Where else on earth can you see thousands of individual pieces of sterling silver, with photos and detailed descriptions than right here on eBay? You can find an item by silversmith, pattern name, kind of item or genre. The reputation of the seller is displayed before you. And for the treasure hunter, this is definitely the spot. I am thebidwatcher and I think I know a thing or two about silver!

Hallmarks tell the story!

On the back of each piece of quality silver there are small marks which tell you where it is from, the quality content , when and where it was made. If only men were like this! There are guides on the internet to help you identify them. There are pattern guides too.

How to Read a British Hallmark

• Symbol #1: Maker's Mark (in this case, Tom Olivant)
• Symbol #2: Lion Passant to show Royal control
• Symbol #3: Town Mark (in this case, London)
• Symbol #4: Date Mark (in this case, 1798)
• Symbol #5: Duty Mark used 1794-1894

I lead a discussion group called Sterling Silver Lovers here on eBay and you are welcome to join. We ask each other about hallmarks, rare items, selling and buying silver on eBay. You can even download and look at photos there. I list the resources on the web for identifying marks and patterns there.

Weight is where it's at!

Ask anyone to appraise your piece of silver and the first thing they will do is pick it up and feel it. Too heavy? It is probably silver plate. Too light, it is just not made well. An nice solid piece of sterling is like a good hug. Strong and yummy. And it keeps its value. A great investment! (Not like pogs or actions figures - though they are fun to collect on eBay too so I hear)

Why eBay?

Think about it. It is a world wide treasure chest for every attic, dining room and estate on earth. The selection, by specific item name, cannot be matched. When you buy silver on line, the chances of something not going right are pretty slim. They buyers know what they want and most of the sellers are knowledgeable dealers. If the information on the listing is not specific and accurate, and the terms are not air tight, pass it by and buy elsewhere.

eBay as a Value/Identifier Reference for Silver

I cannot tell you how many times I have sat down to my computer with a piece of silver in my hand with a big question mark floating over my head. With the use of key words and search, I have more often than not been able to identify what a piece is, who made it and what the going price is under completed auctions. As a seller, this tells me where I should be heading in my listings. As a buyer, this tells me what I can expect to pay. Try doing this at a retail store on dry land or at an auction house!

The Secret of Searching for Silver on eBay (SHHHHH!!!)

I was not going to tell you this til you were a little older, but you look like you can handle it so here goes. The problem when searching for anything made of silver on eBay is when the search comes up, you are bombarded with hundreds of listings for little charms made of silver. What to do?? In the search window, when typing in the search words, also type in a minus sign and charms - or whatever item you want omitted from the search. Then *poof* these items will be omitted from the search.

My auctions vary from day to day and I try to find all kinds of silver for filling flatware patterns, as well as special pieces for collectors by variety of item or silversmith. I am particularly fond of rare Canadian silver - but I will only part with it if I have duplicates from my own collection. Yes I am not only a seller but a collector too.

The Case of Fraudulent Indian Trade Silver on eBay - Detective Bidwatcher is on the Case!!!!!

All over eBay right now, sellers, some knowingly, others not, are selling silver artifacts attributed to Canadian silversmiths from the 1700-1800's in Quebec. I bought such a piece (see below), paying hundreds of dollars, only to find out it was FAKE. Notice the Narcisse Roy hallmark and the one in the book? I am now making it my business to educate others about this practise, as the sellers seem to enjoy soaking others for hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars. They use private ID bidding, multiple selling ID's and of course, no refunds. Here I have supplied for you reference for the REAL hallmarks. If your hallmarks do not match exactly - DO NOT BID. Two excellent reference sources I use are John Langdon's CANADIAN SILVERSMITHS, 1700-1900 (very rare book) and National Museum of Canada THE COVENANT CHAIN, Indian Ceremonial and Trade Silver. I have made it my business to become very knowledgeable about this subject. BEFORE bidding on an item, you can e-mail me if you want. Never AFTER, as that is auction interference. *Phew* I feel so much better. Thank you!

Visit me often at thebidwatcher and I will take excellent care of you. You will share my passion for silver when I am done with you!