Italian 3D Artwork with Mark - Designer 3AP

[skywalker1988]

Hey everyone. First time posting here. I read the rules so I am posting this here because I'm not sure if this is sterling silver or not.

I found this piece a while back, and it was very beautiful for sure. The things I know about this piece is that it is made in Italy, and on the bottom left hand corner of the artwork, it has the words ARG .925 on it. I've tested it as well as a store had tested it with magnets, and the magnets did not stick. The entire piece weighs 14 pounds, and measures 28.5 inches wide, and 24 inches tall. On the back, it states "Designer 3.A.P. ORO E ARGENTO, Made in Italy". On the bottom side of the 3D artwork facing the ground, there is a small bubble sort of. Like you can run your finger across it, and feel a little bit of air. I'm hoping that this is sterling silver to be honest. I've tried all kinds of different magnets, and they do not stick to the artwork. I just want to see if it sterling silver or sterling silver plated. Thanks!

(admin edit - see Posting Requirements )

[amena]

The mark arg.925 is no longer legal in Italy. Some time ago you could find the marks
Arg. 1000 arg. 800, arg 900, arg. 925, that meant argentato (plated) 1000... etc.
They were fraudulent brands that could mislead and therefore were prohibited.
The proof of magnete does not prove anything because there are many non-magnetic materials and metals.
Regards
Amena

[DianaGaleM]

I'm no expert on Italian silver, but if I had to guess...

3 is the registration number for the silversmith
AP stands for the Italian province of Ascoli Peceno
ORO E ARGENTO means "gold and silver" in Italian
ARG means 92.5% solid silver (not plate)

[dragonflywink]

Have run across the 'ARG 925' mark on many pieces over the years (as well as 'ARG 800', 'ARG 900' and 'ARG 1000' also mentioned) - flatware, figurines, and framed reliefs like this, some showing visible wear to the plating, none had any great age or bore any proper Italian silver marks. Feel sure that Amena is completely correct in the information posted.

~Cheryl