So, a silver service set from the 1940’s might be worth something???
Not only for melt value, but the actual collector value depending on who made it and how complete it is.
If it is rare or desirable, it could have a higher collector value than melt value, or the value of the metals after you melt it into ingots.
If it isn’t collectible or rare, it’s worth at least the weight of the silver in it.
I’d have it appraised.