Identification Guides

We have come a long way from eating with our hands to using the variety of silver flatware and serving pieces popular in the late nineteenth century. The fork, knife, and spoon were the earliest forms of silverware, but as time went on all sorts of equipment for serving, heating, and cooking drinks and food were made.

Photo: M.S. Rau

Silver has been a sign of wealth in America since the 1600s. This Victorian napkin ring on a stand with a pepper shaker, salt cellar, and butter plate piece was made by Wilcox Silver Plate Company of Meriden, Connecticut.