Vintage Silver Flatware
Collecting vintage silver flatware is an obsession over here. I am always keeping an eye out for pieces to add to my growing collection. Single pieces, full sets, mixed and mingled- I love them all. Silver flatware seems to be something that so many folks today don’t appreciate for whatever reason- which means there is almost always some to be found at the thrift stores or on marketplace.
Collecting Vintage Silver Flatware
I am definitely not a pro on collecting. I don’t know which brands to look for or how to tell if a set is valuable just by looking at it. But what I do know is if I love it & need to add it to my collection. I recently scored a bag filled with antique silver flatware with mother of pearl handles. I am not super familiar with collecting pearl handled flatware and didn’t google them ahead of time- but they were also in the 1/2 price day sale so, figured it was a win-win all around.
Most often, I find silver flatware in various single pieces or a set here and there and if I like the pattern or details, and the price of course, I will bring them home.
There are a couple things I look for and a couple things to know if deciding to collect your own silverware.
Tips for Collecting Vintage Silver Flatware
Know what you like: Whether that is singles or full sets, forks, spoons or just knives- there is not right or wrong way to bring home the pieces that you love. And one of the best things about vintage flatware is mingling with other pieces. So if you love the knives, you can mingle those with another set of forks or spoons, etc. and it will all work.
Monograms
I am obsessed with pieces that are monogrammed- they will almost always come home with me. Doesn’t matter if it is our monogram- I love them even so. But I did luck out and find a set with our monogram on marketplace that feels pretty special too.
Look for Silver Marks: You can keep an eye out for silver marks like 925 that tells you it is silver.
Silver or silver plate: they are both different, one is full and one is plated. Both are beautiful and the more common and affordable to find is silver plate. You can tell by using a magnet- if it sticks to the piece it is more likely to be plated.
This bin of knives at the thrift gave me some great pieces with old bakelite handles, a lovely etched pattern and some other unique ones tucked in.
Collectible Or Usable: you don’t want to use flatware that has corrosion or rust for safety reasons. But if you find you enjoy the pattern, you can bring it home and use those for decorative purposes rather than using for dining. Place a collection in a vintage pot for a charming display in the cupboard or turn them into jewelry or napkin rings, etc.
Polish or Tarnish: Often pieces at the thrift stores will be tarnished- I am totally ok with the look and actually really enjoy tarnished silver and the patina it has. That said, polished silver is so darn pretty too. Sometimes, silver plate has been overly polished and it will have a worn finish underneath. If you don’t like seeing that- leave it tarnished since that does hide some of the imperfections.
To remove the tarnish– a popular way that is shared online in several places is to use aluminum foil. I have not personally tried it so cannot vouch for the results or safety. I for one question using salt but that is the recipe for this method.
‘Line a container like a cookie sheet with aluminum foil with the shiny side up, then add boiling water and 1 tbsp each of baking soda, and salt to remove the tarnish from the silver with electrolysis. Wash, rinse, and dry and enjoy.’
Use Everyday or For Special Occasions
In our silverware drawer, we have vintage flatware mingled in. We do use them everyday and love them. They are too pretty to keep tucked away for just a special occasion. But of course, if that is wha you prefer there is no need to use them everyday – just bring them out when you like! The advice if deciding to use your vintage flatware as well is to make sure to use the ones that are in good shape- not the ones that have rust or damage – just like with any other type of flatware.
Mix & Mingle
I love mingling the different patterns on the table when using vintage flatware- so in my opinion, finding a pattern that speaks to me is one I will bring home – whether it is a single or a set.
Something special – recently my mom gave me my grandmother’s and great grandmother’s sets of vintage silver plate. I am absolutely delighted to be able to use these beautiful pieces in my table settings and everyday occasions.
I have my aunt’s (my mother’s oldest sister) william rogers jubilee silver plate flatware. She used it regularly, so some of the spoons were very worn on the bottom. my husband’s business used a plater, so I was able to have her flatware totally re-plated in silver. When my husband’s mother’s sister passed away, she had stacks of silverware dividers. When i got to the bottom, she had jubilee silver plate flatware also. i now have about 25 sets, so i have enjoyed treating teenage girls from our church to “tea.” i have purchased serving pieces on Ebay. she also had a set of oneida craft deluxe stainless textura. I loved that when i was first married in 1966, but couldn’t afford it. now i enjoy that too.