Silver Flatware Fitted Case
Antique Early 1900s Russian Russian Empire Dinnerware and Flatware Sets
Silver
Antique 1890s English Victorian Flatware and Serving Pieces
Sterling Silver
Antique 1890s Canadian Egyptian Revival Brooches
Jasper, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 1900s Russian Russian Empire More Silver, Flatware and Sil...
Silver
People Also Browsed
Vintage 1970s Italian Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Antique 18th Century Italian Victorian More Jewelry
18k Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Early 2000s Unknown Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Platinum
1990s Beaded Necklaces
South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
Antique 1870s French Choker Necklaces
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver
Vintage 1960s Lebanese Brooches
Diamond, Gold
Antique 1880s Link Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Vintage 1950s Choker Necklaces
Sapphire, White Gold
Vintage 1960s Choker Necklaces
Antique Late 19th Century Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Gold, Silver
1990s Neckties
Vintage 1960s American Modern Choker Necklaces
1990s Italian Clamper Bracelets
18k Gold, Silver
Vintage 1960s Italian More Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Antique 1860s British Victorian Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Recent Sales
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Vases
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Centerpieces and Tazzas
Agate, Lapis Lazuli, Jade, Onyx, 18k Gold
Antique Late 19th Century English Aesthetic Movement More Silver, Flatwa...
Sterling Silver
Late 20th Century English More Silver, Flatware and Silverplate
Sterling Silver
20th Century English Edwardian More Silver, Flatware and Silverplate
Sterling Silver
20th Century French Art Deco More Silver, Flatware and Silverplate
Silver
20th Century French Art Deco More Silver, Flatware and Silverplate
Silver
20th Century English Edwardian More Silver, Flatware and Silverplate
Sterling Silver
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian More Silver, Flatware and Si...
Agate, Malachite, Sterling Silver
Antique Late 19th Century English High Victorian Flatware and Serving Pi...
Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Figurines and Sculptures
Silver
Vintage 1920s British George V Flatware and Serving Pieces
Sterling Silver
Antique 1870s Russian Russian Revival Dinnerware and Flatware Sets
Sterling Silver
English Dinnerware and Flatware Sets
20th Century American Dinnerware and Flatware Sets
Sterling Silver
English Flatware and Serving Pieces
Antique 1880s French Art Nouveau Flatware and Serving Pieces
18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Jewelry & Watches
Vintage 1960s English Jewelry & Watches
Sterling Silver
Early 20th Century French Edwardian Jewelry & Watches
Sterling Silver
Antique Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau Dinnerware and Flatware Sets
Sterling Silver
Antique Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau Flatware and Serving Pieces
Sterling Silver, 18k Gold
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.