Thanksgiving is a time for family gatherings, which often means having to impress your mother-in-law or great aunt by throwing a flawless dinner party. Plenty of people take out their nice dinner plates and silverware to prepare for the occasion. But why do we call it silverware? Are utensils really made out of silver?
Though silverware has become more of a generic term to refer to any flatware—knives, forks, and spoons—these utensils were once made of real silver. Of the three main utensils, knives were created first out of flint or obsidian. Early humans used knives for hunting and cutting meat away from the bone. These primitive knives transitioned to bronze, iron, and finally, steel.
Spoons were initially made of wood or shells attached to wooden handles. Metal spoons were later developed for eating and carrying liquids using the same metal used to make knives of the era.
Two-tined forks were introduced in Roman kitchens, but did not become fashionable until the seventeenth century. Forks were later introduced to England in the early 1600s. These forks were made of iron, but the nobility used silver forks. Silver utensils (aka silverware) remained popular among royalty and the very wealthy until the nineteenth century.
By this time, competition among silverware manufacturers grew competitive and the price of silver bullion decreased. This allowed lower class consumers to buy silverware as well. However, the sale of real silverware has steadily declined since WWII. Meals have become less formal over the decades, and flatware made from stainless steel is much more affordable. Yet, some families still enjoy collecting and using utensils made from sterling silver.
Whether you use true silverware or modern flatware made from steel, we hope you enjoy your holiday season! Enter our giveaway by telling us one thing that you’re thankful for this year. Commenting below will serve as your entry for our November giveaway. But remember to keep it classy; inappropriate comments will be deleted and disqualified. Submit your comment (one comment only please) by November 26, 2017. One winner will be randomly selected on November 27, 2017 to receive an NGC antiqued Red Horse of War round with a grade of MS70 from our Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse series.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
This year I am thankful for God, first and foremost, my family, my job, and my pets!
I am thankful for my wife and our new babies.
Tjankful for family
Veterans day today, I’m thankful for all the men and women that serve in our military.
I am very thankful to have had my parents as my closest friends for over 65 years.
Many lose their parents early in life or move far away from them, never enjoying
them as close friends. Mine were not only parents, but after college and military
service they became my closest adult friends.
Thankful for memories of good times.
I’m thankful for good health and the awesome family I have!
I am thankful for my son wife and family that are in good health and good spirits. For all my friends that made it through the storms.
Thank you.
I am thankful and blessed for all the things that the Lord has bestowed on me and my family. I hope and pray that everyone has a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving.
Im Thankful for everyday.
I am thankful and grateful for good health happiness and I wish to all of you the same….!!!
To health and peace !
I’m thankful for great family and friends! They make the world of difference to me.
I am thankful for my family and that we all may be together for thanksgiving. Some in person, but all in mind and spirit. Happy thanksgiving to all and my you be thankfull in heart and soul.
Thankful for having family home.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to still being able to minister to my Mom during her end stage of Alzheimer’s. If I could be half the woman, mother and wife she is. I could never give back to her all that she’s been to me. I’m more grateful for family then ever before. God has been good.
Im grateful for my family
Don’t be a turkey. Celebrate Thanksgiving with your loved ones and remember to count your blessings.
I like free silver!
I am thankful for my health and happiness because no matter how much money someone has – you can’t buy those. My family and I are very blessed!
I am thankful for the continued good health of myself and my loving family.
I am thankful for my family and good health to enjoy my retirement.
Thankful for having a job even though in retail I will be working thanksgiving day, but most importantly thankful for all my family, friends and my new wife!!
I am thankful for my friends and Family and my dog.
I’m thankful for all the opportunities I have been given in life, and for a loving and supportive family. I feel truly blessed every day.
I’m thankful for My Family and Provident Metals to being hier.
I’m thankful for my family and all that God has provided. I’m thankful for friends and sharing a table with wonderful food and conversation. I’m thankful to be able to participate in this giveaway as well.
Iam thankful I was born a American wore the military uniform respect its values and stand for its flag Iam thankful Iam still here on earth and will love and enjoy everyday as a american for the love of country family and God
I am thankful for being born. Thankful to be able to thank the lord for all he had provided me. Happy Thanksgiving!
Thankful I live in the USA 🙂
Grateful to see yet another year…and for this chance for free silver…thank you!!!