#1 Sterling Silver Forks Buyer Las Vegas & Henderson

History

The use of precious metals as a part of the dining table has become a social custom in ancient times. Only those of wealthy families can use silver spoons, forks, and knives. Although, as time went on, plenty of middle-class families were able to utilize these when dining. This practice was mandated during the Victorian period when table etiquette dictated that the food should not be touched with one’s fingers. Due to silver’s quality to fight off bacteria build-up, it became the key component in utensil production.

Silver forks are the variety of silverware with a lot of types incorporated with different functions that became available to traditional dining tables. It comes with different styles and sizes, like simple forks, salad forks, pastry fork, shrimp fork, cold meat fork, pickle fork, and many more. The first versions of forks originated outside Europe, however, the forks made by Scottish and English silversmiths are highly valuable nowadays. Some are still being sold, but most of them are kept in households all over the globe.

Although the fork originated a long time ago, it is the newest addition to the silverware varieties. Knives were crafted way back prehistoric times which made it the oldest form of cutlery in the table. The design of the knife followed the hand axes which were tools that were commonly used during that time. Next up was the spoon, which emerged during the early civilization. It was made to scoop out liquids. It was not until the eighth or ninth century AD that the fork made its debut to the dinner table. It was believed that somewhere in Persia – now known as Iraq and Iran, was where the fork was crafted.

Byzantine Empire and how forks came to be

In the Byzantine Empire, the influence of using fork reached the west side of the globe. The empire has emphasized what we know now as modern-day turkey. Many European societies did not accept the concept of using a fork since most of their meals do not require use for one. Somehow that concept changed in the 16th century when utilization of fork was introduced to the community.

It was all thanks to Catherine de Medici who had a tour around France for an entire year showing people her belief in the appropriate way of eating food at the dining table. In her demonstration, she showcased different types of cutlery, and this included fork. The forks during those years were designed simply with two prongs which are instruments meant to stab the food.

Since forks were crafted to replace hands and to avoid touching food with fingers, this became the reason why forks come in different sizes. The main purpose of the fork is to pinch food and use it to bring food to the mouth. The utilization of fork was intensified when plague and other widespread diseases infiltrated Europe. People then decided to use a fork to avoid touching the food and this has become a practice and a way to prevent the spread of diseases. The use of forks in dining also elevated table manners.

When the 18th century came, a number of royal and wealthy families purchased numerous sets of silverware for their homes. This was also the time that the modern fork, that we are familiar with today, came about. It was also during this year that a huge amount of silver was used in the production of knives, spoons, and forks thus surfaced the term “silverware” which pertains to utensils made out of silver.

But of course, silverware was then modified into “sterling silver” as mandated by King Edward the 1st. Sterling silver forks are now the common ones that we see. These are not made out of 100 percent silver, but only 92.5 percent silver and 7.5 percent copper and other metals. The composition was designed to help silverware become durable and will not lose luster easily.

The fall of sterling silver fork production

However, the mass production of silver or sterling silver forks and other cutlery decreased in the 19th century. The emergence of technology helped produced a more affordable set that used lesser silver or has switched it to stainless steel. Now, this could only mean that there is a high value for sterling silver forks and other silver cutlery in the antique market. Especially those that were crafted by the English and Scottish silversmiths, those with a stamp of its composition, and where it was made.

Despite the value of it to the antique market, many of the youngsters do not find it worth more than simple dinnerware. Most of the silverware are getting passed on from generation to generation as a family heirloom. While others hold onto it as a treasure, many have chosen to make money out of it instead of stashing it away. Since forks are just one of the silverware that are commonly passed on and inherited, they almost have the same value as all other silverware. The only difference it may hold is the maker of the silver or sterling silver forks.

Before the sell

Before getting all excited about selling your items, there are factors to consider prior to making such decisions.

• First is the sentimental value of the silverware. Knowing that silverware is one of the items that you can hand down to the next generation comfortably because it is durable. You have to make sure that you are 100 percent sure to sell it.
• Next is to make sure that it is made of silver or sterling silver. Marks like “sterling”, “ster”, “925” and “92.5” should be visibly stamped at the back or bottom of your silverware. These marks indicate that your item is really made of sterling silver.
• One more factor is to know the weight of your item. As you know, sterling silver is usually sold and bought per ounce or per gram.
• Another is to check the current market value online. Be smart and don’t let the buyer trick you for selling it cheaply. Surf the internet and check how much your item is worth. Others may give you higher offers especially if those are replacement pieces. This includes the antique value of the silverware.
• Lastly, have a secured and safe transaction. Don’t make transactions to places you are not familiar with and with fewer people. You are making a big decision and your silverware could be holding much value.

All in all, silver forks and sterling silver forks are just one of the many varieties of silverware you may find that holds a good amount of money. But if it is a family heirloom, it is best to wait it out a bit. Besides, silver, like gold, increases its value as time passes by.

 

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sterling_silver#:~:text=The%20sterling%20alloy%20originated%20in,that%20is%20now%20northern%20Germany.&text=Although%20silversmiths%20of%20this%20era,primarily%20worked%20in%20sterling%20silver.

https://dartsilverltd.co.uk/the-history-and-use-of-silver-forks/

https://www.star-telegram.com/news/business/article3840991.html