it all depeneds on what the markings on the silverplate say, epns = electroplate nickel silver, ep = electroplate could be any base metal under the plate.
my yard pays brass for any non magnetic ep items unless i know it is copper then they cut it to see for themselves what it is.
other things to look for that mean nickel silver are; german silver, and alpacca. depending on where stuff comes from.
nickel silver is a nickel-copper-zink alloy, it will look like a white metal it was originally made to immitate real silver.
as far as picking them up from the thrift store, i would drop a buck on forks, and another on spoons, weigh them out and see if you would make a profit at brass prices. i would bet that spoons weigh more.
some old silver plate forks, knifes and spoons are highly collectable and worth far more than scrap as long as they are in good condition.
rogers brothers utensils that have the patern name on them are usually (not always) collectable. ebay and replacements.com will give you an indication of value.
if i could buy them at 10 cent a piece i would live at the thrift store, i like my local goodwill but they are getting pricy.
hope this helps
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