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How to Identify Unusual Flatware Shapes

During the 18th and 19th centuries, formal dining became increasingly central to the lives of well-to-do families. Thus, whether in silver or in plate, the basic flatware services of knives, forks and spoons were frequently complemented by a proliferation of other items whose specialist functions can seem obscure from a 21st century standpoint. Here are some steps towards picking out and identifying these items.

Instructions

- 1
  Look through spoons for examples with a raised ledge on one side. These are mustache spoons, designed to stop soup and sauces from getting in the facial hair of fine Victorian gentlemen. Silver examples are very collectible. Another spoon-like object you might come across is the marrow scoop, dating from a time when a bone roasted in pepper was a savory treat. With a narrow, elongated bowl at either end, these graceful items are now sometimes used for ice-cream.
- 2
  Inspect serving implements for unusual shapes. Asparagus tongs look like large, sturdy sugar-nips and are extremely sought after. Watch out for fish slices and forks--the same size as a cake slice but often decorated with scales and fins. Another collectible item is the Stilton scoop, a trowel-shaped implement on the end on a long, slender handle.
- 3
  Browse for flatware relating to the eating of dessert or fruit such as apple corers--which have a distinctive curved blade--and grape scissors, for snipping individual portions from a bunch. Later Victorian examples are easy to spot as it was customary to decorate such items with elaborate embossed fruit patterns.

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