how can i tell if silverware is actually silver?

steve s asked:

someone recently gave me a set of sliverware, and i would like to know how to tell if its real siver. the knives say stainless on the blade, but none of the other pieces do. i think they may be silver plated. the backs of the pieces say this: 1847 Rogers Bros. then a capitol I S. the i and the s are in squares. any help?

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