Silverplate Bamboo Flatware
Antique 1890s Chinese Barware
Silver
Antique Late 19th Century French Vases
Bronze
Antique Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Vases
Bronze, Enamel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Pitchers and Decanters
Silver
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Diamond, Emerald, Malachite, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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Diamond, 22k Gold
Late 20th Century European Contemporary Wrist Watches
Vermeil
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Baroque Drop Earrings
Coral, Pearl, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Gold Plate, Silver, 18k Gold
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Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Desk Accessories
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Rose Gold
20th Century Pitchers and Decanters
Silver
Antique Late 18th Century British George III Pitchers and Decanters
Silver, Sterling Silver
Mid-20th Century French Retro Retro Bracelets
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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Vintage 1980s Italian Barware
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British Candleholders and Candelabra
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Sterling Silver
20th Century Dinnerware and Flatware Sets
Sterling Silver
20th Century Dinnerware and Flatware Sets
Sterling Silver
Vintage 1940s Unknown Flatware and Serving Pieces
Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1960s Thai Artisan More Silver, Flatware and Silverplate
Silver
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Sterling Silver
Vintage 1980s French Sheffield and Silverplate
Stainless Steel
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Sterling Silver
Mid-20th Century English Sheffield and Silverplate
Gold Plate, Stainless Steel
Finding the Right silver-flatware-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.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Silverplate flatware isn't worth much because it doesn't retain much resale value.