Reference Articles
10 Tips for Collecting and Buying Silverware
“How can I tell if my flatware is sterling or silverplated?” This is the most frequently-asked question at SilverCollect.com. If it doesn’t have the word “sterling”, then it most likely is not sterling silver. The word “sterling” is found on American silver dating after 1860. Early American silver is very rare and was usually marked... »
How to Detect Modified Sterling and Silverplate Flatware
A number of modified flatware pieces regularly appear for sale on the internet at both auction and fixed-price web sites. A modified flatware item is a commonly-found piece which has been altered to make it appear to be a more valuable, rare or collectible piece. A large number of modifications occur with collectible or... »
Dining Etiquette – European vs. American Dining Style
Did you know that there is a distinct difference between European and American dining styles and etiquette? Watch this short video to learn the proper etiquette for each style. »
How Flatware Is Made
Watch the flatware manufacturing process in this short video. Related Posts: Brief History of the Spoon Brief History of the Fork Brief History of the Knife »
1893 World’s Fair Silverplate Souvenir Spoons
The Leonard Mfg. Co. in Chicago offered Victorian ladies great deals on sets of silver souvenir spoons commemorating the 1893 World’s Fair. In 1895, a set of 6 souvenir spoons was offered for 99 cents. The original price on a set of 6 was $9.00. With the purchase of 6 sets at 99 cents... »
The Most Popular 1847 Rogers Bros. Patterns in 1896
According to 1847 Rogers Bros., its most popular silverplate flatware patterns in 1896 were Vesta, Shell and Etruscan, as shown in the antique ad below. The 9 inch knife as shown in the ad was only available in the Shell pattern. Patterns from left to right: Shell Teaspoon and Dessert Spoon. Vesta Teaspoon and Dessert... »
Victorian Figural Napkin Rings
Figural napkin rings originated in the United States and were produced for children of the Victorian era. Victorian children were provided with fun and interesting utensils and silver tableware made just for them. Most 19th century silverware manufacturers produced figural napkin rings which often featured animals and children at play. Shown at left is a... »
Stainless Flatware – Replacing the Family Silver?
For hundreds of years, families have treasured the silver flatware passed down from Mom or Grandma. There is a relative newcomer catching up and on its way to becoming one of America’s favorite family heirlooms. This new family heirloom is the stainless steel flatware set your mother or grandmother passed down to you. Just as... »
Antique Silver Tea Ball Infuser
The silver tea ball was very popular in American homes, particularly in the late 19th century. Competition among silver manufacturers and silversmiths was fierce as each attempted to outdo the others with the most attractive and fanciful shapes. Left: Antique Gorham sterling silver tea ball infuser in the shape of a tea pot. The teapot... »
Antique Silver Bride’s Basket
What is it and what is it for? What is commonly referred to today as a bride’s basket was originally called a berry dish and used for fruit. Other names used to describe these silver and glass items were fruit baskets and fruit bowls. Those without overhead handles were fruit stands. The term “bride’s basket”... »
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