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!
Janelle Vega says
I am grateful for my family, health and waking up and seeing the ones I love everyday <3
Lue says
One thing? There are a few nice things that happened to me this year and yet to happen this year I feel c: However 1 BIG thing is the recovery of my health. Thanks to medicine that increase my stem cells, medicine that kills off bacteria and viruses/infection, and deep-tissue massages. All of these has improved my health which i have been struggling with for many, many, years. I still have a little bit to go but still i am so thankful i will be at %100 perfect health in only a few more months tops c:
Jennette Clouse says
I am truly thankful for my God and Creator! I am thankful for freewill and the ability to make choices knowing that it is God who grants us the ability to think and reason! I am also thankful for my husband – his heart to do want is best for us and others!
dal says
Thankful for my family and how we have stayed together thru trying times. I think God too for the courage
Jonathan Smelko says
I am very Thankful for All of the many Bless I have gotten this Year so far.
Laurie says
I am thankful for my family and how they give me support. They are always there for me when it matters most. This thanksgiving I am exited to see the whole gather so I can thank every one of them.
TedtheRabbi says
I am thankful for God’s supernatural financial systems. You’ve heard, “Ask and you shall receive.” Here is another Word that has blessed me: “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” — Psalm 37:4.
This year I have been blessed to be able to more than quadruple the weight of my coin collection, invest in silver bars and rounds, and open a savings account for the first time in 30 years.
I take delight in the Lord, and this year I am thankful He has taken delight in me.
Mikey B says
I’m thankful for my family and friends both near and far. Waking up each day and having the ability to earn a living and provide for my loved ones. I’m thankful for the time I’ve shared with mans best loyal friend, my best friend, my buddy, our protector. Thankful for all the good people out there, everywhere, helping others, protecting, serving, and just doing good things for others. Thank you all. I’m so thankful for so much that a reply just isn’t enough and I should appreciate even more for what I’m thankful for.
Neil R Wrzesinski says
I’m very thankful to God for all he has given and at times taken. In his wisdom he has cured me of illness that I should have died from on 3 occasions. Its known as Valley Fever and kills most who contract it. He has not only given me life once but four times. He has brought me help in times needed from people to food to money to pay a bill. From places I didn’t even know or know about. I have total faith in him and am thankful he has given me his grace. Through this he has taught me to care for others in need and not judge. He has given me and guided me through parels and trials I would not have survived.
I’m thankful for teaching me to listen with my heart. He always provides and has never let me down. I’m thankful to God for being there for me and I pray some day when needed I will have what it takes to answer his call.
jud schwarz says
I am very fortunate to have what i have. I am in good health. Have great friends. And loads of animals
Jeremy N says
I am thankful for the freedoms we are able to enjoy here in America. We are a blessed nation and need to be reminded of this. May God bless each of us and may God bless the USA!
J C Peterson says
I am thankful for my family being in good health. There is no substitute and I pray for those who suffer with illness.
Mark O says
I’m thankful for freedom.
Bernard klimaszewski says
I’d like thank the U.S. military members for their service. I’m thankful for their commitment and dedication to keeping the USA free and safe.
Mike says
Family, friends and a great country to live in.
Ekela Guerrero says
I thank God everyday for the life he’s given me.
Frank OBannon says
I am thankful to God, that I have been blessed with Family. I am also thankful for the many freedoms, that my Father and countless other veterans have fought and died for.
Walter Thompson says
I am thankful that I get a chance to spend time with my grandchildren . I get a chance to pass on knowlege that was past on to me by my grandparents .
Chris says
I’m thankful to have enough financial freedom to protect some of my savings in silver.
Tommy G. Aguilar says
I am thankful for my family. my wife and kids.
Michael McQueen says
I am thankful for other people’s sympathy and encouragement. My mother passed away recently and it has been harder then I ever could imagine . People have been so helpful and encouraging I am really thankful that. And for people who are going through the same, keep up and stay strong. You will get through it, it will be hard but you will.
Michael
Amanda F says
I am grateful for my amazing supportive husband. I don’t know where I’d be without him in my life.
Richard Lewis says
Hello and happy Thanksgiving to all. I am thankful for a great many things this year, but my no.1 gift is that my brother (Aaron) moved from his home, a 5 hour drive, into my home. He did this at my request and the reason for this is, in 2013 I was in an automobile accident and due to complications I am slowly losing the use of my legs. I love my brother and hopefully will find a way to repay his generous act.
Darrell says
My family & friends
Bobby Morris says
So thankful that we have a President that loves America. Also thankful for Jesus and the grace he provides us.
Kevin Affleck says
Reading the news lately, it seems that most people can’t seem to be thankful for much. They always want more, or find things much easier to complain about than be thankful for. I’m thankful that there are still some of us that can appreciate the little things in life. Everytime my baby girl smiles at me. Having the means to provide healthy food for my family, a small but perfect place to live, and just be thankful for all the sacrifices people have made to make these things possible. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
JRoundy says
I’m thankful for silver!
Roy Wales says
I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and it was confirmed by several doctors but through my church and prayer I was healed we have an awesome God
Robert Ruggiero says
I’m grateful for having my family and my health
Spencer says
I am grateful to be spending this Thanksgiving with our growing family. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️