Puttin' on the Ritz with your Silverplate Flatware

I have shared information about my china collection and so it seems fitting to move on to sterling plated flatware. I especially  wanted to share my love for vintage silver plate flatware.  I have several sets that are all very lovely.  When I began collecting china,  I realized my 18/8 stainless just would not do!  It seemed only right that beautiful Staffordshire, Noritake, or Jonathan Haviland Bavaria china should be side by side with flatware as fancy and attractive. 

About 20 years ago  or so I purchased my first set of silver plate flatware at a local home goods store.  It was on clearance, and I remember paying $40 or so for a service for 8 including a hostess serving set.  Bargain!  I learned early on in my marriage that family dinners I would now be hostessing meant really putting on the Ritz.  It was not only welcomed by my guests, but very much appreciated as I set each space with an actual cloth napkin,  beautiful matching dishes, sparkling crystal glasses, candlelight and a festive centerpiece. Beneath my chandelier, my table always looked extra special making my guests feel just the same way.

The pattern here is the Classic Shell pattern.  It has barely been used because I forgot I had it!  It is the first set of silver plate  I ever purchased.

So, just to share a few pictures of the sets of flatware I have in my possession  I decided to write this blog about this charming addition to my vintage collectibles list.
The set featured here is in a baroque pattern, very fussy and shiny like new.  I picture using this set with my Haviland Limoges china with the platinum trim and delicate blue garland flowers!



Each place setting is only 3 pieces..but that is all I need!



I love the fancy detailing and baroque influence of this pattern.

 This set is unnamed, but bears the markings of solid silver.  I love the fancy pattern!
I took the set to a dealer not long after I purchased it to find out the name of the pattern so I could replace some spoons..(service for 10 on everything except for the spoons).  But with no pattern name on any of the pieces and only a couple of markings too small to read I had no idea how to find matching spoons to it.  The dealer used his resources to first tell me that the piece must be solid silver because the "lion" marking and an "AP" marking indicated as such. I was pretty excited..and then he said, with further research, that the "acid" test he did showed I was dealing with silver plate.  Oh well! No matter...it is a lovely set with all the fanciness I liked in sterling silver plate and I was not interested in selling it anyway. He did say that for $50 plus shipping, I did pretty good on this set and should be pleased!  I am a pushover for bling..so I am glad just to have it in my possession!  Notice the shininess of the set?  This came to me in almost new condition with little obvious wear!  I could not be happier even without being able to ID the pattern to replace the lost spoons.



This fancy floral pattern bods well with all of my china!

 It was not much later that I found another set on Craig's List that I decided to purchase.  Fortunately I was able to ID this pattern by the name actually appearing on each piece.  It is called Distinction pattern, and was manufactured by Prestige.  I have never heard of this manufacturer before.  I did a little research and learned it was last manufactured in 1951.  It is very pretty and in good condition. I adore the delicate and romantic floral pattern. This will go great with my Spode Billingsley Rose dishes for a simple but elegant afternoon tea with tiny finger sandwiches and cookies!  I plan to have such an event with my daughter who like me, does love tea!






My "Morningstar" needs a good polishing, but I have the time and the patience. I am certain it will pay off!




The ensuing month I came across this set on Ebay. It is a set manufactured by Oneida and is called Morningstar.  I liked its feminine yet art deco style. It needs some heavy duty polishing and with care to the crevices between the floral pattern. I know it is worth it however, and look forward to sharing this when I entertain, as with all of my silver flatware sets.

I do have a couple of sets of china with 22 kt gold trim and detailing. For those, I have a set of gold  flatware that I love.  It is very plain and I have no picture here to show you. I am happy to serve my guests on my Bretton Woods china (you can find pictures of this in my previous blog) with my gold flatware. So beautiful!

I have one additional set of flatware that I received from my sister.  It came in the original flatware chest and looked like it had never been used!  It is a lovely set of Wm Rogers and the pattern is Lady Doris, and was reportedly manufactured in the '30's.  It is hard to see in the photographs here, but the pattern is enhanced by the curlicue marking at the base of the bowl on the spoons and fork.  this is a set I would be proud to set up with my Noritake occupied Japan china as well as my vintage Homer Laughlin.  It is beautiful but not too fancy so would fit in a more casual setting. 

See?  As shiny and new as though brand new!

It is a delicate pattern and both casual and fancy! 

The thing that I am sharing here with you today is  that if you have silverware, like your fine china, don't keep it hidden.  Pull it out and set the table.  Decorate the table with candle light and beautiful cloth napkins (don't even think of using paper ones) and make it a real holiday for your family. The kids will love it. And if you don't do that...then invite over your lady friends and have a lovely afternoon tea Downton Abbey style! 

An otherwise ordinary family dinner can turn into something special when you are putting on the Ritz with your once hidden silver plate flatware!

                                     

                                                   An Easter brunch or a little girl's birthday table.  Can you think of a better way to jazz up the celebration for that little darling you know and love?

 It is really the latest thing these days and good way to wind down in the late afternoon with those you enjoy having around!  Silver plate flatware- - - another vintage collectible that is meant to be enjoyed!

A lovely afternoon tea table. Notice the lights bounding off of the crystal creating a fancy special