Unless it is from a specific maker - e.g. Christofle, Tiffany, Georg Jensen - there is very little after market for used silver.

Why don't you use it? Since it has no value aside from the value of the metal, it doesn't need to be preserved.

If silver is used consistently and covered with the appropriate cloth, it doesn't tarnish. And silverware - especially since you aren't concerned about preservation - can have tarnish removed in using a disposable aluminum pan.

On a day to day basis put the silverware in the dishwasher. So long as it doesn't come into contact with other metals, it doesn't discolor. And even if it does, what do you care?

Here is the method for cleaning silver easily - there are variations in terms of exact quantity.

Get an aluminum
pan, any kind, and fill it with very hot water. Stir in a couple
tablespoons of washing soda. Put the silver in, making sure it makes
contact with the aluminum. Make sure the silver is
free of grease and oil.

Cleaning Silver

The set is perfectly preserved in it's original case lined with silver cloth. It hasn't been touched in 20+ years and has no tarnish at all. It's Wallace sterling Grand Colonial, it's less gaudy than most sterling sets. I hadn't looked it up in forever, just did now. Says on a site no longer manufactured but made to order. A set similar size on the site sells for $14,999. Now what I do, selling for metal content only seems foolish.

As for using it, I don't really want to. It very pretty and all but I like my SS wear that I purchase open stock so if something gets in garbage disposal I won't cry about it and don't have to pay $80 for a spoon.

Good trick with cleaning silver. I spent a lot of time cleaning my step-mil sterling pieces. That would have saved a lot of time.

Silver doesn't take up much room so why not just leave it for your heirs to decide what to do with.

Why do you care if something gets mangled? If it does get mangled, it still retains its value as a precious metal.

If you don't need the money, maybe get it appraised (so you have a taxable value) and find a local school or charity that is having a fundraiser.

Or pack it away like Helen says and let the kids deal with it. When the time comes, they might WANT it or it might be desirable and valuable again. Value on this sort of thing does seem to come in cycles.

I really would never sell them for scrap, maybe that's why I've had them soooo long. They are very pretty. If I had to buy sterling this would be the set I would buy. Fairly simple and clean lines. Maybe I will hold onto a little longer. This comes up every 10 years or so and I still have them.

I should do something with a full set of really gaudy bar ware from the 50's. Chartreuse green and gold Gilt. Probably 60 pieces, cordials, low ball, about 5 different types of glassware, same pattern, even 2 decanter/pitcher, punch bowl. Really interesting set but never used.

Probably same maker but different pattern:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Culver-Prado-Green-Gold-Cocktail-Decanter-Stacking-Glass-Cup-Set-/123990651145

Also two sets of China that I can't give away, from same mil. She entertained a lot, wish I could have met her. She died before I met her son.

I just have a lot of stuff I don't use packed in closets and under beds.

Izzy, I love old china and silver. I hope my kids will want mine. I know my daughter would but she has so much already from her in-laws and wedding. The Mad Men TV show brought '50s barware back into style. DD bought her brother on the rocks glasses that were the style used on the show--round, short, with a thick silver rim.

I think I want your gaudy bar ware!!! Actually that's probably easier to sell than the china or silver. Society is weird!

I just finished our large indoor " yard sale" at our local Historical Society. We get so many beautiful items donated each year. They usually come from senior citizens ( as I am) who have children that do not want these things. We have tried to sell beautiful sets of China for as low as $30, but no one buys them. Gorgeous glass serving dishes priced at a dollar or two are overlooked for items that are dishwasher/microwave friendly. It breaks my heart, because I want to buy it all and of course don't need it.

The dealers come early looking for a gem or two. They comment on the beautiful things knowing that they, too, have no market for them. Maybe if we all keep these things long enough the trend will change. Do not expect it anytime soon.

Hi Izzy-

I am crazy for sterling silver, I simply do not understand why people don't like it anymore.

Please do NOT clean or polish it with the aluminum pan method and please do not put it in the dishwasher either.

If you are too exhausted to wash it after a meal with company , just remove off any egg product from the silverware.

Then take your large glass measuring cups the 4 cup size or larger, and just put a couple of drops of gentle dish soap in warm water in the cups, and put the silver ware handle sided up (tines, bowls down) in the glass cups. Put the knives separately, not that they are that sharp, but their blades are stainless.

Then when you are revived a bit later, you can wash them.

As for polishing them, if they need it, sit down in front of Downton Abbey re-reuns or Call the Midwife or whatever is your fancy and use proper silver polish and a soft cotton cloth.

If you use the pieces frequently, you won't need to polish them but rarely.

You can buy those no-tarnish strips to keep in your silver chest or wherever you store the silver to retard tarnish.

Before you sell, please discuss with your children, you never know, they might actually have changed their minds. Or you may have a grandchild that likes that sort of thing.

If you are committed to selling, please don't sell to Replacements, I've heard horror stories.

I don't know what part of the country you live in.

People in the South are still more traditional and are definitely more likely to purchase silver.

Why not reach out to Houzzers here that live in the South now and ask them if they have any ideas where to sell silver, or places you can put ads?

Some Houzzers that immediately come to mind are Anglophilia and Design2 girl.

I put my sterling in the dishwasher regularly.....have since I first got a dishwasher.....about 1970....so 50 years. Yes it has removed some of the oxidation in the pattern on the more often used pieces......but outsdie of that all is fine. Some detergents are kinder than others. The Finish with the dot in the middle of the cube tends to make silver yellow quickly.....must have some sulfur in it. But other kinds work well.
Also mad for sterling.....I have 3 sets......is that sick or what? LOL!

Well, lindac, you were right. I remember when I found the 'Great Silverplate Haul', and you said, "Just wait until you get the sterling bug." I happened to see an ebay auction for a set of sterling which coordinates perfectly with my silverplate pattern. I started buying pieces of the sterling, thinking that until I collect all the pieces, they can mix and match with the silverplate.

I decided (even before the current crisis) to use the sterling every day, because it makes me happy, and it will already be out and clean, if we ever get to have company again. I've made sure my kids know which pattern is which, so they don't put the sterling in the donation box someday (sooner or later).

For several years I had a set of silverplate for every day use, and kept the other pattern--the larger set--for special occasions. Since I have a set of sterling for every day use, maybe I need a set for special occasions, too. ;)