Read the marks without guessing
Photograph every legible mark on the back or underside of a piece. Keep the image alongside any transcription supplied by the seller. A maker’s mark, a pattern reference and a material indication answer different questions. If the composition or attribution affects the purchase, seek a competent interpretation rather than relying on the appearance of the surface.
Inspect the areas that receive wear
Look closely at fork tips, spoon bowls, edges and the points where a handle meets another component. Ask about repairs and differences in finish across a group. Bright polishing does not demonstrate that the plating is intact. Request diffuse-light photographs that make worn areas easier to compare.
Keep identification separate from use
For regular table service, assess handling and maintenance as well as decorative appeal. A restaurant should confirm that the pieces and care routine suit the intended use. Keep a reference record for replacements, including function, dimensions and pattern details. “Silver plate” is a material description, not a complete specification for matching an existing service.
For the next part of your selection, read French faience: examining marks, glaze and condition.
For a related collection, explore French silver-plated cutlery at French Country.