Sterling Silver Soup Plates
20th Century Flatware and Serving Pieces
Sterling Silver
20th Century Dinnerware and Flatware Sets
Sterling Silver
Antique 18th Century British George III Silver Chargers and Plates
Sterling Silver
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1930s Hats
20th Century Flatware and Serving Pieces
Sterling Silver
20th Century Flatware and Serving Pieces
Stainless Steel, Sterling Silver
1990s British Corsages
Antique 1840s British Victorian Brooches
Garnet, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
2010s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique 1870s British Holbeinesque Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1960s French Retro Wrist Watches
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1890s British Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique 1820s Unknown George IV Coffee and Tea Sets
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Brooches
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Link Bracelets
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
20th Century Victorian Flatware and Serving Pieces
Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Platinum, Gold
20th Century Flatware and Serving Pieces
Sterling Silver
Recent Sales
Antique Late 19th Century Danish Victorian Serving Bowls and Tureens
Sterling Silver
20th Century Flatware and Serving Pieces
Sterling Silver
French Silver Chargers and Plates
English Dinnerware and Flatware Sets
French Dinnerware and Flatware Sets
Finding the Right Silver, Flatware and Silverplate for You
While early utensils were often shaped from clay, wood or bone, silversmiths later crafted flatware from precious metal. In the 19th century, mass production of electroplated flatware made silver utensils accessible to the middle class. Now, antique and vintage silver, flatware and silver-plate objects for dining and the home are heritage pieces reflecting this history of design.
Silver spoons were so prized in 15th-century England that people would travel with the valuable utensils. Forks in the 17th century were frequently made with steel and likewise only available to the upper class. Silver flatware continued to be produced in small workshops in the 18th century and was a luxury reserved for the elite. When George I came to the throne in 1714, the silver dining service — including plates, dishes, soup tureens, chargers and sauceboats — became all-important.
Innovative manufacturing techniques such as the electroplating process in the 19th century would transform silversmithing with industrialization. Sheffield plate was used from 1750 to 1880 and involved a fusion method to fabricate everything from knife handles to serveware. French industrial chemist Henri de Ruolz discovered a gilding and silver-plating process for metals in 1841, with the silver-like results so celebrated that Napoleon III ordered a 3,000-piece flatware set. The expansion of table service in the Victorian era also led to an increasing number of flatware and serving pieces in a canteen, or cutlery chest, all with specific uses, from toast forks to butter picks.
While affordable metal flatware is widely available today, historic brands including Gorham Manufacturing Company — whose legendary contribution to the history of silver making started in 1831 — and Christofle continue the tradition of silver and silver-plate flatware.
Browse 1stDibs for both antique and contemporary silver, flatware and silver-plate objects in a range of elegant designs to enhance your dining table.