I'm writing this because I kind of amazed at how people post items for sale as Sterling Silver when its not.

To make it short and easy, if the utensil isn't marked Sterling, then 99% chance its not... it could have worn off if the piece was used a lot.  Many people new to the Flatware hobby think that the (IS) on the back of the piece means Imperial Silver but it doesn't. And then some people get offended if you try and tell them that what they're selling is not really Sterling. Sterling means that the silver content is at least .925 or 92 1/2 % Pure silver (as most of you know) Most silver from Italy is stamped 925 for this very reason. But this article is about flatware, not jewelry or things like that.

I recall one instance when I had notified the lady, and to cover her butt, she said... "I was told that these were not Sterling, but they havent seen or inspected this set, so they could be wrong"... in other words she was really saying...  "I have been told that these arent Sterling, but I want you to think they are anyway... but I posted this so I don't have to be held accountable". 

An honest mistake is an honest mistake...  it happens... but that was deceitful. 

So if your new to the Sterling game, and your looking at purchasing some pieces by Americn manufacturers... look for Sterling in the picture. If you dont see it, ten ask the seller for a pic, or for a verification... otherwise you'll proably get something other than wht you were bidding on. ... If the piece is English, it will have a lion stamped on it (thats another story....)