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!
Thank you for the giveaway!
Today I’m celebrating Veterans Day! As a former Marine and family man this Thanksgiving I must say I’m thankful for my loved ones and being blessed, that we have food on the table and a roof over our heads.
I am thankful for Thanksgiving, as I will be with family and friends the whole week. Really brings out the spirit seeing young and old in our home. Have Wonderful Memorable Holidays!
I am thankful for for the roof over my head the food in my fridge and cabinets, “I would have said table but nobody seems to eat at the table much anymore only on special occasions” My four legged furry children, obnoxious at times, but never judge and are always joyful to see other family members. I’m also thankful to be living in this country as an American (veteran) Citizen, and to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service and defending the United States of America.
After years of trying I’m thankful for my two beautiful daughters that bring me joy everyday and show me what true love is!
I am grateful to be living in this great country!
I am thankful for a holiday that I can in good conscience celebrate which has its real roots in thanking the true God instead of a “Christianized” version of some ancient pagan holy day or tradition that people have adopted with many of its pagan trappings.
I am thankful to be alive and amongst friends and family.
I’m thankfull to God that my family and I still alive after huricane Maria came through my island of Puerto Rico. I’m really thankfull for all the help that Puerto Rico is getting from all over specially the United States. Seriously if it weren’t for your help this would have been a lot worse. Thank you for your help and may God bless us all. #PuertoRicoselevanta
I’m thankful for family my health, and Provident Metals. 🙂
Thankful for my loving wife! (She buys me silver) lol!
I am thankful for my family and friends and my job that provides a comfortable life.
Iam thankful I live in the greatest nation on Earth. The USA. Even though we have our problems by far this is the safest and best place.to live. We truly are blessed.
Thanksgiving is one of the best times of year to spend with family and friends. I’m blessed to have my birthday occasionally fall on this wonderful holiday.
I am thankful for my loving family. I am so grateful to have the awesome relationships with each one of them. I thank God to be so blessed.
Happy that the world is still inhabitable, and that reason triumphs over foolishness.
I work abroad, supporting the Warfighter, the Soldiers, and I am Most Thankful for the enjoyment I get out of serving our men and women in uniform. The ability to try and make them feel at home in far away places is challenging, but I am Thankful to try and do just that
I am thankful I have been given life to celebrate one more Thanksgiving with my family. It is the most exciting holiday for family. The feeling of preparing on Tuesday and Wednesday for the feast on Thursday is more fulfilling that the meal is filling. I know that is hard to believe, but we all like to cook and we all have our specialties. Looking forward to this fun, fulfilling, fantastic and filling day.
I thankfull to have a family that cares about me.
I am thankful for a country that is still free. I am thankful for people that still believe in right and wrong and finally, I am thankful for God and of course…silver! Thank you Provident Metals for being an excellent conduit for real money!
Health, Peace, Family & Pets. The Stars, Sun, Moon, Oceans, Lakes, Rivers & Streams. Light, Darkness, Plants, Animals, Insects & Air. Soo much to be Thankful For Thank You Provident Metals‼️‼️Happy Safe Holidays for All
Thankful that, in spite of her troubles, I still live in the USA.
Even though I’m separated from my family at the moment (deployed) I am thankful for their support and love. It’s what makes everything worthwhile.
I am thankful for the tremendous gifts from God that I have enjoyed through out my life including my parents, the country I live in, my wife and daughter and precious grand daughter, the ability to earn a living and the common sense and wisdom to save for a rainy day, live within my means and enjo what I have.
Happy Thanksgiving to all
Thankful for the hope I have in Christ.Being born in a country with more freedoms than one can imagine or hope for. Thankful for family,friends,and wonderful memories. Thankful for all who have served and those who continue to serve our Great Nation.
I am thankful for my family all being healthy happy and spending the holidays together
I’m thankful for amazing YouTube channels like Truth Never Told. I recently rediscovered their Sons of Liberty Academy videos which are incredibly valuable. (Many will already be familiar with them from their Silver Shield line of silver rounds). Giving my blessings to everyone this holiday season.
I am thankful for my health, my wife, my career, my home my dear friends.
I’m thankful for my wife,my kids & my family.I wish everyone had a family life like ours.
I am very thankful for what I have and am happy to share these things with friends and family.
im thankful to be alive and amongst friends and family.