Reference Articles
The 1847 Rogers Girl
From 1899 until 1909, International Silver used a girl’s head with bonnet in advertising campaigns. In 1909 Advertising Manager, William G. Snow, developed his idea of using a full-size, real model costumed in 1847 attire. The 1847 Girl toured the country advertising silverware, and appeared in vaudeville theaters, jewelry stores and events where she... »
eBay Sellers: How to Ship a Vintage Flatware Chest
We frequently get customers who have purchased something at eBay but did not receive the item in expected condition due to either negligent descriptions or negligent shipping/packaging practices. Sometimes they've purchased from a fraudulent seller and never received anything. Often eBay sellers are inexperienced with shipping vintage flatware sets, and other collectible items, resulting in... »
Viande or Grille Flatware Sets
Inspired by a 1920s design by Finnish architect and designer, Eliel Saarinen, the viande or grille flatware set was born. Viande is a French word for meat. The term used to describe the style evolved into Grille which is a variation of the French term for cooked on a grill or broiled. Another term... »
More on 1936 Coronation Silverplate Flatware
Previously, we posted a couple of entries about 1936 Coronation silverplate flatware and holloware. We’ve been asked to provide a bit more info on the flatware, particularly those pieces produced in addition to the regular place setting pieces. Below is a 1946 advertisement showing some of the pieces in production at that time. Flatware pieces... »
Brief History of the Fork
While knives and spoons have such a venerable record that they cannot be attributed to any one place or time of origin, the introduction of the fork can be more definitely traced. The design of the fork is very ancient. Large forks are referred to as having been found in the remains of early... »
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... »
Antique Silver Baby Rattles
Baby antique silver is gaining popularity among collectors. Antique baby spoons have long been a favorite and there is increasing interest of late for antique silver baby rattles and bib holders. Baby rattles often had bells and whistles, and many were animal shapes. Left: Baby rattle with sterling silver grey finish mounting, bells, pearl handle. Right:... »
Antique Pickle Castor Faux Pas
Ralph and Terry Kovel mistakenly reported on May 5, 2006 that the pictured Homan Silver Plate pickle castor sold for $1,650 at Pansy’s Elegant Glass. The article, Unusual Design of Pickle Dish Adds to Market Value, has been reprinted in various newspapers, under various titles, over the past week through King Features Syndicate.... »
Updates by Email
Updates by RSS
