German Silver and Nickel Silver Types
Occasionally, you may come across jewelry, flatware and other items that are neither Sterling Silver or Silverplate. These may be marketed under or stamped with a variety of names, such as…
German Silver, Nickel Silver, Afghan Silver, Albata, A.L.P., Alpaca, Alpacca, Alpacca Prima, Alpaka, Alpakka, AMS, Argentan, Argentine Plate, Argentium*, Argentum, Austrian Silver, Brasilian Silver, British Plate, Cupro-Nickel, Electrum (not to be confused with a gold/silver alloy of the same name), Insignia Plate, Mexican Silver, Monel, Nevada Silver, Norwegian Silver, Pakfong, Paktong, Pelican Silver, Potosi Silver, Silverite, Sonoran Silver, Spur Silver, Stainless Nickel Silver, Tutenag, Tyrolian Silver, Venetian Silver, Virenium, Virginia Plate, and perhaps other invented names.
* note that there is also a line of Sterling which is sold under the Argentium trademarked brand.
These terms are used for metals which contain no silver, but have a resemblance to silver.
This material was first used in China centuries ago. German and other European countries began producing it later, both as a silver imitation and as a base for silverplate. The metal alloy consists primarily of copper and nickel. In addition, small amounts of zinc or other metals may be included.
You may also come across Nickel Silver which has been given a silver plating (sometimes designated by EPNS, or Electro-Plated Nickel Silver).
Silver items which have been manufactured in the last century or so usually are stamped with a mark to indicate the silver content. Look for the word Sterling or a numeral which indicates the percentage of Silver in the alloy.
On older pieces and pieces produced by artisans, the Silver content may not be marked. The only way to discover the Silver content of unmarked pieces is to do a chemical test. This can be done by a jeweler. Test kits are also available on eBay and from jewelry supply houses.
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