Today many people are collecting antique sterling silver household items, especially flatware due to the fact that it is easy to find. Some people started off their collection by getting just a few pieces which they could use for dinner parties or collecting a full set to be used on special occasions. The first thing you need to consider is whether you wish to purchase sterling silver or silver plate. During the 1700 and 1800s setting your table with sterling silver flatware was a sign of wealth in England, Europe, and America. After the invention of electroplating during the last centur, the use of silver plated cutlery was an affordable luxury to the average family household. Certainly silver plated pieces are what you are more likely to find when searching for antique flatware. Sterling silver pieces are much rarer to find and usually have a maker's name or initials on them along with the location where they are made. Another thing you need to consider is what sort of pattern are you going to collect. There are hundreds of patterns and styles as well as many different makers of these items. Instead of collecting only a half set of a particular patterns you can look for ones that you can mix and match. This is one of the best ways of putting together a good quality set of antique flatware and by the end you should have a set that is not only practical but is a pleasant visual experience when arranged on your table.
From the 1870s to about the 1920s the popularity of flatware being used was at its peak. Many makers of flatware would make up to 100 different pieces of a particular pattern. During the Victorian times dining had become a very elaborate affair and usually had eight or more courses being served to the guests. Each dinner began with soup, then salad, then fruit, and then other courses would follow, fish, meat, desert, cheese, and more fruit. So you would find that there were a large variety of forks, knives, and spoons laid out on the table for each course.
As you look around for pieces to add to your collection you might occasionally find pieces that have been repaired. This repair generally does not ruin the appearance but it may reduce its value. IF the item shows slight signs of wear it does not decrease its value. If an item is extremely tarnished you may want to pass up that item. Items that are often highly tarnished will hide signs of damage and imperfections on them and they even may have been altered to make them appear rarer than they are.
For your convenience we have included links to the major categories of this website. You will find here sterling silver;
baby gifts,
ingots,
jewelry, and even
scrap.
