“Downton Abbey” may have wrapped its final season, but scenes of gloved butlers meticulously placing fine silver flatware on the Crawley mahogany dining table have created renewed interest in sterling silver flatware.

“Now is a great time to buy sterling silver as the prices are conservative,” says Nicholas B. Nicholson, Senior Vice President, Division Head of Furniture & Decorative Arts at Freeman’s. “There is a common misconception that the younger generation does not want sterling silver, but dinner parties and hosting are making a comeback and a sterling silver flatware service is a must have for any proper dining table.”

Today sterling silver adds style and ceremony to any table, regardless of your dinner party rules. Here’s a breakdown of key types and important considerations before you start building or complimenting your collection.

Continental Flatware

The history of flatware is rich in tradition beginning with rudimentary tools that evolved into the art and business of silversmithing. Hallmarking began in England around 1300 and became mandatory in 1363. It established strict standards for the combination of marks required by law to identify the origin and age of silver made in the UK:

-The Standard Mark indicated the purity of the silver
-The City Mark identified the city in which the piece was made
-The Date Letter identified the year in which it was made
-The Duty Mark proved that the duty had been paid
-The Maker’s Mark identified the silversmith who created the piece

Each European country has its unique hallmarks so there are literally thousands of silver hallmarks on record.

Lot 150, John Sutter sterling 12-piece fish set, early 20th century,
Stephenson’s Auction (April 2016), Realized Price: $325

Period European flatware has set records at auction. Of note, The Stephanie de Beauharnais Service, an important German silver and silver-gilt flatware service circa 1830 that sold at Sotheby’s in 2008. The 504-piece service that was engraved with the Baden arms beneath a crown sold for $158,500.

Lot 107, The Stephanie de Beauharnais Service, c. 1830,
Sotheby’s (November 2008), Realized Price: $158,500

Popular European silver companies include Buccellati of Italy, Christofle and Odiot from France, and George Jensen of Denmark. Founded in 1904, silver flatware and decorative items from this noted Danish company are highly sought after, with vintage sets most desirable.

Lot 47, Danish silver “Cactus” pattern flatware service, Gundorph Albertus
for Georg Jensen, c. 1930, Freeman’s (May 18), Estimate: $5,000-7,000

American Flatware

Early American silversmiths were heavily influenced by English and European designs creating two basic styles: the simple, plain designs consistent with Puritanism, and the more elaborate designs of the English patterns, many with nautical references. For example, the gadroon, or decorative edge frequently seen on flatware, is derived from a ship’s rope, and the shell and dolphin are frequently seen in patterns of the period. And like their European counterparts, American silversmiths developed distinct Maker’s Marks that were typically their names or initials.

Hundreds of highly skilled silversmiths were at work in America in the 18th century although few examples of these flatware remain. For example, cutlery by American hero and silversmith Paul Revere of Boston rarely comes to market and commands top dollar as collectors and museums vie for the pieces.

Lot 288, Paul Revere silver spoon, c. 1780s, RR Auction (July 2014), Realized Price: $16,115

As the 19th century progressed, few independent silversmiths remained and large manufacturers took over. Vintage American silver manufacturers from the period frequently found at auction today include:

-Tiffany & Co., Dominick & Haff and Durgin, from New York
-Towle, Reed & Barton, Lunt, Frank Whiting, Watson, Old Newbury, and Frank Smith from Massachusetts
-Gorham, Manchester, and Alvin from Providence
-International, Wallace, and Westmoreland from Connecticut
-Kirk & Son and Steiff from Baltimore

Lot 778, American silver Florentine pattern flatware service,
Tiffany & Co., early 20th century, Sotheby’s (January 2015), Realized Price: $11,250

Buying Considerations

Before starting or adding to a collection, it is wise to spend some time exploring the offerings in upcoming auctions to understand prices, sizes, and patterns.

“Our May sale will include about half a dozen lovely flatware services, ready for everyday use or for formal dinner parties,” adds Nicholson. “The sterling silver flatware sets range in origin from American to English to Danish beginning at a low estimate of $1,000 and others with a high estimate of $12,000.”

Sterling silver flatware can be found in four sizes: luncheon, place, dinner and continental. Each is progressively larger and heavier in silver weight and thus will cost more. Around 1960 many manufacturers shifted to the place and dinner sizes only so you will want to pay attention to which size is being offered, especially if you are adding to an existing collection.

Lot 273, Sterling silver flatware service, 1880, Dominick & Haff, Freeman’s (December 2014),
Realized Price: $2,875

Another distinguishing characteristic is the knife blade that has two styles: the “blunt” or French blade that typically has a bolster and is rounded on the end, and the “modern” blade with its seamless flow from blade to handle.

Lot 52, 81-piece sterling silver part flatware set, c. 1915, Durgin,
Auction Gallery of the Palm Beaches (April 2016), Realized Price: $950

Lot 9023, Alvin sterling silver flatware service for 12, Kaminski Auctions (April 2016),
Realized Price: $950

An effective strategy may be to purchase the basic 5-piece place setting for eight or
twelve, and add as your favorite items come to market. Or, if you are fortunate to have inherited flatware but find pieces were lost or damaged over the years, online auctions can help you pick up the pieces you need.

For example, if Mary Chilton by Towle is your pattern, you could have purchased 120 total pieces including twelve nine-piece place settings and carving set, tea strainer and salt and pepper shakers, then completed your service with serving pieces when they became available.

Lot 2433, Towle “Mary Chilton” sterling silver flatware service for twelve,
Clars Auction Gallery (October 2013), Realized Price: $3,750

Lot 14, 11 pieces of Towle sterling silver flatware, “Mary Chilton” pattern, Eldred’s (August 2010)
Realized Price: $184

Finally, individual style will dictate which pattern you fall in love with – heavy and ornate, embossed or “repousse” with intricate designs, or simple and classic, with or without engraved monogram. Many collectors believe monograms add to the elegance of the flatware as a reflection of past generations when personalized sterling was highly treasured and part of the family legacy.

Setting the Table

How formally you wish to entertain will also inform your purchasing. If you enjoy serving more than three courses, you will need to purchase a larger, more complete silver service.

“A large and complete sterling silver flatware service is not rare to come to market; however, the pattern, maker, date and style are all contributing factors to an item’s rarity and value,” adds Nicholson. “An important and complete set of note is Lot 83 in our May 18 sale. The set includes service for twelve, plus serving pieces, and comes in the original wooden chest purchased from Tiffany & Co. in 1929.”

 

Lot 83, Sterling silver “St. Dunstan” pattern flatware service for 12, 1909,
Albert A. Southwick for Tiffany & Co., Freeman’s (May 18), Estimate: $8,000-12,000

Today’s online auctions provide an incredible selection of estate and vintage sterling silver so collectors of all ages are able to create a personal style that is uniquely their own.

Looking for fine silver flatware to adorn your table? Scoop up spoons, forks, knives, and more silver pieces in upcoming sales including Van Ham Fine Art Auctioneers’ 371 – European Applied Art (May 14), Leonard Joel’s Asian Art, Classic Furniture & Objects (May 15), Freeman’s Silver & Objets de Vertu (May 18), Doyle New York’s English & Continental Furniture & Decorative Arts (May 18), Venduehuis der Notarissen’s Silver (May 26), and more.