistic repoussé featuring fruits, flowers, and game; architectural forms with columns and arches; and allegorical figures representing commerce, victory, or learning. Many pieces document specific achievements or commemorate important events through detailed engraving, adding a historical dimension that appeals to collectors. Large centrepieces and épergnes make dramatic dining table statements whilst representing serious investment-grade silver.

What collectors seek: Large centrepieces and épergnes make dramatic dining table statements whilst representing serious investment-grade silver. Presentation trophies with historical connections generate particular interest.

• Critical factor: Weight matters significantly—substantial gauge confirms quality construction and precious metal content.

• Condition Factors: Chasing quality differs considerably across the firm's output, so examine repoussé depth, crispness of detail, and undercutting that creates genuine three-dimensional effects.

• Value Tip: Original presentation inscriptions generally enhance value by providing historical context and provenance. Handle tarnish removal gently, as aggressive polishing can irreparably flatten decorative details.

Tier 2: Design Innovators & Excellent Craftsmen

These seven brands offer excellent quality with distinctive design sensibilities. They're prized by collectors who appreciate innovative aesthetics and solid craftsmanship at more accessible price points.

6. Walker & Hall

This Sheffield stalwart in British silver built its reputation on reliable craft, clean lines, and practical elegance that transcends passing trends. The W&H hallmark signals professional-quality silver that served hotels, ocean liners, and discerning households throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Walker & Hall exemplifies honest construction and timeless design that suits contemporary use as beautifully as it served Victorian and Edwardian tables.

The firm's tea services feature balanced proportions without excessive ornament, making them remarkably versatile for modern settings. Entrée dishes, warming stands, and serving pieces reflect Sheffield's manufacturing efficiency—well-constructed, properly weighted, and finished to high standards that ensure pieces remain functional across generations. Flatware canteens in classic patterns like Old British or King's represent particularly sound investments that combine aesthetic appeal with genuine utility.

• What collectors seek: Complete tea sets with a minimum of 4 pieces in excellent condition sell reliably across markets. Well-maintained flatware canteens, particularly 12-place settings in popular patterns, suit both collectors and users who value quality everyday silver.

• Condition Factors: Clean lines show every dent and ding, so examine pieces carefully under good lighting. Tight-fitting lids, smooth hinges, and undamaged feet indicate careful ownership.

• Value Tip: Original monograms from ordinary families neither enhance nor diminish value significantly—the silver's inherent quality drives pricing.

7. Hukin & Heath

Established in 1855 in Birmingham, Hukin & Heath achieved lasting fame as a  British silver maker through collaborations with Christopher Dresser, the design reformer who anticipated modernism by decades. Dresser's geometric bodies, minimal ornament, and innovative forms revolutionized Victorian silver, creating pieces that appear strikingly contemporary today. This aesthetic revolution makes Hukin & Heath particularly appealing to design-focused collectors who appreciate forward-thinking work.

Typical Dresser designs feature pure geometric forms—spheres, cylinders, cubes—combined with functional elements reduced to absolute essentials. Teapots sit on elegant tripod stands, toast racks employ parallel bars without decoration, and cruet sets use glass bodies with minimal silver mounts. This aesthetic restraint contrasted dramatically with Victorian excess, making Dresser's work controversial in its time yet highly collectible now. Even unsigned Hukin & Heath pieces showing Dresser's influence sell well to modernist collectors and design museums.

• What collectors seek: Any piece bearing Dresser's signature commands significant premiums, though authentication requires expert examination as spurious attributions occur. Documented pieces with original design drawings, exhibition history, or period catalogues multiply value exponentially—sometimes by 5-10 times. Even unsigned Hukin & Heath pieces showing Dresser's influence sell well to modernist collectors.

• Condition factors: Clean forms show every flaw—check geometric perfection carefully, as dents or distortions severely diminish value. Ebonised wooden handles and finials should remain original and undamaged. Glass components common in cruets and claret jugs must be intact without chips or cracks.

• Controversial area: The patina-versus-polish debate remains contentious with Dresser pieces, so consult specialists before cleaning to preserve both aesthetic integrity and financial value.

8. Barker Bros / Barker Ellis

With roots dating back to 1801, this Birmingham British silver maker navigated stylistic evolution with equal skill, producing Georgian Revival, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco silver with equal facility. Barker's versatility appeals to collectors with varied tastes—their pieces suit everything from traditional country homes to contemporary urban apartments. The firm benefited from Birmingham's concentration of skilled craftsmen and innovative manufacturing techniques.

Early 19th-century work follows Georgian precedents with restrained neoclassical ornament that ages gracefully. The firm's Art Nouveau period embraced organic forms, whiplash curves, and naturalistic motifs with particular success, creating pieces that capture the era's romantic aesthetic. Art Deco designs show characteristic restraint—geometric patterns, machine-age aesthetics, and streamlined forms that suit contemporary tastes perfectly and show the strongest current market momentum.

• What collectors seek: Complete Art Deco tea or coffee services represent ideal collecting territory—affordable, stylish, and increasingly appreciated by younger buyers. Three and four-piece services in excellent condition particularly appeal to collectors furnishing modern homes. Art Nouveau pieces with figural or floral repoussé attract specialist collectors willing to pay premiums for exceptional examples. Art Deco pieces show the strongest current market momentum. Early sterling pieces in a Georgian style suit traditional interiors while maintaining solid investment value.

• Authentication note: Examine marks carefully, as Barker used various partnerships and names over the centuries; proper identification requires reference materials but adds historical context.

• Value tip: Original cases significantly enhance value, particularly for Art Deco services that benefit from period-appropriate presentation.

9. Martin Hall & Co. Ltd.

This Sheffield British silver maker earned international medals at expositions throughout the Victorian era for precisely executed coffee and tea services that showcased classical foliage, carefully chased ornament, and balanced proportions. Martin Hall excelled at electroplate that rivalled sterling in presence and durability, producing pieces that demonstrate how commercial manufacturing could achieve genuine quality when standards remained high.

The firm's exhibition pieces demonstrate technical mastery—controlled repoussé, crisp detail, and architectural forms that showcase silversmithing skill at its finest. More common domestic pieces maintain these high standards; teapots feature smooth-operating hinges, serving dishes sit stable on well-designed feet, and flatware balances properly in the hand. Catalogue numbers stamped on bases facilitate pattern identification and replacement sourcing, making Martin Hall pieces practical for collectors building usable services.

• What collectors seek: Victorian coffee and tea services with strong condition impress collectors regardless of sterling versus plate status. Four-piece sets with matched decoration and consistent quality across all elements sell reliably across price points.

• Helpful detail: Catalogue numbers stamped on bases facilitate pattern identification and replacement sourcing, making Martin Hall pieces practical for collectors building usable services.

• Electroplate considerations: Condition determines nearly everything—intact plating without base metal exposure maintains value, whilst worn pieces interest only scrap dealers. Check high-wear areas, such as spout tips, handle bases, and foot edges, particularly carefully, as these reveal the quality of the original manufacture and subsequent care.

• Value Tip: Substantial gauge suggests better materials and construction. Complete services with all pieces present command premiums; assembled services from multiple sources sell at discounts.

10. William Comyns

This Soho maker, active from 1859, specialized in highly worked repoussé featuring romantic and mythological scenes that showcase Victorian narrative silver at its most elaborate and theatrical. Comyns pieces appeal to collectors pursuing Victorian decorative arts who appreciate technical virtuosity and unabashed ornament that tells stories through sculptural metalwork.

Typical subjects include cherubs, mythological deities, pastoral scenes, and floral swags executed in high relief with remarkable detail. The firm produced dressing table items such as mirrors, brushes, and jars, along with serving pieces and decorative objects in which sculptural ornament dominated form. Quality varies considerably across Comyns production; the finest examples show remarkable undercutting and three-dimensional modelling that creates genuine depth rather than merely surface decoration.

• What collectors seek: Exceptional repoussé work with crisp, deep chasing separates investment-grade pieces from average examples that flood the market. Dressing table sets with multiple pieces in matched decoration appeal to collectors furnishing period-appropriate interiors or building comprehensive collections.

• Condition facts: Clear figural work with identifiable faces, gestures, and details indicates superior craftsmanship worthy of premium prices. Examine figures carefully—flattened, indistinct details suggest either later production, excessive polishing, or lower-quality original work. Repoussé work can develop cracks or separation from the body metal over time, so verify the integrity around elaborate ornament. Common in bowls and cups, gilding should remain intact without wear-through.

• Authentication: Comyns marks appear clearly on good examples; worn or overstruck marks raise questions about authenticity and require expert examination before purchase.

11. William Hutton & Sons

With Birmingham origins and later Sheffield operations, Hutton earned distinction for Art Nouveau movement work and tasteful repoussé, which tend toward gentler, more flowing forms than many contemporaries. The firm's aesthetic embraces organic curves without excess, and naturalistic motifs executed with restraint, making pieces versatile enough to suit both traditional and contemporary settings.

Art Nouveau period work showcases Hutton's particular strengths—fluid lines, floral ornament growing naturally from forms, and well-considered proportions that demonstrate how commercial production could achieve genuine artistic merit. Tea services, serving dishes, and decorative objects reflect the era's romantic sensibility whilst maintaining practical functionality. Good gauge silver—substantial without excessive weight—makes Hutton pieces practical for regular use rather than merely display.

• What collectors seek: Art Nouveau pieces in excellent condition are gaining in value internationally as this style gains renewed appreciation among younger collectors. Tea services with organic ornamentation appeal to design-conscious buyers, who may furnish Edwardian homes or mix periods creatively. Fitted cases, although rare, significantly enhance value when present and original.

• Condition factors: Flowing forms require careful examination of joints, handle attachments, and foot connections, as Art Nouveau design sometimes sacrificed structural logic for aesthetic effect. Repoussé should remain crisp without flattening, which indicates excessive polishing. Original surfaces with honest patina generally surpass aggressively polished examples that lose detail and character.

• Authentication note: Hutton's marks vary with location and period; clear hallmarks confirm authenticity and facilitate precise dating.

12. Arthur Price

Founded in 1902, Arthur Price became synonymous with British flatware excellence, producing patterns that remain in production today as a testament to genuinely timeless design. Patterns like Kings, Bead, and Dubarry demonstrate classical elegance that transcends passing trends, making Arthur Price ideal for collectors seeking practical silver that combines aesthetic appeal with genuine utility and steady investment character.

The British silver maker supplied hotels, ocean liners (like the Titanic), and institutional clients alongside private purchasers, ensuring consistent quality across all production and broad pattern availability that benefits today's collectors seeking to complete or expand sets. Early boxed sets, particularly those from the Edwardian period, combine Art Nouveau styling with reliable construction and finishing. Hotel-grade flatware from notable establishments interests collectors of maritime or hospitality ephemera, whilst Titanic-era provenance, when properly documented, commands extraordinary premiums.

• What collectors seek: Complete canteens in popular patterns sell consistently across international markets. Twelve-place settings with full serving pieces represent ideal acquisitions—sufficient for genuine entertaining whilst remaining manageable for modern homes. Piece count and pattern completeness matter enormously; verify that every knife, fork, and spoon is present and that serving pieces match the pattern precisely. Original oak or mahogany cases with intact linings and Arthur Price labels add value while protecting pieces during storage.

• Monogram considerations: Hotel or institutional marks interest specialists, while private monograms generally reduce broader appeal unless historically significant.

• Condition factors: Examine wear patterns carefully—knife blades should remain full length without excessive sharpening, fork tines must be straight without bending, and spoon bowls should show minimal wear without holes or thinning.

Buying British Silver: A Guide

Good news: you don't need to be an expert to buy quality British silver. A bit of knowledge and careful observation goes a long way.

Give It a Good Look-Over

Check pieces in bright, natural light if possible. Dents and dings show up clearly when light hits the surface at an angle. Pay attention to working parts—handles, hinged lids, and feet—making sure everything feels sturdy and functions smoothly. Turn the pieces upside down; sometimes repairs are hidden on the bottom.

Pick up the piece and feel how it balances. Quality silver feels substantial and sits comfortably in your hand. If decorative details look flat or worn down, the piece has likely been polished too aggressively over the years. Knife blades should be full-length, without pitting; fork tines straight; and spoon bowls smooth, without holes worn through.

Complete Sets Are Worth More

A matching tea service is worth considerably more than the same pieces bought separately. Why? Buyers value the cohesiveness—matching hallmarks, consistent decoration, and the certainty that all pieces came from the same time and place.

If you're buying a set, check that the hallmarks match across all pieces. Look at the decoration too—patterns should flow naturally, not look pieced together. Original presentation boxes are a bonus that adds real value and protects your silver beautifully.

That said, individual statement pieces can be wonderful finds. An exceptional centrepiece or a trophy with a fascinating history often appreciates better than an assembled set of mismatched items.

The Story Behind the Silver

Original fitted cases are more than just pretty packaging—they authenticate your piece and tell part of its story. Look for makers' labels, silk linings, and brass hardware that show honest age without significant damage.

What about monograms? Simple period initials are fine and actually confirm the piece was genuinely used. Family crests from notable families can even add value if you can verify the history. Just avoid pieces with crude modern engravings that clash with the original quality.

Presentation inscriptions can be fascinating—imagine owning a trophy won at a Victorian exhibition or silver gifted by royalty. These backstories add both historical interest and value, as long as the engraving quality matches the piece.

Watch Out For These Red Flags

Trust your instincts, but also watch for:

• Hallmarks that are worn, unclear, or suspiciously different across a "matched" set

• Prices that seem too good to be true for prestigious makers like Garrard or Asprey

• Repairs that look modern or clumsy on supposedly original pieces

• Silver that feels unexpectedly lightweight for its size

• Electroplate being sold as sterling (always check for proper hallmarks)

When to Get Expert Help: If you're considering a significant purchase or unsure about pieces you've inherited, a professional appraisal is essential. At Around the Block, our certified appraisers evaluate every piece of silver in our showroom, providing authentication, condition assessment, and accurate valuations. Whether you're buying or consigning, expert evaluation protects your investment and provides documentation that maintains value over time.

Caring for Your British Silver

Proper care keeps your silver beautiful for generations whilst preserving its value.

Storage Basics

• Store silver in a place with a stable temperature and low humidity. Tarnish develops faster in damp conditions. Wrap each piece individually in acid-free tissue or special anti-tarnish cloth. Avoid plastic bags or wrap—they trap moisture.

• Keep pieces separated to prevent them from scratching each other. Flatware is best stored in felt-lined drawers or original fitted cases. Don't stack hollow pieces—weight can cause dents.

• Handle silver with clean, dry hands or cotton gloves to prevent fingerprints and oils from accelerating tarnish.

To Polish or Not to Polish?

This is controversial among collectors. Gentle cleaning that removes heavy tarnish whilst preserving natural darkening in decorative recesses is usually best. Use a high-quality silver polish specifically designed for precious metals, applying it with soft cloths in straight lines rather than circles.

Never use abrasive cleaners that scratch surfaces. Be especially gentle with decorative areas—use soft brushes or cotton swabs to reach details without flattening relief work. And absolutely never use mechanical buffers on antique silver—they remove metal irreversibly.

Many collectors and museums now prefer preservation over aggressive polishing. Original surfaces with honest wear patterns tell a piece's story. The dark patina in the recesses actually highlights the decoration beautifully.

When Repairs Are Needed

Structural issues—such as loose handles, split seams, and damaged feet—require professional silversmithing. Find someone who uses period-appropriate techniques. And keep documentation of any repairs for the benefit of future buyers.

Getting British Silver Pieces Ready to Consign

If you're considering consigning British silver, presentation matters. Clean pieces gently to remove heavy tarnish whilst preserving character—don't over-polish. Verify that everything functions properly: hinges work smoothly, lids fit securely, and nothing wobbles or feels loose.

Gather all your documentation: clear photos of hallmarks, any provenance records, original fitted cases, and family histories. At Around the Block, our certified appraisers thoroughly evaluate each piece, but comprehensive documentation can help establish provenance and support higher valuations. Original boxes, presentation inscriptions with historical connections, and documented ownership histories all enhance consignment value.

If you have complete sets, keep them together—matching tea services or flatware canteens command significantly higher prices than individual pieces. Even if you're unsure about the value or authenticity of a piece, bring it in for evaluation. Our experts can identify maker's marks, assess condition, and provide guidance on market potential.

What's Trending in British Silver

The market evolves, but certain patterns hold steady.

What's Hot Right Now

• Art Deco silver is having a moment. Clean, geometric forms and compact sizes suit contemporary homes, while offering genuine investment potential. Cocktail shakers and bar accessories from makers like Asprey and Barker Brothers sell particularly well.

• Christopher Dresser designs continue to gain value. As museums showcase his work and scholarship expands, anything Dresser-designed or influenced attracts serious interest.

• Smaller quality pieces increasingly outperform massive Victorian centrepieces. Modern living spaces and lifestyles favour modest tea services and individual serving pieces over space-consuming exhibition works (though truly exceptional large pieces still attract serious collectors).

Consistently Strong

• Complete flatware sets in classic patterns remain reliable. Twelve-place settings from respected makers sell consistently—they're beautiful, functional, and steadily appreciate in value.

• Georgian and Regency silver maintains premium positioning as early pieces become scarcer. Weight, condition, and maker reputation drive value.

• Royal Warrant holders command consistent respect. Brand recognition reassures buyers who are uncertain about authentication.

Frequently Asked Questions About British Silver

How do I know if my British silver is valuable?

Start by identifying the hallmarks—they tell you the maker, date, and whether it's sterling or plate. Prestigious makers like Garrard or Asprey, earlier periods, and excellent condition all increase value. Complete sets with original cases significantly outvalue individual pieces. At Around the Block, our certified appraisers can evaluate your silver, identify makers, assess condition, and provide accurate market valuations, whether you're considering consignment or simply curious about pieces you've inherited.

Should I polish my silver before consigning it?

Light cleaning to remove heavy tarnish is fine, but don't polish aggressively. At Around the Block, our experts prefer honest presentation over recently polished pieces that might hide condition issues. Use a high-quality silver polish gently and preserve the darker patina in decorative areas. When in doubt, bring pieces in as-found—our certified appraisers can advise on appropriate cleaning and assess true condition before consignment.

What's the difference between sterling silver and electroplate?

Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver throughout and bears proper hallmarks, including the lion passant. Electroplate has a thin silver coating over base metal and usually carries marks like "EPNS" (electroplated nickel silver) rather than sterling hallmarks. Sterling commands significantly higher prices due to its precious metal content. Check for hallmarks and examine worn areas—the electroplate shows different metal underneath when the coating wears through.

Which British silver brands are the best investments?

Top-tier makers—Garrard, Asprey, Mappin & Webb, Elkington, and Goldsmiths & Silversmiths—show the strongest appreciation, especially pieces with royal connections or exceptional quality. Christopher Dresser's designs from Hukin & Heath demonstrate remarkable growth. Art Deco services from makers like Barker Brothers attract younger collectors. However, condition matters more than maker alone—a superior piece from a second-tier maker often outperforms a damaged piece from a prestigious house. Focus on quality, complete sets, original cases, and documented history.

Can monograms or engravings affect silver value?

It depends. Period-appropriate monograms from the original owner generally retain value—they attest to genuine use. Family crests from distinguished families can significantly enhance value, especially when backed by verifiable history. Presentation inscriptions documenting significant events or notable recipients add historical interest and value. However, crude later engravings universally detract, as do poorly executed removals. Well-done period engraving that 

How can I tell if British silver is authentic?

Proper hallmarks are your best authentication tool—four distinct stamps showing maker, standard (lion passant), assay office, and date. Examine construction and finishing quality; authentic pieces show period-appropriate techniques. The weight should feel right for the size. Wear patterns should look natural, not artificially aged. Be suspicious of unclear marks, modern-looking repairs, or prices far below market value. 

At Around the Block, every piece of silver in our showroom has been authenticated by certified appraisers, giving you confidence in your purchase. If you're considering consigning pieces or want verification of items you own, bring them in for professional evaluation.

Building Your British Silver Collection with Around the Block

Collecting British silver combines the pleasure of owning beautiful, functional objects with the satisfaction of preserving craft history. Whether you're furnishing your Toronto home, seeking investment pieces, or looking for meaningful gifts, luxury consignment offers access to authenticated quality at more accessible prices than buying new.

Start with what speaks to you. You may love tea services for entertaining, need elegant serving pieces, or simply appreciate good design. Your collection should bring joy, not just investment returns. At Around the Block, our curated selection features pieces our certified appraisers have authenticated and evaluated, taking the guesswork out of collecting.

• Learn as you go. Study hallmarks when you encounter pieces. Visit our showroom to see examples in person—there's no substitute for handling quality silver. Ask questions; our knowledgeable team shares information to help you understand what makes pieces special.

• Buy the best you can afford. One excellent piece from a premier maker often brings more satisfaction than several mediocre examples. Condition matters enormously—superior pieces appreciate better than damaged ones. Luxury consignment lets you access higher-quality makers at a better value than retail.

• Use your silver. These pieces were made to be enjoyed, not merely displayed. Careful use develops the warm patina collectors prize. Besides, there's something special about using a Georgian cream jug or Art Deco serving spoon at your own table.

• Consider consigning pieces you're not using. If you've inherited silver that doesn't suit your lifestyle or décor, consignment lets others enjoy these pieces whilst providing you with fair value. Our certified appraisers ensure accurate authentication and pricing, and our Toronto showroom connects your pieces with collectors who'll appreciate them.

The twelve makers in this guide represent excellence across three centuries of British silversmithing. From Garrard's royal commissions to Arthur Price's timeless flatware, each contributed to a remarkable tradition. Understanding their work transforms shopping from guesswork into informed collecting.

Whether you're furnishing a home, choosing meaningful gifts, or simply appreciating fine craftsmanship, British silver offers lasting rewards. Quality endures, beauty transcends trends, and the pleasure of using these pieces enriches daily life whilst preserving something valuable for future generations.

Ready to explore British silver in person? Visit Around the Block's Toronto showroom to see authenticated pieces from all the top sterling silver brands from around the world, including  sterling jewelry and tableware, or contact us about consigning your British silver. Our certified appraisers provide expert evaluation and guidance for both buyers and consignors.