posted 04-26-1999 12:23 AM            

Collectors can thank the discovery of the Comstock load in 1859 in Western Nevada for the affordability and wide distribution of Silver flatware in America. Over $150 million in silver was pulled out between 1859 and 1880 which had a profound effect on the economy of the nation and helped the Union finance the Civil war. The Comstock catapulted San Francisco from a small port town to the most important city on the West Coast. Although the gold rush was over, a number of Silversmiths from the East moved in to cater to the wealthy the first of which was W.K. Vanderslice. Others of note and similarly Germanic names would join in such as Schulz and Fischer, Kohler & Ritter. Their Silver flatware produced between 1860 and 1880, began as copies of the universal patterns such as fiddle and thread but developed into some of the more distinctive patterns of the era.

Shown below are (left to right): Schulz & Fischer Medallion and Cleopatra (1874), Vanderslice Comstock (1874) and Gargoyle (1869) and finally Gothic which was made virtually identically by most of the companies including the above two and Kohler & Ritter.

Photo:

Availability

You won't find any San Francisco silver through the national pattern matchers. It is mostly found a piece at a time at antique shows, usually on the West Coast. Even then the pieces do not command any particular premium compared to other flatware of the 1860-80 era, which makes it a total bargain since the older flatware in general is still less than more recent pieces of popular grandma's silver. I have even found some in antique malls, considerably under priced, since no one knew what it was and it was taken for silver plate.

Because of the scarcity we have not been able to complete any place settings. The closest we come is with Gothic since we have pieces both by Kohler & Ritter and Vanderslice. We have a dinner for and luncheon fork, teaspoon & Tablespoon. I am not sure whether a dessert spoon was made, but we don't have one. It is likely to exist since Vanderslice did make them in Comstock. The next most available pattern is Cleopatra, which is seen even sometimes on the East coast. There we are missing a luncheon fork. I feel lucky to have found a tablespoon, teaspoon and dinner fork in Gargoyle. I have never seen a salad fork or pastry fork in any of these SF patterns .

If you enjoy the hunt and history you can't beat San Francisco silver.

Questions- Did they Make:

1. Luncheon forks in Cleopatra?
   
2. Oval Soup/Dessert Spoons in Gothic?
   
3. Luncheon forks and Dessert spoons in Gargoyle?
   
4. Pastry/salad/fish forks in any of the above?

posted 03-18-2004 12:29 PM            

I'd like to know if Schulz & Fischer marked or stamped all their flatware, and specifically medallion, and if yes, what is that mark? The S&F medallion looks very similar to another manufacturer - I don't remember the name, but I think it begins with a 'W' - they both have that 'w' design near the base of the bowl - did one copy the other? If the piece isn't marked, how can one be sure it's either S&F or a reproduction - assuming repros were made?

Thanks for your help.
Rea

posted 03-19-2004 09:29 AM            

The one marked STERLING has the name SCHULZ & FISCHER Spelled out

Of the other 4, 3 are marked COIN and have a retailers name + SF CAL but no makers mark.

S&F Medallion is very similar to Gorham Medallion.
One has no COIN or Sterling mark and just the retailers H ZACHARIAS (No SF). No makers mark.

None of mine have any fancy marks like a W. Just names spelled out.

posted 03-19-2004 11:16 AM            

I have seen some California dessert or pie forks, in Schulz & Fischer's GEM pattern. They are fairly small, three tined with the left tine widened for cutting. If I can I will borrow one to take a picture of it.

posted 03-25-2004 12:12 AM            

The fork is completely unmarked as to maker, silver content, & retailer, but the pattern is identified in Silver in the Golden State.

posted 03-25-2004 10:37 PM            

Here are pictures of some dessert/pie forks in Schulz & Fischer's GEM pattern. The tines are unusual, in that the outside tines are both wider than the middle one and are curved inward slightly. The owner claims they are ideal for Key Lime Pie!

Note the marks: COIN, and the famous M.M. FREDERICK of Virginia City, Nevada. Frederick supplied manufactured silver to the people who struck it rich in the silver mining business around Virginia City. From what I have seen, he obtained a lot of his flatware from San Francisco manufacturers, and other pieces from John R. Wendt.

Brent

posted 07-12-2004 01:32 PM            

Question:

Are knives exceedinly hard to find?

Were there dinner knives?

I believe the example I found is a luncheon knife. It is just over 7 inches long.

posted 07-12-2004 02:10 PM            

Could you post a picture of your knife or email it to me and I will put it on the site.