yes it is valuable
sterling silver is 92.5 % pure silver
it is what the nice silverware is made of
silver in old us coins is 90%
the other part is usually copper or something to make it wear longer
just watch out for things being sold as "silver plate" "sterling silver plate"
that is just a fine coating of silver that weighs nothing
"german silver" has no silver at all
that is what they called the cheap silver colored forks, spoons etc in the old days
a hint if you find old silverware with a name on it it will usually say
"sterling silver" or be stamped 92.5
look on ebay–if a fork/ spoon is priced by the each at $20 and up-its sterling
if its priced $20 per set –its plated or stainless steel
be aware that candlestick holders are sometimes "weighted" sterling silver
which means it is sterling silver but the bottom is filled with plaster to keep it from tipping over
always look , sometimes you find a bargain