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Early American Fiddlethread

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Author	Topic: Early American Fiddlethread
Bob Schulhof Posts: 194 Registered: Apr 99	posted 04-20-1999 02:49 AM Early American Fiddle Thread (Ca 1830) Special Features Probably the earliest American setting possible including 3 spoons and two forks. Essentially patterned after the British both in style and the use of the pieces. Fiddlethread was made in many countries of Europe as well. Dating The flatware of this era is really datable only from the makers marks and the dates given for those makers. The place setting here includes J.C. Blackman (ca 1829) , Platt & Bros (ca 1825) and SK 11oz for Samuel Kirk 1830-1846 Rainwater (9). The tablespoon is a later Wood & Hughes.The Pattern has been made continuously and is very popular today. Pieces Available piece size my cost Tablespoon 8 �" (W&H) $30.00 Dessert Spoon 7 �" (Wm. E. Short "Coin" ) $30.00 Teaspoon 5 �" (S.K 11oz) $30.00 Dinner Fork 8" (J.C. Blackman) $45.00 Dessert Fork 6 �" (Platt & Bro.) $30.00 Knife: I have no idea what was used at the dinner table in this period. The photo shows a pearl handled kni fe as would have been used around the 1850's. Photo: Key Pieces Forks of the 1830's are hard to find. Comments Fiddlethread is so consistent that mixing the manufacturers causes no problems with the homogeneity of the place setting. The Kirk piece is far heavier weight than the others. It is a remarkable fact of collecting Antique silver at this time that such early pieces have no collector premium. Questions What are the earliest American Forks Available? What knives were used? IP: Logged
wev Moderator Posts: 4121 Registered: Apr 99	posted 04-27-1999 11:01 PM The fiddle threat pattern was a later (relative) adaptation of English patterns. Full sets of flatware were produced by 1790 in this country -- providing you acknowledge the fact that the additional spoons and forks were later additions to the table introduce primarily to ensure further sales by the manufacturers. "The simplier the setting, the older the family." Revere and Buel both made settings including 3 tined forks & place spoons with oval back handles and pistol handled silver knives, but they were making for the high edges of society. The common made do with a steel knife with wood or bone grips and a spoon. As late as 1850 the use of a fork at table was considered an affectation of English habits and much lamented by writers on manners and deportment. I have seen settings in plain fiddle, oval, coffin, round, and trifid handles. The last dated from 1710; the others from 1790 - 1810. IP: Logged
Bob Schulhof Posts: 194 Registered: Apr 99	posted 04-28-1999 12:58 AM We sincerely thank you for your contribution. The purpose of this website is to share such information. Do you have any available references for this material? Are you saying that the earliest place settings were essentially three pieces, a tablespoon, 3 tines fork and pistol grip knife? (similar to our English Hanoverian). Have you seen any 4, 5 or 6 piece settings of the pre-1800 era including a teaspoon or dessert pieces? IP: Logged

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