FAIR Buyer Preparation Guide

How to Measure a Weighted Silver Compote Pair for Appraisal

To measure a weighted silver compote pair for appraisal, measure each object separately and send three side-by-side comparisons: overall height, bowl diameter, and foot diameter. FAIR uses those numbers, together with hallmark and photo evidence, to decide whether the file should be quoted as a true pair, a near-matching raised-silver review, or a weighted compote pair-mismatch file.

Measure each compote as its own object before you call the pair a match

Owners often hold two compotes next to each other, decide they look close enough, and then send one combined description. That is exactly where pair-mismatch files start. FAIR needs object-by-object measurements because small differences in height, bowl spread, or foot size often decide whether the two pieces belong in a true-pair review or in a broader mismatch comparison.

Label the objects compote A and compote B before you measure anything.
Do not average the numbers into one pair description or write approximately same size.
Keep each measurement in the same unit for both pieces, ideally inches to the nearest eighth or millimeters when you can read them cleanly.
Measure on a flat surface with the compotes standing naturally as found, not balanced in your hand.

Take height from table surface to the highest fixed point

Height is the first mismatch filter because weighted silver compotes that look similar from above often reveal a different stem height, bowl lift, or rim elevation once measured carefully. FAIR needs the vertical comparison on both objects, especially when one stem leans or one foot has been pushed.

Place a ruler or tape vertically next to compote A and record the full height from the table to the top rim or highest fixed point.
Repeat the same method for compote B without changing the measuring position or unit.
If one compote rocks or leans, note that separately instead of forcing a clean height number as if both stood perfectly level.
Do not include removable liners, fruit, floral foam, or display inserts in the height measurement.

Measure bowl diameter across the widest opening, not the narrow inner well

Bowl diameter is one of the fastest ways to spot a pair mismatch. Two weighted compotes can share similar decoration yet open at different widths because the bowls were made in different sizes or because one is a later mate. FAIR needs the widest usable bowl span, measured straight across the rim, for each piece.

Measure straight across the widest outside edge of the bowl opening from rim to opposite rim.
Do not measure only the inner well or the decorative center if the rim flares outward beyond it.
If the rim is scalloped or shaped, state whether you measured point to point or the broadest practical span.
Record compote A and compote B separately even when the difference seems minor.

Measure foot diameter across the base spread, not just the felt pad or inner ring

On weighted silver, the foot often carries the best mismatch evidence because the visible base spread can differ even when the bowls look close. Owners sometimes measure only the felt pad or the inner support ring, which hides the real dimensional difference. FAIR needs the full foot spread used by the object as it sits on the table.

Turn the compote carefully or use a low angle to measure the full diameter of the foot from one outer edge to the opposite outer edge.
If a felt disc, cork pad, or insert sits inside the foot, do not treat that insert as the foot diameter.
When the foot is oval from damage or pushed out of round, note that instead of pretending the base is perfectly circular.
Photograph the measurement setup if the foot contour is complicated or partly hidden by reinforcement hardware.

Send the numbers as a comparison table, not scattered inside email prose

A short comparison table makes quoting faster and reduces the chance that FAIR has to reconstruct the pair from mixed notes. Pair-mismatch files are usually slowed down by measurement fragments buried across texts, emails, and unlabeled photos. The cleaner your comparison sheet is, the faster FAIR can tell whether the file is a true match or a mismatch review.

Use columns for object label, height, bowl diameter, foot diameter, exact hallmark wording, and condition notes.
Add a final column for pair status using language such as believed exact pair, near-matching, or mismatch suspected.
If one number is uncertain because the rim or foot is damaged, mark it as approximate and explain why.
Keep the comparison table aligned with your photo order so FAIR can match the numbers to the correct compote.

Measurements work best when paired with hallmark and stem evidence

Dimensions alone do not settle every pair question, but they let FAIR quote the work intelligently before deeper review. The strongest packet combines the measurement table with underside marks, weighted wording, monograms, and stem-and-foot construction photos. That combination tells FAIR whether the compotes are likely true mates or whether the file needs mismatch analysis.

Attach underside photos of both compotes and readable close-ups of every hallmark cluster, retailer stamp, and weighted or reinforced phrase.
Include side-by-side photos that show bowl profile, stem shape, and foot contour in one frame.
If one compote has a repair, wobble, or different monogram, note that directly in the same packet as the measurements.
State the intended use clearly: insurance scheduling, estate planning, probate, sale review, donation planning, equitable distribution, or general silver triage.

Ask FAIR for the quote after the pair-comparison packet is complete

The goal of pre-appraisal measuring is not to prove the pair on your own. The goal is to give FAIR enough structured evidence to quote the assignment correctly the first time. When the height, bowl diameter, and foot diameter comparisons are already organized, pair-mismatch files can be scoped with less back-and-forth and fewer assumptions.

Send the measurement comparison table together with the side-by-side pair photos and underside mark photos.
Describe the pieces as a suspected pair, near-matching pair, or possible mismatch instead of forcing certainty where it does not exist.
Do not rely on gross household weight as a substitute for the three core measurements.
If the objects are clearly different in one dimension, say so plainly before requesting the quote.

FAQ

What three measurements does FAIR want for a weighted silver compote pair? FAIR wants overall height, bowl diameter, and foot diameter for each compote measured separately, then shown side by side in one comparison sheet.
Why are height differences important in a compote pair? Because a small height difference can reveal a different stem build, a repair, or a true size mismatch even when the bowls look similar at a glance.
How should I measure bowl diameter on a flared or scalloped rim? Measure the widest practical span across the opening and note the method if the rim shape is irregular. FAIR mainly needs a consistent comparison between compote A and compote B.
Should foot diameter include the felt pad under the base? No. Measure the outer spread of the foot itself, not just the felt pad, cork disc, or inner insert sitting inside the base.
What if one compote rocks or leans while I measure it? Still record the height, but add a note that the piece rocks or leans. That condition difference matters to the quote and should not be hidden.
Do I need calipers to measure a weighted silver compote pair? No. A ruler or tape measure is usually enough if the numbers are readable and consistent. Clear labeling and comparison are more important than specialized tools.
Are measurements enough by themselves to prove a compote pair is original? No. FAIR still needs marks, weighted wording, monograms, and construction photos. The measurements are the first comparison layer, not the whole pair decision.