Recommended reading in the Antique Web:

The History of Silver
Century's ago when silversmiths first started working with silver they discovered that it was far too soft to work with and had to be assimilated with other, more resilient, base metals before it could be molded. It is due to this discovery that from 1300 BC all silver metals had to be tested to show that they contained more than 92.5% silver.  Cont'd

Antique Silver Dealers in the Antique Web:  list your site here

The Sterling Shop-specializing in antique sterling and silverplate, flatware and hollowware since 1971....

Bay-dreamer's Antique Silver Chest -antique and collectible flatware patterns, replacement flatware in sterling silver and silver plate, including discontinued stainless steel pattern flatware....

Chancery Lane Antiques -offers a large selection of antique silver, tortoiseshell, ivory and antique jewelry personally selected by us in the British Isles...