Vintage Silver Shop
To see all Silver Magpies items click here.
Unless otherwise stated, every item offered by Silver Magpies is sterling silver (i.e 925). If a piece is not sterling it is clearly labelled. Occasionally I offer pieces of silver-plate and silver items made from other standards of silver ie. 800, 830, 900, 950, etc.
Each item offered has been personally hand inspected, researched and cataloged. Every piece is accompanied to its new home by a curator card recording details of provenance, origin and identity in words and photographs.
In contrast to other dealers, my pieces are never buffed to re-create a mirror-bright shine as Silver Magpies cherishes and celebrates the living finish of silver. Every Silver Magpies piece is carefully hand-polished. Patina, that lovely soft, grey sheen indicative of use and care, is the jewel in the crown of antique and vintage silver’s many charms. Discerning collectors prize patina, and its loss through over-zealous hand or machine polishing is to be lamented.
All photographs and descriptions are © Silver Magpies. All rights reserved.
Shopping, Payment, Wrapping, Shipping, and other FAQ’s
Can I return it?
YES! Sometimes you get something home and it just doesn’t quite fit in how you imagined it. It happens and it’s not a big deal. Not many places selling antique and vintage silver over the internet take returns. I do, because it is natural to want to touch and feel. If you don’t like it – return it.
Is it really what you say it is?
Absolutely! If it’s not what I say it is I’ll refund your money. I’m a silver specialist, I only deal in specific types of silver. Unless I am confident that I know what a piece is it does not go on sale. I live by my reputation.
Tell me about your photographs?
My photos are taken with natural light and are not photoshopped. Digital alterations are a slippery slope in my opinion.
What payment types do you accept?
Silver Magpies uses PayPal.
If you do not have a PayPal account, don’t worry. Paypal has an option that let’s you use a credit card without opening an account. Simply click Buy Now and follow the instructions for using your credit card as a PayPal guest without opening an account.
Even if you do not have a PayPal account you may use any of these credit cards to process a payment. Simply follow the PayPal instruction to use your card.
Do you offer giftwrapping?
Yes, I do. Let me save you another item on your to-do list. Just choose a color combination and add to your bag.
Can you send a purchase made as a gift direct to the recipient?
Absolutely, I’d be happy to save you a step (and a line at the post office!)
- You will need to provide instructions, name, and address in the ‘message to seller’ box during checkout.
- I will package it and and get it out to them asap and send YOU an email confirming it has been done, along with the package tracking information.
- If you need it gift wrapped as well simply purchase the gift wrap option from my store.
What shipping options do you offer?
- Regular shipping -
- Domestic and international packages ship via USPS priority mail.
- As these items are unique and expensive I insure, track and get delivery confirmation on all packages.
- Once payment is received I ship within 48 hours.
- For domestic addresses the USPS states “Delivery within 2 days in most cases.”
- You will receive an email informing you that your package has shipped.
- For international customers I will declare the value of the sale on the customs form. Please do not ask me to list it as a gift. Buyer is responsible for all taxes and/or customs fees.
- Expedited shipping
- If you need it extra, superfast – I forgot the birthday/anniversary/big event is tomorrow – shipping, email me BEFORE you buy, and I’ll do everything I can to help. Contact me.
Is everything you sell real silver?
Each piece is clearly and unambiguously labeled to let you know exactly what standard of silver it is. For example
- sterling/925
- 830
- 800
- American coin silver
On rare occasions I offer a piece in silver-plate, but again it is clearly marked. You will not buy something you think is sterling and then get it home to find it’s silver-plate. I spend too much time breaking this unhappy news to clients who come to me for research and appraisal services for pieces they have purchased elsewhere!
Can you give me some more details about the descriptions of the item’s condition?
- Excellent = only minor signs of use use and care
- Very Good = signs of use and care appropriate to age
- Good = visible blemish, but not anything to affect the function or artistic beauty of the piece.
How do I make a return?
Please contact me within 3 days of receiving the item (the delivery date is listed on the delivery confirmation) that you want to return it. That way I’m expecting it.
- For domestic customers, I do require that it be returned to Silver Magpies via the USPS using the Priority Mail service with insurance and delivery confirmation.
- For International Customers please send it back insured with delivery confirmation.
- Once I get the package and make sure the item is in the same condition as when I sent it to you, I’ll let you know it has arrived safely and issue a refund for 100% of the purchase price (minus shipping charges) to your PayPal account within 3 days.
Do you collect sales tax?
For purchases made by residents of Virginia the 5% State sales tax will be applied at checkout.
I got my package, but it looks like it has been squashed by an elephant?!
Please email me immediately, so I can begin an insurance claim. I will need photographs from you – to provide to the insurer – to prove that the box had been squashed, ripped open, or otherwise maltreated, so keep the packaging!
I have a coupon code where do I enter it?
Enter the code exactly as you received it in the box labelled coupon code and then press apply. Bingo, your coupon will now automatically be applied when paying.
