I was going to weight in earlier when I read some of the messages ^^^^ up there to say (which I will say now) that if you could ever possibly think that this seller is trying to infer that these items were solid silver then you are an dolt. It is listed in the silver plate section, it says silver plate in the title, and there is nothing to stop any person from clarifying via messages if they needed to - which is totally unnecessary as if you even read the listing it is patently obvious exactly what the item is.

Something many buyers do not do. But that is NOT the sellers fault. 

I am sorry you have felt bullied OP. I too, in my early days had a very distressing episode on these boards, but I have come back - it took me a long time to do so, and now that I am more assured in my selling ability and experience I don't know if something such as this would have the same effect. Or I am now old enough to be able to press the ignore" button on quite a few nasty people.

I think you have behaved in an exemplary fashion and have done absolutely nothing wrong.

For what it's worth I wouldn't refund the buyer. I'd send him a nice note and let him know that the pieces had been damaged, so if he wished to have them returned to him, then to please forward the postage to have them sent back. Alternatively, you could offer to sell the pieces that are "saleable" and give him what you get for them (less your fees of course) - and let him choose his solution. And no other solution offered!

And good luck 🙂 I have been very impressed with your care for your buyer and I think you're a great seller.