Frequently asked questions

Do you buy sterling silver flatware & hollowware?
Yes, we are recognized as one of the leading buyers of sterling silver flatware and hollowware. We do everything we can to make this process safe, simple, and fast and without any surprises. We pay more for silver because we are a silver matching service and we appreciate patterns that have value beyond the silver weight. Please submit our online form for a quote at www.webuysilverantiquecupboard.com or call us at 1-800-637-4583. If we are interested in purchasing your silver, one of our buyers will usually reply with a quote within 2-3 business days.

Do you have a customer wish list or fill customer “wants”?
Absolutely. If you do not see the piece you are looking for in our store, contact us with your wish list and we will do our best to locate the items on your list. Antique Cupboard is well known by our clients for finding the rarest and most desirable pieces. This is our specialty. Request out of of stock pieces to be added to our want list.

Can you help me identify my silver pattern?
Yes. Click here to use our Sterling silver Trademark Identifier or email us a photo of the front of your handle and the hallmarks and we will be happy to research it for you. Send photos to: [email protected]

How do I contact you?
Call us toll free at 1-800-637-4583. Contact Us

How do I place an order?
Place an order on our website www.antiquecupboard.com, call us toll free at 1-800-637-4583, or email us [email protected]

What is a “Custom Made” or “Made to Order” piece?
Custom made pieces are made from an original piece in your pattern that are not otherwise available or difficult to find on the market, especially in discontinued patterns. Hollow handle items are made from an original handle in your pattern with a new stainless or silverplated implement. Then the piece is hand-finished by a highly skilled silversmith in the USA. All custom orders are made-to-order and usually ship within 5-7 business days. Now that many sterling patterns have been discontinued, custom pieces have become a staple in the sterling silver industry and are widely offered by mainstream sterling flatware dealers.

Why isn’t a Hollow Handle piece marked/stamped in any way? Is it sterling?
Yes, the hollow handle is sterling and a genuine handle in your pattern, even though it is not usually stamped. Hollow handle items were usually not stamped due to their hollow construction. All of our hollow handle pieces are thoroughly inspected and tested prior to shipping and are guaranteed sterling.

How do I return my product?
All Returns or Exchanges must be returned within 30 Days of receipt. Please contact us either by email [email protected] or by phone 1-800-637-4583. Please send all returns with a copy of your receipt and instructions to exchange or refund to:


A. Cupboard
Attn: Returns Dept.
W232 S7530 Big Bend Drive
Big Bend, WI 53103

 

When will my order ship?
Shipments are typically processed within 1-3 business days or 5-7 business days for custom made items. Estimated delivery times will vary based on your location. If you require expedited delivery, please contact us to let us know. Expedited shipping is available at an additional charge.

Am I required to pay sales tax for my Domestic US order?
The United States Supreme Court's recent ruling in South Dakota vs. Wayfair subjects most remote and online retail purchases to sales tax. Due to these new sales tax laws for online purchases, we are required to collect sales tax on orders that are shipped to most states. Sales tax rates are charged based on the zip code that your order is shipped to.

How will my domestic order ship?
Most Continental US orders will ship according to the following:

$1-$399: USPS Ground Advantage
$400-$499: USPS Priority Mail
$500+: UPS (Signature Required)

What payment methods do you accept?
We accept credit cards through our website, Paypal, and credit cards directly by phone 1-800-637-4583.

Will I receive a tracking number?
Yes - Tracking numbers are emailed to you upon shipping. The tracking number is activated when your order is picked up by the carrier.

What countries do you ship to?
We offer International shipping - to over 70 countries worldwide.

Do I have to pay customs tax or other shipping charges on international orders?
Yes. Any additional import duties, customs fees, shipping/handling charges or taxes are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the customer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office, postal office or local FedEx office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to purchasing.

How do I wash and polish my silver?

Washing:

Washing silver immediately after use helps prevent tarnish. Tarnish is caused by sulfides from food, contact with rubber or smoke and gas in the air. If food is left on silver for periods as short as one hour, it can stain sterling. Be especially wary of foods such as mayonnaise, vinegar, and eggs. If you cannot wash your sterling immediately after use, rinse it thoroughly, but do not leave to soak.

Much sterling flatware, (except for knives, two part construction pieces, pieces with wood or bone handles, and early pieces or museum quality items) may be placed in the dishwasher. For best results, remove flatware before the drying cycle and dry throughout with a soft, cotton cloth or use Jet Dry in the drying cycle. When you use the dishwasher for cleaning, use a mild, non-citrus detergent, do not overcrowd the flatware baskets, and take care not to place sterling in direct contact with stainless steel. Do not dry on a high heat cycle. The best care for your silver is to wash and dry as soon as practical after using, either by hand or on a fast cycle in the dishwasher.


If washing by hand, place a rubber mat or dish towel in the bottom of the sink to prevent contact between the silver and any metals that are a part of the sink.

Use a soft cloth, mild detergent, and hot water to clean silver. Avoid all citrus detergents as they can cause rust spots on silver handles and blades. Never use abrasive pads or steel wool to remove debris.

Dry silver immediately after washing with a soft cloth to prevent water spots. Avoid placing silver on hot surfaces such as heating elements, or near open flames.
 

About Knife Blades:
The blades of sterling silver knives are usually made of stainless steel or silverplate. While resistant to most foods or chemicals in the home, blades are subject to pitting under certain conditions. The conditions that most commonly cause pitting are long contact with chloride-containing foods such as salt or salad dressing or soaking in water.

Prolonged soaking (for hours or overnight) in water must be avoided. The "rinse and hold" cycle on an automatic dishwasher is particularly hard on silverware.

Polishing:
For occasional polishing, use a polish that is made for sterling. We recommend Hagerty’s (spray or paste)

Before beginning, wash pieces per recommendations above to clean off any debris.

Dry each piece thoroughly before you begin to polish.

Apply silver polish in a gentle, circular motion, using a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid using "dip" polish and electrolytic cleaners as they contain harsh chemicals. Also we do not recommend the home remedy of baking soda and tin foil.

Always follow manufacturer's instructions.

Wash and dry each piece thoroughly to remove any excess polish. Store in a clean, dry place such as in felt wraps or a chest. See our storage options here


Have other questions?
Contact us today. We are happy to assist with any other questions.