Art Deco Flatware Set
An art deco flatware set brings geometric rhythm to the dining table through silver, enamel, and fitted cases.
Art Deco Flatware Set
An art deco flatware set encompasses canteens, cased teaspoons, grapefruit spoons, seafood picks, and cake forks spanning the 1920s to the 1940s. These services range from intimate sets of six to extensive dining services of over one hundred pieces.
English, Scottish, and French workshops dominate these offerings, alongside notable American makers. Most examples appear housed in original fitted boxes lined with velvet, silk, or leatherette.
Buyers encounter solid sterling silver formations alongside silver plate and silver gilt variations. Enamel detailing frequently appears on handles to provide sharp colour contrast.
How they were made
Silversmiths shaped solid sterling silver and silver plate into clean, geometric silhouettes characteristic of the period. Handles often incorporate applied enamel work, fused directly to the metal base through kiln firing.
Storage containers were constructed using wood frames covered in leatherette or fabric. Interiors feature tailored linings of velvet or silk designed to cradle each individual spoon, fork, or server securely.
Listings feature items from the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s, executed in sterling silver, silver plate, enamel, and velvet.
What varies in quality
The distinction between tiers rests upon the choice of base metal, preferring solid sterling silver over silver plate. Complete matched canteens command greater attention than assembled sets or smaller groupings.
The presence and preservation of original decorative elements such as enamel work elevate an example. Fitted cases featuring intact silk linings and functioning clasps contribute to the overall completeness of the service.
Hamilton & Inches·Suckling Ltd.·Tiffany
The Art Deco Flatware Set Glossary
- Sterling silver
- A silver alloy containing 92.5 percent pure silver by mass, standard for quality cutlery. This metal provides durability alongside a bright, lustrous finish.
- Silver plate
- A base metal coated with a thin layer of pure silver. This technique offered an accessible alternative to solid sterling wares during the period.
- Silver gilt
- Silver coated with a thin layer of gold on the surface. This finish creates a warm, two-tone visual effect particularly common on decorative spoons.
- Canteen
- A fitted box or cabinet designed specifically to store a complete set of cutlery. These containers protect the pieces from tarnish and wear when not in use.
- Seafood pick
- A narrow, specialised utensil utilised for extracting meat from shellfish. These slender implements often appear in matched sets within fitted presentation cases.
Art Deco Flatware Set: Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in a canteen?
A large canteen typically holds a comprehensive assortment of dining implements, including table forks, spoons, and serving pieces. These extensive services catered to formal household dining.
Smaller cased sets focus on specific functions, such as afternoon tea, grapefruit, or dessert.
How do I date these sets?
Hallmarks stamped onto sterling silver pieces indicate the assay office, standard, and year of manufacture. British items feature specific date letters corresponding to the active year.
Stylistic cues such as stepped geometric motifs and enamel accents also point firmly toward the 1920s and 1930s.
Can I use them daily?
Solid sterling silver cutlery handles regular use well, provided hand washing follows each meal. Modern dishwashers expose silver and enamel to harsh detergents and excessive heat.
Enamelled pieces require particular care to prevent chipping against ceramic plates during dining.