is safe to drink from old silver plate cups?

[silversmith_]

Hello

I am interested in collecting old silverplated pieces. But I would like if is safe to drink from silverplated old pieces?

[JLDoggett]

There is no generic answer. It all depends on the condition of the plate and what the silver was plated over. So pieces of plate need to accessed on an item-by-item basis.

[silversmith_]

Thanks for your answer. allow me three questions please:

Would be of help in regard this question to know the maker and the stamps of the item?

In general terms, if no plate loss is seen , would be "safe"?

Is wise using these liquids solutions adding a layer of pure silver to the plated items?

Thanks

[Hose_dk]

cupper is dangdereus because it kreates a green substance when it comes in contact with asis. Could be fruit asid.
This green is poisen.
This is general - and is not related to maker.
Stamps makes no difference. Plate is not loose - in sence that it comes off in use. It is worn off by use and especially polishing. That makes the base material visible.
Plated is a thin layer upon a base material. Nickel silver.
Alpaca and new silver is same material both layer and basematerial. There the question does not excist.
So in general it is not to avoid the plate (layer) to the drink. It is the base material that should be seperated.

I am not talking about the case where an object has a layer of silverwrapping - dont now how to describe this. I have a bowl made with a layer of silver - like the one we use in the kitchen for wrapping food.

Your question 3 unles you are a silversmith - dont try. And as you ask the question I woud say dont try.

[silversmith_]

Thanks for your answers.

1- I asked about if the makers/brand name coud be of importance, regarding if we could know the base metal used, and if this metal is dangerous or not.



2- ¿Then old silverplate cups, dishes etc can be used in any circumstance? for example if no plate wear is seen?

Thanks

[JLDoggett]

In answer to the question of maker:

Most makers have used different base-metals under their plate. At Towle, we plated on brass, copper, nickle, and pot-metal, depending on the item. In a single coffee pot the body would be copper or brass, the spout and handle parts cast in pot-metal with stamped nickle feet. while the silver might be Ok inside the pot, the spout may have, with age, flaked off. While they made a good quality pieces, a lot depends on how they were treated after someone purchased them. While their pot-metal has always been lead free, I am not sure I would want any of the other metals leeching into my beverage.

About copper vessels:

When copper is showing through, a lot depends on how well cleaned the item is. I use a copper bowl to whip egg whites, I know it is well cleaned so there is no problem using it, but I am not putting acidic foods in it. The same with with copper trays (Ok, we used paper doilies between any food and the metal) and copper serving pieces. I would never do the same with pot-metal or nickle.

[silversmith_]

Do you know the type of metals used by Viners Sheffield?

[MCB]

Hello

Oneida International now own Viners and may also own Viners old business records. If so it's possible they will be able to give you the information. Contact details can be found via Google.

Mike