Antique Flatware Patterns

Background

Many people are discovering the enjoyment of collecting and adding antique flatware to their entertaining and decorating. Antique flatware patterns are a reflection of the time in which the pattern was designed. Simple times called for simple flatware designs with more opulent designs introduced during more economically-successful times.

Evolution of Antique Flatware Patterns

Over the years patterns have evolved from simple initials to heavily embossed florals and then back to simpler styles with nature motives such as shells and flowers.

Mystery Inscriptions

Traditionally, flatware inscriptions in America have been extremely functional – engraved initials, family names, with piercing to sift out the lumps in the sugar or as a strainer to let the vegetable juices flow off. For nine years starting in 1893, Reed & Barton made mystery inscriptions in pierced silver pieces by hiding words like macaroni and teaspoon in the piercings.

Key Historical English Patterns

Starting in the early 1700s, the Wavy End or Dog Nose pattern came into favor. Travelers would carry their own knife, fork and spoon because the country inns usually didn't have guest tableware. The fork only had three tines and the stem of the spoon or fork had an engraved crest.

The Old English pattern became popular starting in 1770 and was copied by many American manufacturers. A typical set, or canteen as they were called, contained twelve each of table forks, tablespoon, teaspoon, dessert forks and dessert spoon.

The King and Queen patterns were introduced in the early nineteenth century. The King pattern with shells and scrolls became the most popular pattern over the last 150 years. It has been copied by many American manufacturers including Tiffany. The Queen pattern combines a floral stem and handle motif.

Elaborate patterns and full table settings became popular at the end of the nineteenth century. The flatware also became heavier when prosperity in England resulted in more elegant entertaining.

Beautiful pieces of eighteenth and nineteenth century English antique flatware patterns can still be purchased today for very reasonable prices.

Key Historical United States Patterns

Many collectors prefer to collect flatware from the larger United States manufacturers like Gorham, Wallace, Rogers and Son and Towle because the patterns are reminiscent of the patterns of their parents and grandparents.

The oldest sterling silver pattern produced in the United States is Repousse by Kirk Stieff. Its all-over floral design has been produced since 1828 in Maryland, but it is considered Southern Silver.

The most popular silverware pattern is Grand Baroque by Wallace, a very ornate, heavy pattern with intricate scroll work and piercing. It was designed by William Warran and introduced in 1941.

Other long-standing, popular patterns in the United States are:

• Chantilly by Gorham – First introduced in 1895, this pattern has a symmetrical fan plume design.
• Strasbourg by Gorham – This scroll work, plume design pattern was first produced around 1897.
• Buttercup by Gorham – This is one of Gorham's most popular patterns. It was introduced in 1899.
• Fairfax by Gorham – Durgin Silver first produced this pattern of understated elegance around 1900. Durgin was later acquired by Gorham Silver.
• Francis I by Reed and Barton – This Renaissance-Baroque style pattern was first released in 1907 and is the most popular pattern ever produced by Reed and Barton.
• Etruscan by Gorham – This Greco-Roman revival pattern was released in 1913 and features a symmetrical design that includes a Greek key.
• King Richard by Towle – This classic King’s pattern, designed in 1932, is a very popular heirloom pattern.

Identifying a Pattern

If you don't know the name of the pattern of a particular piece of antique flatware, you can search for the name using a trademark identifier. After answering a few simple questions about marks on the flatware, you will know the pattern and manufacturer.

Value

Like antique furniture, antique flatware will continue to appreciate in value while it is used. With careful cleaning and storage, antique silver will just become more beautiful with age. Estimates of value can be found in reference publications and through online encyclopedias and flatware dealers such as:

• Antique Cupboard
• The Sterling Shop

Where to Purchase

• Antique stores
• Antique shows
• Antique and collectible auctions
• Online auctions such as eBay
• Antique Cupboard
• The Sterling Shop
• Estate sales and garage sales