Testing Silver

Hi,
I was at a house tonight looking at some stuff and there was a silver coloured pitcher. No marks, quite heavy, made by an artisan I'm thinking. The lady wondered if it was silver so she tried the ice cube test and it began to melt as soon as the ice hit the pitcher. I've never heard of the test but apparently if it melts right away it means the object is silver.
Anyone familiar with this test? I wonder if it would do the same with silver plate? Any thoughts on this appreciated.

 

I just tried it for you, sterling and silverplate, side-by-side. They both got the ice cubes melting instantaneously.

 

Thermal conductivity of silver is nearly identical to that of copper

 

And just to prove it wasn't just any shiny metal, I tried a stainless steel saucepan. The ice cube froze to the pan!

 

Thanks bakers and terry! I don't have any ice so I couldn't try it.

 

try your tongue.....you silver tongued devil you....!
bawhahaha!!!!!

 

I have to ask - how reliable is this test? I've always wanted to try it but had no idea what to expect or how to tell if it works?

 

I would say it is not a reliable way to test for silver if it does the same thing when placed on Silver plate and maybe copper. When the lady put the ice cube on the piece it began to melt immediately which was pretty cool to see