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KackyK Forum All-Star
Joined: May 22 2007 Location: Virginia
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Posted: April 25 2012 at 12:43pm | IP Logged
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I inherited a really old set from a far far removed never heard of before, no blood but by marriage only relation (got that )
So we were thinking of selling it. I have found two good sources online, Replacesments and Antique Cupboard, and I have their quotes.
I'm wondering if anyone else has done such a thing, either with these companies, someone else, someplace they found locally. Any tips would be great!
__________________ KackyK
Mom to 8 - 3 dd, 5ds & 4 babes in heaven
Beginning With the Assumption
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SallyT Forum All-Star
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Posted: April 25 2012 at 1:23pm | IP Logged
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Replacements are quite well known and reputable. I don't know anything about the other. I would research the going price of silver, but I would think that Replacements would give you a very fair deal.
Before you sell it, though, you might consider that your children might one day like to have some of it, even if it isn't of great sentimental value to you. I do have a set of inherited silver, from my mother's great-aunt, which my grandmother gave to my mother and she gave to me when I married. It was of no sentimental value for me to begin with, but I've been really glad I had it over the years. We use it for Christmas and other special dinners, and my children *are* quite sentimental about it. I also have a set of silver goblets which were my grandmother's -- definitely sentimental! There are eight, so my plan is to leave two to each of the four children, so they can at least have a pair for themselves and their husbands/wives. I'll probably divvy up the silver flatware among them, too.
We don't live lavishly, and these are literally the only really valuable things we own, which we can pass on to our children. I know, "where your treasure is, &c," but it's been special for us to have something beautiful to pull out for holiday tables, and my children have learned to value that, too -- not for the monetary worth of the pieces but for their obvious out-of-the-ordinary quality. I wouldn't have gone out and bought sterling -- that was never that high on my priority list -- and initially I really didn't like the ornate late-Victorian style of the flatware (didn't think it was "me"), but it's grown on me and has been good to have, and I know the kids will want to own at least a little someday for the same reasons.
Just something to consider as you make decisions. I don't know whether you already have something like this that's a part of your family rituals, but if you don't, you might consider hanging on to it for a bit to see whether you'll use it at all. You can always sell it later, if you really need to, but something like that doesn't come along every day.
Still, I think I can vouch for Replacements as a knowledgeable, established, and reputable dealer, if you do decide to sell it.
Hope that helps!
Sally
__________________ Castle in the Sea
Abandon Hopefully
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KackyK Forum All-Star
Joined: May 22 2007 Location: Virginia
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Posted: April 25 2012 at 8:33pm | IP Logged
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Thanks Sally!
We are pretty set on selling. We uncovered it and our fine china from our wedding and crystal too, all in boxes for a bazillion years in the basement.
We decided let's just sell the silver, we could really use some extra $$s right now, and let's just use the other. We figure we have nothing to lose! It's just been in boxes. It might as well see the light of day and hey, maybe the kids will remember those patterns and pieces.
I'm expecting to be given some nice Longaberger flatware from my mother as she is inheriting another big set of silver from my grandmother. She'll use that and give me the Longaberger. I love that stuff! It's so heavy duty!!!! That'll be the keepers!
Thanks for the Replacements endorsement!
__________________ KackyK
Mom to 8 - 3 dd, 5ds & 4 babes in heaven
Beginning With the Assumption
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CrunchyMom Forum Moderator
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Posted: April 26 2012 at 5:38am | IP Logged
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I know you are expecting the Longaberger, but my SIL picked up some silver second hand, and she's been using it like regular flat wear. It isn't glossy, but it has a lovely patina to it, and it doesn't tarnish because it's in constant use. I was so pleasantly surprised that it could be used in such a way, and I actually preferred it to its glossy form where it shows prints, etc...
Sorry to hijack. I can understand selling it in your place and know nothing about it. You might consider contacting a local auction house as well, though auction is perhaps riskier, though I think you can set a minimum. If a non-dealer happened to want it, you could get more.
__________________ Lindsay
Five Boys(6/04) (6/06) (9/08)(3/11),(7/13), and 1 girl (5/16)
My Symphony
[URL=http://mysymphonygarden.blogspot.com/]Lost in the Cosmos[/UR
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JennGM Forum Moderator
Joined: Feb 07 2005 Location: Virginia
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Posted: April 26 2012 at 8:21am | IP Logged
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CrunchyMom wrote:
I know you are expecting the Longaberger, but my SIL picked up some silver second hand, and she's been using it like regular flat wear. It isn't glossy, but it has a lovely patina to it, and it doesn't tarnish because it's in constant use. I was so pleasantly surprised that it could be used in such a way, and I actually preferred it to its glossy form where it shows prints, etc... |
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My husband's aunt uses her silver for everyday. She handwashes it all, but it's delightful to use it for all the meals.
Usually when you're trying to resell silver or gold, etc. you're not going to get full market value, because the dealer will want to make a profit.
__________________ Jennifer G. Miller
Wife to & ds1 '03 & ds2 '07
Family in Feast and Feria
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SallyT Forum All-Star
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Posted: April 26 2012 at 8:59am | IP Logged
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I'd love to have "everyday" silver! I guess that's my inner Southern Belle fighting for dominance (usually she's totally squashed by the Earth Chick ...). As it is, my everyday flatware is a hodgepodge of old silverplate that I've picked up in antique markets, junk shops, etc, usually in random bundles selling for $5. I love it. And I do run it through the dishwasher (not the good stuff, however!), though that tends to tarnish it more quickly. Fortunately my 9yo son LOVES to polish silver.
Sally
__________________ Castle in the Sea
Abandon Hopefully
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JennGM Forum Moderator
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Posted: April 26 2012 at 9:11am | IP Logged
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SallyT wrote:
I'd love to have "everyday" silver! I guess that's my inner Southern Belle fighting for dominance (usually she's totally squashed by the Earth Chick ...). As it is, my everyday flatware is a hodgepodge of old silverplate that I've picked up in antique markets, junk shops, etc, usually in random bundles selling for $5. I love it. And I do run it through the dishwasher (not the good stuff, however!), though that tends to tarnish it more quickly. Fortunately my 9yo son LOVES to polish silver.
Sally |
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Our everyday stainless began missing quite a few pieces, so I picked up silverplate, also. My husband loves the silverplate -- it's just a little more elegant, tarnished or not. I do wash these in the D/W, also, although I separate the two.
__________________ Jennifer G. Miller
Wife to & ds1 '03 & ds2 '07
Family in Feast and Feria
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JennGM Forum Moderator
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Posted: April 26 2012 at 9:12am | IP Logged
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Oh, and I would love to have silver, period. I only got two sets from my wedding. I would love to inherit some!
__________________ Jennifer G. Miller
Wife to & ds1 '03 & ds2 '07
Family in Feast and Feria
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