Sterling is almost always marked, usually on the bottom. The lesser grades are also usually marked, .860 was popular. Of course the cheapest was silver plate usually over copper or brass.
Quick test, tap it. If it pings and sort of rings like a bell that's a good sign, if it's more of a clunk it's plate for sure.
Some of those metal ones look pretty cool, if they're inexpensive I'd be interested. Heck, if they're cheap enough I'd save you the work of piecing them together and cleaning them.
Even the crummy ones. My sisters rabbit club is usually looking for trophies for their show and the toppers are cheap.
Steve B
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