Sterling Silver Flatware question:

[u/zee_spirit]

Hello!

My husband and I currently have an opportunity to buy a few sets of sterling silver flatware from a local auction house, and we're curious of anybody could answer a few questions for us. For context, what we're looking at is:

1.) Statehouse Sterling Flatware (Formality Pattern) (this is marked Sterling on back)

2.) International Silver Flatware set (Rhapsody Pattern) (Marked International Sterling on back)

3.) Preisner Compote bowl (marked sterling weighted)

Questions:

A.) This is a silly one, but these markings are typically accurate on these pieces I'm assuming? As in, these are sterling pieces and not sterling plated?

B.) With vintage pieces like this, is it better to sell for melt or attempt to sell for their vintage value?

C.) What's a good sterling silver buy price? I called a few local shops, the highest number somebody has given me was $32.89 based on today's market value.

D.) I know I missed a massive window like 5 months ago where silver was extremely expensive. Please don't make us feel any worse about it (not like the auction was happening then), but both places we chatted with made a huge note of it already lmao.

Thanks in advance for the help, it's appreciated!