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Tableware For Sale
Large Sommerso Murano Glass Vase, Mid-Century Modern
Large Sommerso Murano Glass Vase, Mid-Century Modern

Large Sommerso Murano Glass Vase, Mid-Century Modern

By Murano Glass Sommerso

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Mid-Century Modern large Murano glass vase. Beautiful and rare vase with oval shaped sides and clear glass bottom. The golden glass is striking, especially in the daylight. Large eno...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Art Glass

Handcrafted Six Napkin Rings in Natural Capiz Pearl Shell
Handcrafted Six Napkin Rings in Natural Capiz Pearl Shell

Handcrafted Six Napkin Rings in Natural Capiz Pearl Shell

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Set of six napkin rings in natural capiz pearl in flower shape. Luminous, beautiful pearl shell color. vintage set of 6 flower shaped made of natural semi iridescent capiz shell. Due...

Category

1970s Philippine Bohemian Vintage Tableware

Materials

Shell

Vintage Dessert Set Flatware with 1 Cake Server/ Stainless Steel Bamboo Handles
Vintage Dessert Set Flatware with 1 Cake Server/ Stainless Steel Bamboo Handles

Vintage Dessert Set Flatware with 1 Cake Server/ Stainless Steel Bamboo Handles

Located in Roma, IT

We are pleased to offer for sale a highly decorative vintage dessert flatware set. Made in Italy—confirmed by the Italian engraving "inossidabile," meaning stainless steel—this set ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Materials

Stainless Steel

Soviet Union Russian Silver Plated, Melchior 1970s, Marked, Free Shipping
Soviet Union Russian Silver Plated, Melchior 1970s, Marked, Free Shipping

Soviet Union Russian Silver Plated, Melchior 1970s, Marked, Free Shipping

Located in Sofia, BG

Vintage Russian German silver Melchior set of: 12 forks (six x two different ornaments) Six (Two dessert or cake and four tea ) spoons Three knives Four soup spoons ( one is differen...

Category

1970s Russian Empire Vintage Tableware

Materials

Silver Plate

Marlborough by Reed & Barton Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 47 Pcs Dinner
Marlborough by Reed & Barton Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 47 Pcs Dinner

Marlborough by Reed & Barton Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 47 Pcs Dinner

By Reed & Barton

Located in Big Bend, WI

Marlborough by Reed & Barton dinner size sterling silver flatware set, 47 pieces. This set includes: Eight dinner size knives, 9 5/8". Eight dinner size forks, 7 3/4". Eight salad f...

Category

Mid-20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Royal Danish by International Sterling Silver Flatware Set 8 Service Dinner 67pc
Royal Danish by International Sterling Silver Flatware Set 8 Service Dinner 67pc

Royal Danish by International Sterling Silver Flatware Set 8 Service Dinner 67pc

By International Silver

Located in Big Bend, WI

Eight dinner size knives, 9 3/4" Eight dinner size forks, 7 3/4" Eight salad forks, 6 3/8" Eight teaspoons, 6 1/8" Eight hollow handle butter spreaders all-sterling, 6" Eight cocktai...

Category

1940s Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Colonial by Tiffany Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 179 Pcs Fitted Chest
Colonial by Tiffany Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 179 Pcs Fitted Chest

Colonial by Tiffany Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 179 Pcs Fitted Chest

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in Big Bend, WI

The pattern Colonial was introduced in 1895 but did not get patent until 1896. This contradicts the mark, as the dies were made with the anticipated patent date, and when it happened later than expected the expense to change it was too high. The pattern was discontinued in 1913. It was designed by Paulding Franham and was plain in comparison to his later designs. The handle is bordered by four bands which form a scroll with leaf, but the back is not an identical pattern, but similar. George Paulding Farnham (1859-1927) was born in New York City. His aunt married Charles T Cook, who assumed presidency of Tiffany after the death of Charles L Tiffany in 1902. Farnham attended Tiffany school and was trained by Edward C Moore and Charles Gosjean. He stayed with Tiffany and eventually became a board member in 1888 and in 1893 was appointed chief designer and head of jewelry later also assuming the role of artistic director of the silver department as well. His flatware designs were similar to jewelry designs, very ornate, elaborate, and in "beaux arts" tradition. He created six full sterling lines for Tiffany during his time, before leaving Tiffany in 1908. Outstanding COLONIAL BY TIFFANY & CO. sterling silver Flatware set in large vintage Tiffany fitted chest...

Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Moorish-Style Silver Plate on Copper Ewers, 19th Century Africa
Moorish-Style Silver Plate on Copper Ewers, 19th Century Africa

Moorish-Style Silver Plate on Copper Ewers, 19th Century Africa

Located in Queens, NY

2 Middle Eastern Moorish-style (19/20th Century) silver plate on copper ewers (pitcher) with etched design (PRICED EACH)

Category

19th Century African Moorish Antique Tableware

Materials

Copper

Lady Hilton by Westmorland Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 8 Service 53 Pcs New
Lady Hilton by Westmorland Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 8 Service 53 Pcs New

Lady Hilton by Westmorland Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 8 Service 53 Pcs New

By Westmorland

Located in Big Bend, WI

Unused Lady Hilton by Westmorland sterling silver flatware set, 53 pieces. This set includes: 8 Knives w/ modern stainless blades, 9 1/8" 8 Forks, 7 1/4" 8 Salad Forks, 6 1/8" ...

Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

French First Empire Silver Coffee Pot, 1810
French First Empire Silver Coffee Pot, 1810

French First Empire Silver Coffee Pot, 1810

Located in Torino, IT

A very good quality French Empire Egyptian taste 950/°°° silver coffee pot, Paris 1819. Oviform body supported on three claw feet ornamented wit...

Category

19th Century French Antique Tableware

Materials

Silver

Set of Four George III Salt Cellars Made in London by Peter Podio, 1799
Set of Four George III Salt Cellars Made in London by Peter Podio, 1799

Set of Four George III Salt Cellars Made in London by Peter Podio, 1799

Located in London, GB

A very unusual set of four George III Salt Cellars made in London in 1799 by Peter Podio. The Salt Cellars stand on a square pedestal foot which rises to a boat shaped body, with re...

Category

18th Century English George III Antique Tableware

Materials

Silver

Continental Silver Cruet Set Centerpiece with Glass Bottles
Continental Silver Cruet Set Centerpiece with Glass Bottles

Continental Silver Cruet Set Centerpiece with Glass Bottles

Located in New York, NY

Continental silver cruet set with blue glass bottles standing on 4 clawed feet, with exquisite geometric decorations throughout. The angel figure on t...

Category

19th Century German Antique Tableware

Materials

Silver

Dervishes Porcelain Dinner Plate by Vito Nesta for Les-Ottomans
Dervishes Porcelain Dinner Plate by Vito Nesta for Les-Ottomans

Dervishes Porcelain Dinner Plate by Vito Nesta for Les-Ottomans

By Vito Nesta

Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT

Contemporary dinner plate 'Dervishes' designed by Vito Nesta for Les-Ottomans, a magical trip in an ottoman world made of exotic animals and characters such as dervishes, dancers, so...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Other Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Set of 10 Antique English Copeland Spode Hand Painted Fruit Plates
Set of 10 Antique English Copeland Spode Hand Painted Fruit Plates

Set of 10 Antique English Copeland Spode Hand Painted Fruit Plates

By Copeland Spode

Located in Lambertville, NJ

An opulent set of 10 hand painted 9 inch diameter plates, England Circa 1900-1910. These plates with hand painted centers of fruit design with broad gold encrusted borders, Marked Co...

Category

Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Scandinavian modern rosewood tray with fish motif for Intarsia, Denmark 1960s
Scandinavian modern rosewood tray with fish motif for Intarsia, Denmark 1960s

Scandinavian modern rosewood tray with fish motif for Intarsia, Denmark 1960s

Located in Amsterdam, NL

Round rosewood tray, produced by Intarsia, Denmark, 1960s. Rosewood veneer with inlaid oak veneer fish motifs. Two trays available and both are in good condition with normal wear. P...

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Tableware

Materials

Wood

Emile Gallé for St. Clement, Nancy, 15 Antique Plates in Hand-Painted Faience
Emile Gallé for St. Clement, Nancy, 15 Antique Plates in Hand-Painted Faience

Emile Gallé for St. Clement, Nancy, 15 Antique Plates in Hand-Painted Faience

Located in København, Copenhagen

Emile Gallé for St. Clement, Nancy. 15 antique plates in hand-painted faience. 1870s / 80s. Measure: Diameter: 23.5 cm. In very good condition. All plates with small peels along ...

Category

1870s French Antique Tableware

Materials

Faience

Seletti "Kintsugi" Tray in Porcelain
Seletti "Kintsugi" Tray in Porcelain

Seletti "Kintsugi" Tray in Porcelain

By Seletti

Located in Doral, FL

From its very first year in 1964, Seletti in Cicognara, Mantova, has followed its principle of professionality service and constant research to strive for betterness innovation and o...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

French Modernist Brass Tray "HOLE Pattern" in Style of Mathieu Matégot, 1970s
French Modernist Brass Tray "HOLE Pattern" in Style of Mathieu Matégot, 1970s

French Modernist Brass Tray "HOLE Pattern" in Style of Mathieu Matégot, 1970s

By Mathieu Matégot

Located in Kirchlengern, DE

Metal tray. In style of Mathieu Matégot. Origin: France, 1970s. This original vintage tray element was produced in the 1970s in France. It was made of a wooden white lacquered ro...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Materials

Metal, Brass

Silver Sculpture by R&B Sterling Silver Flatware Set 12 Service 84 Pieces Modern
Silver Sculpture by R&B Sterling Silver Flatware Set 12 Service 84 Pieces Modern

Silver Sculpture by R&B Sterling Silver Flatware Set 12 Service 84 Pieces Modern

By Reed & Barton

Located in Big Bend, WI

Designer of the pattern Silver Sculpture, Robert H. Ramp describes his inspiration for this pattern (Modernism in American Silver Book).... "...Even though it was named Silver Sculp...

Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Royal Worcester Porcelain Tableware, 87
Royal Worcester Porcelain Tableware, 87

Royal Worcester Porcelain Tableware, 87

By Royal Worcester

Located in Astoria, NY

Royal Worcester Porcelain Tableware Set, in rose Howard pattern, with gilt rim, comprising: (14) fourteen dinner plates, (15) fifteen teacups, (13) seventeen saucers, (4) four, small...

Category

Late 20th Century British Modern Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Dorothy Thorpe design Sterling Silver Rim Glass Salad Plates set of 10
Vintage Dorothy Thorpe design Sterling Silver Rim Glass Salad Plates set of 10

Vintage Dorothy Thorpe design Sterling Silver Rim Glass Salad Plates set of 10

By Dorothy Thorpe

Located in Las Vegas, NV

A set of 10 Dorothy Thorpe design 8in salad or desert plates with a 1/2in sterling silver banded edge. These show some pre-owned use but still very presentable.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Materials

Glass

Antique Sterling Silver Trefid Rat Tail Pattern Spoons
Antique Sterling Silver Trefid Rat Tail Pattern Spoons

Antique Sterling Silver Trefid Rat Tail Pattern Spoons

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

An exceptional, fine and impressive pair of antique James II sterling silver Trefid Rat Tail pattern spoons; an addition to our silver cutlery collection. ...

Category

1680s British James II Antique Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Pair of Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Heart Shaped Leaf Nut Dish
Pair of Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Heart Shaped Leaf Nut Dish

Pair of Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Heart Shaped Leaf Nut Dish

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in Pasadena, TX

This pair of sterling sliver heart shaped leaves are made by Tiffany & Co. They are stamped Sterling on the verso.. These are called nut dishes. Each weighs 36.80g.

Category

20th Century American Modern Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Scandinavian Modern Set of Eight Napkin Rings or Holders, Gusums Bruk -1985
Scandinavian Modern Set of Eight Napkin Rings or Holders, Gusums Bruk -1985

Scandinavian Modern Set of Eight Napkin Rings or Holders, Gusums Bruk -1985

By Gusums Bruk

Located in Örebro, SE

Scandinavian Modern set of eight napkin rings or holders, Gusums Bruk -1985. Good vintage condition, wear and patina consistent with age and use. Brass patina, scratches.

Category

1980s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Brass

Rare Tiffany Japanese Sterling Silver Asparagus Tongs
Rare Tiffany Japanese Sterling Silver Asparagus Tongs

Rare Tiffany Japanese Sterling Silver Asparagus Tongs

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in New York, NY

Rare Japanese sterling silver asparagus tongs. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1875. U-form; terminals with low-relief stylized ornament: Perched birds, flowers, and cattails. ...

Category

Late 19th Century American Japonisme Antique Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Mushroom Handpainted in Italy Dinner Plate
Mushroom Handpainted in Italy Dinner Plate

Mushroom Handpainted in Italy Dinner Plate

By Bertrando Di Renzo

Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT

Italian craftsmanship meets Les-Ottomans in this beautifiul mushroom collection of handpainted plates The charme of the woods on your table in a unique and special collection create...

Category

2010s Italian Tableware

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Villeroy & Boch Rosette Teapot  Porcelain Teapot with Flowers
Vintage Villeroy & Boch Rosette Teapot  Porcelain Teapot with Flowers

Vintage Villeroy & Boch Rosette Teapot Porcelain Teapot with Flowers

By Villeroy & Boch

Located in Bastogne, BE

Villeroy and Boch rosette porcelain teapot. Manufactured in Germany. This Beautiful Romantic Teapot with Pink and Blue Flowers will Create a Special Atmosphere Coloring Long Ev...

Category

1990s German Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Les Cinq Fleurs by Reed and Barton Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 60 pcs
Les Cinq Fleurs by Reed and Barton Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 60 pcs

Les Cinq Fleurs by Reed and Barton Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 60 pcs

By Reed & Barton

Located in Big Bend, WI

Les Cinq Fleurs by Reed and Barton sterling silver flatware set, 60 pieces. This set includes: 12 knives, 8 7/8", 12 forks, 7 1/4", 12 salad forks, 6 1/4", 12 teaspoons, 5 7/8",...

Category

Early 20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Abalone shell salt & pepper shakers with tray, Alpaca Mexico, 1970s
Abalone shell salt & pepper shakers with tray, Alpaca Mexico, 1970s

Abalone shell salt & pepper shakers with tray, Alpaca Mexico, 1970s

Located in BARCELONA, ES

Superb salt & pepper shakers with tray designed and produced in Mexico during the 1970's. This artisanal set with abalone mother-of-pearl and alpaca, is a true work of art. A bea...

Category

1970s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Shell, Abalone, Alpaca

Silver Tongs by Bugatti, Italy, 1970s
Silver Tongs by Bugatti, Italy, 1970s

Silver Tongs by Bugatti, Italy, 1970s

Located in Roma, IT

Silver tongs realized by Argenterie Bugatti, Italy, in 1970s. Engraved signature on handle. Weight: 0.063 Kg Very good condition.

Category

1970s German Vintage Tableware

Materials

Silver

White Ceramic Butterfly Motif Napkin Rings, Set of 4
White Ceramic Butterfly Motif Napkin Rings, Set of 4

White Ceramic Butterfly Motif Napkin Rings, Set of 4

Located in Oklahoma City, OK

A set of four ceramic butterfly motif napkin rings. Fabulous for a spring table setting. Unsigned. Measures: 2.75" tall 2" wide 1" deep.

Category

20th Century American American Classical Tableware

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage French Haviland Limoges Dessert Set of 36
Vintage French Haviland Limoges Dessert Set of 36

Vintage French Haviland Limoges Dessert Set of 36

By Theodore Haviland

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

This exquisite 36-piece dessert and tea service from the legendary Haviland & Co. of Limoges is a masterclass in late 19th-century French porcelain artistry. A quintessential example...

Category

Late 19th Century French Art Deco Antique Tableware

Materials

Gold Leaf

Bead Round by Carrs Sterling Silver Flatware Set Dinner for 12 Service 63 Pieces
Bead Round by Carrs Sterling Silver Flatware Set Dinner for 12 Service 63 Pieces

Bead Round by Carrs Sterling Silver Flatware Set Dinner for 12 Service 63 Pieces

By Carrs

Located in Big Bend, WI

Beautiful Bead - Round by Carrs Sterling Silver Flatware set in vintage storage chest - 63 pieces. This set includes: 12 Dinner Knives, 9 3/4" 12 Dinner Forks, 7 3/4" 12 Salad / Des...

Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

20th Century Gabriella Crespi Decorative Box in Brass and Plexiglass '70s
20th Century Gabriella Crespi Decorative Box in Brass and Plexiglass '70s

20th Century Gabriella Crespi Decorative Box in Brass and Plexiglass '70s

By Gabriella Crespi

Located in Turin, Turin

Born in 1922, Gabriella Crespi studies architecture at the Politecnico in Milan, where her work is permeated by her perspective on Le Corbusier’s and Frank Lloyd Wright’s design expe...

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Brass

Legras, France, Cabarat Cigogne Liqueur Set in Green Mouth-Blown Art Glass
Legras, France, Cabarat Cigogne Liqueur Set in Green Mouth-Blown Art Glass

Legras, France, Cabarat Cigogne Liqueur Set in Green Mouth-Blown Art Glass

Located in København, Copenhagen

Legras, France. Cabarat Cigogne liqueur set in green mouth-blown art glass with hand-painted flowers. Approx. 1900. Consisting of a carafe, serving tray and four glasses. The car...

Category

Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Tableware

Materials

Art Glass

Coastal Bone China Shell Motif Napkin Rings, Set of 4
Coastal Bone China Shell Motif Napkin Rings, Set of 4

Coastal Bone China Shell Motif Napkin Rings, Set of 4

Located in Oklahoma City, OK

A fabulous pair of vintage bone china napkin rings. Glazed in cream, each ring features a ceramic shell atop. Dimensions of each napkin ring: 2...

Category

20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Tableware

Materials

Ceramic

1970s Modern Teak Pepper Mill Grinder
1970s Modern Teak Pepper Mill Grinder

1970s Modern Teak Pepper Mill Grinder

By Dansk

Located in Chula Vista, CA

AMBIANIC presents Modern Design Teak Wood Peppermill Grinder Aluminum Cap 4.75 H x 1.75 in diameter Original Preowned unrestored Condition Refer to images please.

Category

Late 20th Century Scandinavian Modern Tableware

Materials

Aluminum

Mid-Century Handcrafted “Tree Ring” Ceramic Service Signed Eloise, 1961 — 21 set
Mid-Century Handcrafted “Tree Ring” Ceramic Service Signed Eloise, 1961 — 21 set

Mid-Century Handcrafted “Tree Ring” Ceramic Service Signed Eloise, 1961 — 21 set

Located in Northport, MI

Unique hand-crafted mid-century ceramic service signed Eloise, 1961. Each piece features an organic, sculptural “tree ring” design with rich moss-green and amber glazes that mimic n...

Category

1960s Vintage Tableware

Materials

Ceramic

Diamond by Reed and Barton Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 51 pieces Modern
Diamond by Reed and Barton Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 51 pieces Modern

Diamond by Reed and Barton Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 51 pieces Modern

By Reed & Barton

Located in Big Bend, WI

This pattern was designed by internationally renowned Italian architect and designer Gio Ponti and introduced by Reed & Barton in the year 1958. It has a wonderful Mid-Century Modern Design. This is our best selling Mid Century Modern flatware...

Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Buttercup by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 12 Service 64 Pieces
Buttercup by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 12 Service 64 Pieces

Buttercup by Gorham Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 12 Service 64 Pieces

By Gorham

Located in Big Bend, WI

Intricately carved floral motifs carefully arranged along the handle and by the neck of this fanciful pattern are balanced by a slender central panel edged with delicate borders. Introduced in 1899, the graceful clusters of buttercups adorning each piece are reminiscent of hand-sewn Venetian lace and bring to mind the romance of nuptials. This sentimental pattern is equally at home in casual and formal settings, and will enhance everyday dining as well as add a festive touch to special occasions. Buttercup by Gorham sterling silver Flatware set...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Paul Storr English Victorian Sterling Silver Tray Chased 21" #122 '#6481'
Paul Storr English Victorian Sterling Silver Tray Chased 21" #122 '#6481'

Paul Storr English Victorian Sterling Silver Tray Chased 21" #122 '#6481'

By Paul Storr

Located in Big Bend, WI

Paul Storr Extraordinary Paul Storr English Victorian sterling silver round tray engraved #122. This tray was made in London circa 1837. This piece features a detailed chased coat...

Category

20th Century Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique George IV (1827) Sterling Silver Gilt Grape Shears
Antique George IV (1827) Sterling Silver Gilt Grape Shears

Antique George IV (1827) Sterling Silver Gilt Grape Shears

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

An exceptional, fine and impressive pair of antique George IV English sterling silver gilt grape shears - boxed; an addition to our silver flatware collection. This exceptional pair of antique cast sterling silver gilt grape shears has a hinged scissor action. The handles of these antique silver grape scissors are embellished with intertwining fruiting vine ornamentation, accented with grape clusters and foliage. The fingerpieces are ornamented with details reproducing the features of the natural vine. The circular hinged portion is surmounted with a lobed rosette design. The grape shears are fitted with plain and unembellished blades, with a rounded outer edge. These exceptional examples of 19th century silverware retain the original gilding. These impressive sterling silver grape shears are fitted to the original hinged leatherette presentation box, with a velvet and satin lined interior, securing with a push fit catch. The interior of the box bears the retailer's mark 'Reid & Sons, Diamond Merchants, By Appointment to the Late Queen Victorian, Newcastle upon Tyne'. These exceptional antique George IV grape shears are the finest of their type you could hope to acquire. The initials within the maker's marks, in addition to the standardisation of the surround could pertain to a multitude of antique silversmiths; these silversmiths include William Eaton, Esterbrook and Eley II. Condition These antique boxed grape scissors are a superior gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional condition. The cast decoration is all very sharp and the gilding is in excellent condition; this indicates the pieces have seen little to no use. Full hallmarks struck across the interior of the blades are very clear; the hallmarks are struck deeply due to the exceptional gauge of silver. Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of these exceptional antique grape scissors...

Category

1820s British George IV Antique Tableware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique and Vintage Tableware

While it isn’t always top of mind for some, antique and vintage tableware can enhance even the most informal meal. It has been an intimate part of how we’ve interacted with our food for millennia.

Tableware has played a basic but important role in everyday life. Ancient Egyptians used spoons (which are classified as flatware) made of ivory and wood, while Greeks and Romans, who gathered for banquets involving big meals and entertainment, ate with forks and knives. At the beginning of the 17th century, however, forks were still uncommon in American homes. Over time, tableware has thankfully evolved and today includes increasingly valuable implements.

Tableware refers to the tools people use to set the table, including serving pieces, dinner plates and more. It encompasses everything from the intricate and elaborate to the austere and functional, yet are all what industrial product designer Jasper Morrison might call “Super Normal” — anonymous objects that are too useful to be considered banal.

There are four general categories of tableware — serveware, dinnerware, drinkware and, lastly, flatware, which is commonly referred to as silverware or cutlery. Serveware includes serving bowls, platters, gravy boats, casserole pans and ladles. Most tableware is practical, but it can also be decorative. And decorative objects count as tableware too. Even though they don’t fit squarely into one of the four categories, vases, statues and floral arrangements are traditional centerpieces.

Drinkware appropriately refers to the vessels we use for our beverages — mugs, cups and glasses. There is a good deal of variety that falls under this broad term. For example, your cheerful home bar or mid-century modern bar cart might be outfitted with a full range of vintage barware, which might include pilsner glasses and tumblers. Specialty cocktails are often served in these custom glasses, but they’re still a type of drinkware.

Every meal should be special — even if you’re using earthenware or stoneware for a casual lunch — but perhaps you’re hosting a dinner party to mark a specific event. The right high-quality tableware can bring a touch of luxury to your cuisine. Young couples, for example, traditionally add “fine china,” or porcelain, to their wedding registry as a commemoration of their union and likely wouldn’t turn down exquisite silver made by Tiffany & Co. or Georg Jensen.

It’s important to remember, however, that when you’re setting the dining room table to have fun with it. Just as you might mix and match your dining chairs, don’t be afraid to mix new and old or high and low with your tableware. On 1stDibs, find an extraordinary range of vintage and antique tableware to help elevate your meal as well as the mood and atmosphere of your entire dining room.