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!
I am thankful for having a good job that allows me to provide for my family.
Thankful for retirement, I retired this year………. 🙂
I am thankful that I have family to spend holidays with that I have all my brothers and sisters still alive also that l have good enough health that I can use the gym 5 days a week, I’m grateful for the roof over my head and my wonderful business that I own.
I’m Thankful for Provident Metals. Keep up the great work guys!
There were 3 newborns in my family this year.iI am thankful they are all perfect and healthy.
I am thankful that as Americans, even with all her problems, we live in the greatest country ever.!
My years have been ruff but God is looking after me. I’m divorced and living the best life that I can with his help. So with the help of God I am blessed and thankful that he has taking over my life.
I am thankful I learned the difference between real money, gold and silver, versus fiat currency. Every bankster on earth knows that monopoly money will one day be worth more than printed dollars.
I’m thankful for God’s blessings in the form of our new home, wonderful career opportunity and good health.
Thankful for the sacrifice that our Lord and savior Jesus Christ endured for our salvation.
I am thankfull for Life and all I got in this world!! Bad things and good things because the bad ones make us learn, conscience, and stronger; and the good ones give us pleasure and peace of mind!!! “Happy Thanks Giving everybody!!!”
I am thankful for liberty.
I am so thankful for the continuing health of my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren as well as my husband and myself. Life continues to be a grand Adventure!
Provident metals (ROCKS)
I am thankful to be free from addiction and to have serenity in my mind and gratefulness in my heart again. I am grateful I can be the best father I can be for my two wonderful children.
I’m thankful for living long enough to appreciate living in a country has all the things we have. I just wish that all citizens, of this United States, would also take the time to realize how fortunate they are, to live in this great country. GOD BLESS our troops that keep us free.
I am thankful for life and that I have everything I need!
Thank you provident metals for providing such great customer service and speedy deliveries!!
It’s not Thanksgiving without silver!
I’m thankful for the good health my extended family enjoys. If you don’t have your health, nothing else matters.
Extraordinary Coins with detail as never seen before!!!
Thankful I got a job this year after being unemployed for 6 months. It’s been a rough year.
Too bad i have to work on thanksgiving but i am thankful to have a job.
I’m thankful for my mom and dad for their love and faith they share with us daily.
I am thankful for the great company that Provident Metals has become and will continue to provide customers with complete satisfaction.
I am thankful for the goodness that is shown in this world.
I am grateful and thankful for each day I am alive and for all the blessings in my life.
Thankful for my health and good food.
I am thankful for peace and harmony in my life.
I am thankful for my new baby girl who is 6 weeks old this week. This will be her first thanks giving and can’t wait to introduce her to more the family.