Sometimes I have to laugh. Finding something nice is rewarding,

[Paper Roses]

Research is something else. I bought a very blackened silver plated basket yesterday at a sale for $3.00. Marked Derby SP. I know it is plated but dove in with silver polish and it cleaned up beautifully. Now the chore. Research. What is this thing worth?
First thing that came up was an eBay listing. Here is the listing. The poor soul has, I think, made a mistake. The listing itself says, under "composition", 'sterling'. From the description of the mark, identical to mine, I believe it is plate.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230581489883&clk_rvr_id=234059530886

Maybe I am in error on that point but I've spent the day trying to find info on this thing. I am no longer dealing but sometimes cannot resist a nice piece when I see it. It will be a gift for one of my kids.

Mine is slightly larger and of a different motif but the same mark. It is a fun piece, I think it is supposed to tell a story on the 6 panels.

Any idea of a market value for this kind of plated basket? My guess, around $175.00. Too high?

[Vinca]

1. It's been my experience that an unusual or highly decorated piece

of silverplate can bring a good price. $175 sounds a little high without seeing a photo, but it sounds like a great find! You had better luck than I had this weekend, although I did find the weirdest, creepiest, grossest thing in the history of yard sales. My $3 buy was a little handbag that was made of a real frog. The girl who sold it to me said it came from Mexico. The thing was so disgusting I had to have it. LOL. I'm a sick, sick puppy.

[Paper Roses]

2. I think you are right on the price. Never would I ever think of this

high a figure but I am so out of touch it is amazing. When I saw the eBay listing I wondered. Did you read the link? I was under the impression that The Derby SP Co. was all plate. Maybe it was just a goof or perhaps I am wrong.

Frog? That ranks up there with snakeskin, alligator and the like. For some reason, reptile hide makes me shiver.

PS How are you feeling?

[Vinca]

3. The person with the ebay listing seems to think his basket is silver,

but the mark says otherwise. Even if it was silver, his price is foolish (unless it was by a famous maker). Here's my favorite silver mark site by the way. http://www.925-1000.com/ I didn't see Derby listed at all, so they must make just silverplate. I'm feeling great! It's such a relief to have gotten rid of the miserable pain in my right hip. I'm using a cane, but don't expect that to last for long. Yesterday I started filling up the garden planting all kinds of veggies and today I went to my favorite farm stand for tomato and other plants I don't start. The hip replacement is really a new lease on life.

[Paper Roses]

4. Bookmarked the link. Thanks!! n/t