No matter whether you call it flatware, cutlery, or silverware, one thing we can agree on is that it's all gorgeous. No? If you are starting an antique flatware collection {or are already in the deep end with your antique silver obsession} here is a small guide to antique silver flatware.
There are so many interesting and fun pieces to collect! Antique silver is never boring. Each has it's own job to do....but is very happy to be used in multiple ways these days!
REAL SILVER.
Every single piece of "silver" flatware contains some percentage of silver. Sterling, coin silver, silver plated and hotel silver...all of them have some silver.
TYPES OF SILVER:
STERLING: Sterling pieces are required to be at least 92.5% silver and are easy to recognize by their marking of 925 or higher or the word "sterling" stamped into the piece.
COIN SILVER: The oldest kind of American silver, coin silver should be at least 90% silver. American colonist melted down European coins to re-cast into serving pieces and flatware, because they did not want to use British imported silver. Coin silver pieces are typically heavier than sterling, and often have the word "coin" stamped on the back or side.
HOTEL SILVER: Meant to endure service in a hotel or restaurant, hotel silver is made by layering a thick coat of silver over copper or brass. Hotel silver usually has some pitting from use, and a slightly mat appearance that sterling, coin or plated silver.
SILVER PLATE: Made by an electroplating process developed in the 19th century, silver plated flatware has all the beauty of sterling, but at a much more attractive price point. The base is usually nickel, then plated with a thin layer of pure silver. Knives made before the 1920's will have a plated blade, also. After that date, the blade will be stainless steel, which keeps the blade from rusting.
I was thrilled to be quoted in this month's Southern Lady magazine about Silver Bride's Baskets. I hope you will enjoy the article if you subscribe to Southern Lady, I can't wait to see the issue!
HOW TO CLEAN AND POLISH YOUR HEIRLOOM SILVER >
SHOP SILVER- Begin your antique silver collection>
A BIENTOT
Shop for the best in French Antiques, furniture with the patina of age, vintage accessories to delight you and your family & friends, and French Country utilitarian pieces. Treasures that make your home fresh, beautiful, inspirational and uniquely yours. Visit our shop FrenchGardenHouse.com
21 comments
Jason, I suggest you contact a local antique shop and ask them if they know of any dealers that specialize in silver. {Or, you may want to list it yourself on one of the online market places like etsy or ebay.}
Where should I try to sell all of my antique silver (and, plated silver cutlery) we have forks, spoons, knives, big and small some are stamped “silver plate” some say"silver" and some other’s say “Rogers”, others have a maker’s mark and all are from England and France and Germany I think. It’s all from the 1800’s .
Hi, what grades of silver-plated tableware are there?
Candi, that is such a clever idea!! Thank you for sharing this with us.
Lidy, how I use strawberries with the gigots. I’ve found a small bamboo pick/fork at the Asian market that I break off to shorten and then put it in the gigot and tighten it so the prong can go in the strawberry. They make the most beautiful dipped strawberries.
Gloria, they are beautiful! And I agree, they will add beauty to anything you serve. Thank you so much, I hope they see many beautiful heartwarming gatherings at your home. xo
Lidy,I knew I was going to buy the citrus spoons as soon as I saw them.
I love silver spoons and that is a such great set that will add to any thing I serve.
You have such a wonderful collection of silver, pieces I never see anywhere else!
Oh you sound like a huge silver lover Candi! I too love the more unusual pieces, they are the ones that sell quickest here at our FrenchGardenHouse shop. Using the gigots for lamp chops and strawberries? perfect. Wishing you a joy filled week, friend. xo
Thank you Jane. I hope that you are well with your precious family. We won’t be having company for Easter either, but I’ve told my family there is nothing that says we can’t celebrate Easter later. :) Wishing you beautiful and peace filled days, friend. xo
These are the most beautiful pieces of silver-plate I’ve seen. Heirloom-not something I’ve come upon, and I’m always looking. I’m sure its out of my budget but one can dream!
I’ll be looking at your tips on cleaning. I won’t be having company for Easter but I’ll polish enough for my husband and I.
Stay well, Lidy.
Jane ?