Silverware / Flatware
Brief History of the Knife
It has been mentioned in discussing the spoon, that knives were first fashioned out of stone. The close resemblance of some of them to modern knives indicates that types which are familiar to us were copied from stone predecessors. (Pictured at left: Flint Knife, 3000 B.C.) Following the period when flint and other suitable... »
Ten Steps in Making a Spoon
Silver is an ore – a precious metal. When refined to the degree of absolute purity it is melted into ingots weighing from 500 to 600 ounces. Nine hundred twenty-five parts of this pure or fine silver are alloyed with 75 parts pure copper in order to give it the strength and sturdiness of... »
Brief History of the Spoon
There is plenty of evidence that the people of very early times concentrated along the borders of the sea and large bodies of water. The shores of these waters provided shells which served as natural spoons with which to eat certain types of food. These were available long before man knew how to fashion... »
1893 Columbia – Antique Silverplate Flatware
The 1893 Columbia silverplate flatware pattern was designed and produced by 1847 Rogers Bros. It was specifically designed for the 1893 Chicago Columbian Exposition to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ discovery in 1492. The exposition was actually held one year later than planned. The Columbia pattern features a stylized dolphin wrapped around the... »
1897 Berkshire – Antique Silverplate Flatware
Berkshire, by 1847 Rogers Bros., is a very collectible flatware pattern. The berry and nut spoon, measuring 8 3/4 inches long, was one of the most popular pieces by this silver manufacturer. Many of the serving pieces, such as the cold meat fork and soup ladle, were made in varying sizes. Rogers advertised the... »
1906 Grenoble – Gloria Silverplate Flatware
1906 Grenoble, also commonly known as “Gloria” silverplate flatware pattern was produced by Wm. A. Rogers (now Oneida). This pattern is also known as “Japanese Lily” and was produced by Rogers exclusively for a Boston wholesale firm in the French Gray sterling finish. Below is an ad for Japanese Lily. From the ad shown (right): “Popular... »
Antique Silver Berry and Strawberry Forks
Berry and Strawberry forks were produced for most antique sterling silver and silverplate flatware patterns. Some patterns had 2 tine berry forks and some had 3 tines. The 2 tine forks are often incorrectly identified as hors d’oeurves, oyster, seafood and other types of forks. If you have unsuccessfully searched for berry forks in... »
1948 Remembrance – 100 Years
In 1948, 1847 Rogers Bros./International Silver Co. introduced the Remembrance silverplate pattern to commemorate 100 years of production of its silverplate line. Enormous amounts of Remembrance flatware and holloware (aka hollow ware) were produced in the late 1940s – early 1950s. Just after WWII, thousands of soldiers were getting married and International heavily advertised... »
Frostfire Quantities Dwindle
Retired in 2005, the Frostfire stainless steel flatware pattern was produced for 20+ years by Oneida Community. This simple, yet very elegant pattern features a satin-finish handle, and is among the most popular flatware patterns. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find certain pieces and brand new stock is going fast. If you need... »
Is it Patina or Tarnish?
I’ve seen countless silver descriptions online which include claims that the tarnish on a piece of silver or silverware is actually patina. Tarnish is not patina! Patina is a rich, warm color which forms over time as a result of use and handling. Flatware straight from the factory has a “factory shine” whether it’s sterling... »
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