Can I put silver cutlery in the dishwasher?

It isn't a good idea. The heat and detergents cause damage over time, especially to older pieces with hollow handles or bone components. Wash them by hand in warm soapy water instead. Dry them straight away with a soft cloth to stop water spots forming on the surface.

My grandmother left us a big box of different spoons and forks but none of the handles match, is that a normal thing?

Harlequin sets are common. People often built up their canteens slowly over generations, adding half a dozen spoons here or a set of forks there as the family grew. Many dealers actually put these mixed sets together on purpose. A table set with different patterns from different makers looks striking and stops a formal dinner setting from feeling stiff.

How often should they be polished?

Use them every day and they'll rarely need polishing. Regular handling stops the tarnish from taking hold in the first place. If they sit in a drawer for months, give them a gentle wipe with a silver cloth before use.

I was trying to figure out what a tiny spoon with a bumpy bowl is used for because it looks too small for tea.

You likely have a caddy spoon or a salt spoon. Caddy spoons have broad, sometimes shell-shaped bowls to scoop dry tea leaves out of a caddy before brewing. Salt spoons are even smaller. They were made to sit inside open salt cellars, allowing diners to sprinkle a tiny pinch of salt over their food. Sifter spoons also turn up with pierced or bumpy bowls. These held sugar and let the fine grains fall through the holes onto fresh fruit.

Home > Silver > Silver Cutlery > Page 5

Antique Silver Cutlery from the 18th Century

← Page 5 of 5 →

Solid silver eating utensils ranging from simple spoons to heavy matched table settings, produced for centuries to furnish dining rooms and display family wealth.