Pewter and silver plate are among the most commonly misidentified materials in antiques. Online listings routinely confuse them, estates assume pewter is silver, sellers polish pewter to mimic shine, and buyers struggle to distinguish real silver plate from Britannia metal, nickel silver, or white-metal alloys. Accurate identification requires professional, non-destructive testing—not guesswork.
DJR Expert Guide Series, Vol. 113 — The Collector’s Guide to Identifying Pewter vs. Silver Plate (The Scratch Test) teaches you the exact step-by-step process appraisers use to distinguish pewter, silver plate, nickel silver, Britannia metal, and related alloys using visual, tactile, chemical-free, and structural evaluations. It also explains when the scratch test should be used—and when it absolutely should not.
Inside, you’ll learn how experts:
Differentiate pewter from silver plate using weight, surface behavior, temperature, and color tone
Interpret oxidation patterns, tarnish behavior, and metal aging
Identify touchmarks, purity marks, pseudo-hallmarks, EPNS indicators, and misleading stamps
Recognize base-metal exposure on worn silver plate (brass, copper, nickel silver)
Distinguish Britannia metal, pot metal, and nickel silver from true pewter
Use non-destructive tests before considering the scratch test
Perform the scratch test safely—only on hidden areas and only when necessary
Evaluate casting seams, solder joints, construction traits, and finishing techniques
Spot the most common fakes, misrepresentations, and misleading online descriptions
Determine factors that influence value, rarity, desirability, and resale potential
Volume 113 condenses professional metal-testing techniques into a clear, defensible, and beginner-friendly guide—ideal for collectors, resellers, estate buyers, antique dealers, and anyone who handles vintage metalware.
Digital Download — PDF • 10 Pages • Instant Access
Pewter and silver plate are among the most commonly misidentified materials in antiques. Online listings routinely confuse them, estates assume pewter is silver, sellers polish pewter to mimic shine, and buyers struggle to distinguish real silver plate from Britannia metal, nickel silver, or white-metal alloys. Accurate identification requires professional, non-destructive testing—not guesswork.
DJR Expert Guide Series, Vol. 113 — The Collector’s Guide to Identifying Pewter vs. Silver Plate (The Scratch Test) teaches you the exact step-by-step process appraisers use to distinguish pewter, silver plate, nickel silver, Britannia metal, and related alloys using visual, tactile, chemical-free, and structural evaluations. It also explains when the scratch test should be used—and when it absolutely should not.
Inside, you’ll learn how experts:
Differentiate pewter from silver plate using weight, surface behavior, temperature, and color tone
Interpret oxidation patterns, tarnish behavior, and metal aging
Identify touchmarks, purity marks, pseudo-hallmarks, EPNS indicators, and misleading stamps
Recognize base-metal exposure on worn silver plate (brass, copper, nickel silver)
Distinguish Britannia metal, pot metal, and nickel silver from true pewter
Use non-destructive tests before considering the scratch test
Perform the scratch test safely—only on hidden areas and only when necessary
Evaluate casting seams, solder joints, construction traits, and finishing techniques
Spot the most common fakes, misrepresentations, and misleading online descriptions
Determine factors that influence value, rarity, desirability, and resale potential
Volume 113 condenses professional metal-testing techniques into a clear, defensible, and beginner-friendly guide—ideal for collectors, resellers, estate buyers, antique dealers, and anyone who handles vintage metalware.
Digital Download — PDF • 10 Pages • Instant Access
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