Loading Spinner

Sterling Silver Plates

Sterling plates are a beautiful way to serve hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and more. They also add a decorative flourish to any room, as sterling plates are often prized for their beautiful luster.

Some sterling plates feature detailed engravings that often include complex geometric and floral designs, animal motifs, and monograms. A sterling plate adorned with a picture of a quail or pointing dog may be the perfect addition to a hunting cabin, while an antique English plate with Roccoco finishes adds a formal touch to any dining room. But while many examples of decorative sterling plates exist, sterling plates are traditionally among the least decorated of all sterling objects. They were typically used for transporting the porcelain dishes used for dining.

While 18th and 19th-century examples of sterling plates abound from England, American ones are more difficult to obtain as the cost to produce them was high and the demand low. Fletcher & Gardiner, a silversmith shop based in Philadelphia, is one of the most-esteemed producers from this time period, though there were many excellent creators of sterling plates during this time period.


Quick Facts

  • In 2014, Christie’s sold a set of 12 Tiffany & Co. dessert plates for more than $10,000
  • Kirk & Sons early-American sterling plates are among the most expensive, with sets of 12 worth upwards of $25,000
  • The discovery of the Comstock lode of silver in Nevada in 1859 made the price of silver less expensive and sterling plates accessible to a wider proportion of the population

Recommended Items at Auction

See all items

bp parity badge
DOMINICK & HAFF STERLING CAKE PLATE
Feb 23, 3:00 PM PST
DOMINICK & HAFF STERLING CAKE PLATE
by Midnight Sun Antique Auction
Est: $225- $275
$1604 Bids
6 Sterling George III Chargers, Henry Green, 1796
Feb 19, 11:00 AM EST
6 Sterling George III Chargers, Henry Green, 1796
by Caza Sikes
Est: $3,000- $5,000
$1,5001 Bid
800 silver centre plate with milled and pelleted edge
Feb 14, 5:00 PM CET
800 silver centre plate with milled and pelleted edge
by ArtLaRosa
Est: €350- €99,999
€3501 Bid
800 silver centre plate embossed and engraved with floral motifs with scalloped edge
Feb 14, 5:00 PM CET
800 silver centre plate embossed and engraved with floral motifs with scalloped edge
by ArtLaRosa
Est: €450- €99,999
€4501 Bid
ANTIQUE TIFFANY AND CO STERLING SILVER PLATE 19TH C
Feb 16, 10:00 AM EST
ANTIQUE TIFFANY AND CO STERLING SILVER PLATE 19TH C
by Antique Arena Inc
Est: $100- $150
$501 Bid
GORHAM STERLING SILVER CHARGER Providence, Rhode Island, Early 20th Century Approx. 38.2 troy oz.
Feb 12, 9:30 AM EST
GORHAM STERLING SILVER CHARGER Providence, Rhode Island, Early 20th Century Approx. 38.2 troy oz.
by Sandwich Auction House
Est: $700- $1,000
$3501 Bid
8 Cartier Sterling Silver Bread Plates
Feb 17, 6:00 PM EST
8 Cartier Sterling Silver Bread Plates
by The Auction Barn
Est: $50- $1,000
$501 Bid
The Kalo Shop Sterling Silver Hand Wrought Service Plate
Feb 23, 10:00 AM PST
The Kalo Shop Sterling Silver Hand Wrought Service Plate
by Taylor & Harris
Est: $600- $800
$4500 Bids
Spanish Toledo Solid Silver Wall Hanginging Charger by Majadas 19th century
Feb 23, 10:00 AM PST
Spanish Toledo Solid Silver Wall Hanginging Charger by Majadas 19th century
by Taylor & Harris
Est: $2,000- $2,500
$1,6000 Bids
1976 Sterling Silver U.S. Bicentennial Plate No. 6388/7500 243g
Feb 13, 5:00 PM CST
1976 Sterling Silver U.S. Bicentennial Plate No. 6388/7500 243g
by Gold Standard Auctions
Est: $195- $10,000
$1900 Bids
A HUNGARIAN SILVER SHAPED CIRCULAR PLATE
Feb 19, 10:30 AM GMT
A HUNGARIAN SILVER SHAPED CIRCULAR PLATE
by Dreweatts 1759 Fine Sales
Est: £200- £300
£1800 Bids
After Donatello "Madonna" Silver Plate Roundel
Mar 13, 11:00 AM EDT
After Donatello "Madonna" Silver Plate Roundel
by Auctions at Showplace
Est: $300- $500
$1000 Bids
bp parity badge
Pareja de platos realizados en plata.
Feb 13, 5:30 PM CET
Pareja de platos realizados en plata.
by Arte Subastas Bilbao
Est: €0- €0
€7000 Bids
A LOT OF FOUR LOUIS XV STYLE BELGIAN YPRES SILVER HOLLOW PLATES
Feb 28, 10:00 AM CET
A LOT OF FOUR LOUIS XV STYLE BELGIAN YPRES SILVER HOLLOW PLATES
by Ostantix Auctions
Est: €900- €1,200
€7000 Bids
bp parity badge
Pareja de platos realizados en plata.
Feb 13, 5:30 PM CET
Pareja de platos realizados en plata.
by Arte Subastas Bilbao
Est: €0- €0
€4500 Bids
5 Sterling Silver Serving Articles
Feb 26, 10:00 AM EST
5 Sterling Silver Serving Articles
by Everard Auctions and Appraisals
Est: $1,000- $1,500
$6000 Bids
A SET OF TWELVE MID CENTURY BUCCELLATI PLATES
Feb 14, 1:30 PM PST
A SET OF TWELVE MID CENTURY BUCCELLATI PLATES
by Auction Plus, Inc.
Est: $12,000- $15,000
$10,0000 Bids
800 st silver centerpiece plate
Feb 14, 5:00 PM CET
800 st silver centerpiece plate
by ArtLaRosa
Est: €240- €99,999
€2000 Bids
800 silver centre plate
Feb 14, 5:00 PM CET
800 silver centre plate
by ArtLaRosa
Est: €250- €99,999
€2500 Bids
Small round plate in 800 silver
Feb 14, 5:00 PM CET
Small round plate in 800 silver
by ArtLaRosa
Est: €60- €99,999
€600 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Sterling Silver Plates


ArtLaRosa

ArtLaRosa

Omni Auction Corp

Omni Auction Corp

Dreweatts 1759 Fine Sales

Dreweatts 1759 Fine Sales

Taylor & Harris

Taylor & Harris