Over the years I have cleaned thousands of pieces of silver. One thing I can tell you is that there is not a cut and dried rule. 1. If you have completely black silver, wash it is dish detergent,...
Look for old spotted forks turn over to the back and identify any markings. Example: Is it silver-plated or sterling? TOWLE Sterling Does it have a date? 1964. What is the pattern? El Grandee....