Silverware Care - Victorian Household Tips
The Care of Silverware
As only the few can afford a butler, or a maid whose special duties are the care of the silver tableware, it may interest many readers of this journal to hear of
my labor-saving plan for keeping spoons, forks, ladles, etc., not in constant
service, bright and ready for use.
When the articles are thoroughly washed and wiped dry - dry beyond a suspicion of
dampness - wrap each in tissue-paper or chamois-skin, not letting the spoons or
forks touch one another, and slip them into a clean, dry, self-sealing fruit jar,
and seal until air-tight.
Quart jars will hold teaspoons and short forks. Two quart jars will accommodate
tablespoons, the longer forks and ladles. I have found articles put away in this
manner to remain bright for eight months. The saving of time and trouble that
the method affords when unexpected “company” comes, will be apparent to all.
If one has a number of jars, it is a good idea to label the contents of each to
avoid confusion in getting articles that one wants; for it is seldom that it is
necessary to use all the silver at one time. J.E.J.
Fortunately today we have both new and vintage flatware chests with anti-tarnish linings. I've kept silver flatware tarnish-free in vintage silverware chests for more than a year.
Victorian publications offered incentives for Victorian ladies to acquire silver
flatware with interesting marketing techniques. Here is an offer for a set of 6
silverplated orange spoons in exchange for referring new subscribers to the 1896
magazine in which the ad appeared. For referring 2 subscribers, she would
receive a set of 6 orange spoons by 1847 Rogers Bros., each spoon in a different
pattern, and in a velvet-lined case.
Also offered in exchange for referring new subscribers was a Child's Fairy Set by 1847 Rogers Bros. which consisted of a knife, fork, spoon and napkin ring. This child's set also came in a velvet-lined case.
