C.J. Vander 994-Piece Silver Flatware Service
By C.J. Vander
Located in New Orleans, LA
Pristine and immense in its breadth, this 994-piece silver set, created by the renowned C.J. Vander of London, is in a class of its own. When silver was the coinage of Great Britain, silver flatware sets became affirmations of economic prosperity and affluence. Only the most prestigious families could afford a set of twelve place settings. This complete Vander service comprised of almost 1,000 grapevine pattern pieces, with service for 60 people for a seated meal and service for 82 people for a buffet, was a monumental commission. All of the pieces are held in a remarkable seven-drawer velvet inlaid mahogany case, emphasizing the grandeur of this exceptional set.
Vander created silver masterpieces using the time-honored traditions, now incredibly rare. Known for their elaborate designs and intricate engravings, Vander was one of the last remaining English flatware makers to employ the age-old method of hand forging flatware, where each piece of silver starts out as an ingot and is formed by a silversmith using a Hammer. After the pieces were forged, they would be hammered flat, polished, chased and decorated, and then polished again, all by hand. Though time-consuming, such craftsmanship ensured a product that was superior in every possible way. It was this firm's steadfast commitment to quality that made them the favorite of both royalty and nobility alike throughout Europe.
Over 117 pounds of weighable silver, this 994-piece set includes:
82 table forks
82 soup spoons
82 table knives with stainless steel blades
82 dessert forks
82 dessert spoons
82 dessert/cheese knives with stainless steel blades
82 tea spoons
60 fish forks
60 fish knives
60 coffee spoons
60 pastry forks
60 grapefruit spoons
60 butter knives
37 table serving spoon...
Category
20th Century English C.J. Vander Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass