A regular visitor to auctions or antiques shows, will almost inevitably encounter a silver flatware set, often a partial set and sometimes complete. Occasionally, the flatware set will still have its original case. A simple comparison between early and later flatware sets indicates how the ritual of dining became more complex with the addition of a variety of different serving pieces, forks, knives and spoons (think marrow spoons and asparagus servers) and table decorations. Silver continues to hold its appeal and makes an interesting subject for collecting, areas for collecting include napkin rings, salt and pepper pots, flatware, serving pieces and the list goes on. The fun of collecting silver is discovering different designs, unusual objects or even adding pieces in a particular pattern to your collection. With our more informal lifestyle and living spaces, most silver pieces only make an appearance at special occasions or on holiday tables. However you use your silver, collecting silver means you can quickly accumulate a substantial number of pieces.
A silver and gilt St. Dunstan pattern flatware service. Designer: Tiffany & Co. New York. Ca.1909. Sold at Christies, New York, Sale 1247, lot 65, 18 June 2003.
Jens Quistgaard (Danish, Copenhagen 1919–2008 Vordingborg) Manufacturer: Dansk International Designs Ltd. Date: post WWII Medium: Sterling silver. The Metropolitan Museum, New York.
Napkin Ring. Artist Maker: Barnard-Edward, John and William, London (made), Date: 1873-1874. Victoria & Albert Museum, London.