Silverplate flatware has been a popular, and less costly, alternative to sterling silver flatware since the proliferation of electroplating in the 1840s. Developed by Elkington & Co. of Birmingham, England, silverplating techniques were embraced by U.S. manufacturers such as Gorham, Reed & Barton, and Oneida. One of the particular challenges of silverplate flatware, though, is protecting its finish. Through daily use or overly vigorous cleaning, the thin layer of silver on the surface of a knife, fork, or spoon can wear away, exposing the copper base inside.
Interviews & Articles
Janine Skerry Shows Off the Silver Collection at Colonial Williamsburg

My interest in silver started when I was a child. One of my earliest memories was opening either my mother or father’s jewelry box… [more]
The Kalo Shop, a Mecca for Arts and Crafts Sterling Silver

How did I get started collecting Arts and Crafts silver? My wife and I had been collecting Arts and Crafts items as far back as I … [more]
Best of the Web (“Hall of Fame”)
Chicago Silver

Paul Somerson's incredible reference on handwrought metalwork from the American Arts and Crafts movement of the ear… [read review or visit site]
Silver Marks Encyclopedia

An extensive reference guide to silver marks, hallmarks, trademarks and maker's marks found on antique and vintage … [read review or visit site]
Silver at the Victoria and Albert

This is a great reference site on silver, courtesy of the Victoria and Albert Museum. You can view silver items acc… [read review or visit site]
The Gilbert Collection

The late Sir Arthur Gilbert's collection of European silver, gold, enamel, and other items is now housed at the Vic… [read review or visit site]
Delight in Design: Indian Silver for the Raj

“Delight in Design: Indian Silver for the Raj” was the title of a 2008 exhibition at Columbia University’s Mi… [read review or visit site]
TheStieffCompany.com

Scott Perkins is an enthusiastic evangelist for The Stieff Company, a significant Baltimore silversmith and maker o… [read review or visit site]
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