American Directoire by Lunt Sterling Silver Flatware Set 12 Service 77 Pieces

Founded in the early 20th century, Lunt Silversmiths became a celebrated domestic designer and producer of flatware, hollowware, serveware and giftware for generations, remaining in Lunt family hands for more than 100 years. It was the oldest continuously operating family-owned silver company in the United States.

Lunt Silversmiths was incorporated in Greenfield, Massachusetts, in 1902 as Rogers, Lunt & Bowlen Company. The firm succeeded A. F. Towle & Son Co. — later Towle Silversmiths — purchasing its tools, machinery, trademarks and goodwill. Lunt was originally managed by George E. Rogers, president and major investor; George Colby Lunt, treasurer and general manager; and William Caldwell Bowlen, vice president and supervisor of manufacturing until his retirement in 1929. George C. Lunt and William C. Bowlen were both qualified members of the staff of the defunct Towle's factory.

On April 4, 1912, the founders of Rogers, Lunt & Bowlen Company registered the manufacturer’s trademark at the federal level. In 1935 the company name was shortened to Lunt Silversmiths. In 1957 Lunt Silversmiths acquired King Silver Co. and its subsidiary Richard Dimes Company of South Boston, MA.

Lunt Silversmiths had in its inventory a wide array of flatware patterns such as Alexandra, American Directoire, Modern Victorian, Belle Meade, Carillon, Charles II, Chased Classic, Chatelaine, Colonial Manor, William and Mary, Contrast, Delacourt and many more. The United States government chose Lunt’s Embassy Scroll pattern (1981) as its official tableware in all U.S. embassies and consulates around the world.

In late 2009 Lunt sold its brand and inventory to Reed & Barton. The following year all remaining manufacturing and inventory assets at the Greenfield factory were sold at auction.

Find antique Lunt sterling silver flatware and other furnishings and decorative objects on 1stDibs.

(Biography provided by Schear Brothers)