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 my new job and the health of my family.
I am thankful for having wonderful family and friends. I am also thankful to be living in this beautiful country.
I’m thankful for the chance to win!
Im thankful for serving the Great people of America. The red, white and blue to preserved freedom. So on thanksgiving day we could all sit down at the dinner and thanks God for our beautiful America. It give me great joy to be this nation first defense and hope.
Thankful for my wife and children, my extended family and the girl who may become my daughter-in-Law.
I’m grateful that my mother, who is 88 years old, is in almost perfect health and continues organizing our traditional Sunday Family Meetings.
Thankful for my Savior Jesus Christ who provides all things.
Just losing a younger brother makes me Thankful for the family I still have and love very deeply.
I’m thankful to be living in The United States of America, land of the free and home of the brave.
I am thankful that my Mother is still with us after 84 yrs.
I am thankful that my family is in good health and still with us!
Enjoy family and friends this holiday season and have a Happy Thanksgiving. Don’t drink and drive and God Bless all !!!!
I’m thankful for the people who fight for cannabis legalization that helps the average 22 soldiers who commit suicide a day from PTSD. It’s insane for people to know what stops the madness but it be illegal. The disabled stuck in beds can’t go find random dealers. Also health insurance doesn’t cover it. Support veterans by speaking up about cannabis and PTSD. They fought and many died for us, we owe it to them to get them the one medication that works. I’m disabled and it’s the only thing that helps the autism and nerve pain but I cannot get it and won’t be able to until it’s legal. Suicide ends up being the only answer and that’s very cruel.
Thankful for all veterans
I am thankful for having everything that I need.
I am thankful for my daughter. She’s been a very big positive influence in my life and has changed me in so many ways for the better. She makes me so proud doing well in school and for having such a big heart. I’m proud to be called her father and look forward to seeing the impact he makes in the world in her future.
I am thankful for many things being healthy haveing 2 beautiful healthy kids living in the United States of America being alive but most of all my kids. That’s what life is about finding someone to make family with memories with and watching your family grow.
I am thankful for my husband.
I am thankful for Jesus and my best friend , my pastor, without whom I would be as lost as they found me. Thank you both.
I’m thankful for being healthy an alive.
I give thanks for life, and the loves and lures in it.
Gold , Silver , Guns and Ammo … I am thankful .
I’m thankful for my wife and children and that we can still worship God in a free country!
I’m thankful for my family and that the price of gold keeps going up.
I’m thankful for family and friends who supported my family this year during a trying year with the loss of my Father.
I’m thankful for everyone in my life
I am thankful for my family, friends and health.
I am thankful to have a job so I can afford to purchase items from Provident Metals.
I’m thankful for the love and loyalty of my family and friends.
I am thankful for my mom.