posted 09-14-2002 07:40 PM            

Special Features
Labors of Cupid is possibly the most exotic of the ornate Victorian figural patterns. As with their renowned "Trianon Pierced", Labors of Cupid is a unique "pierced" pattern with the figure standing out in bold three dimensional relief. Each piece in the place setting is a different image of a "Cupid" engaged in a task, hence the pattern name.

Reed and Barton purchased D&H in 1928 and in recent years has re-issued, and is still producing some of the Labors of Cupid pieces.

Dating

Unlike many of the re-issued classic patterns the marks do not give a clue regarding dating, the classic D&H mark being used on both the originals and the re-strikes. I have not seen copyright marks.

As is the case with other classic re-strikes, the quality of the modern issues does not approach the originals and quality dealers will let you know if the piece is "new" or "old".

Pieces Available
While I have had an eye out for this pattern for many years I have only been able to buy three genuine "old" pieces. I have had the opportunity bid on a teaspoon on ebay but I quit after the items reached $200, which I thought a bit much for a teaspoon. But that indicates the desirability of this pattern.
item...................size..................Our cost (Ebay)
Dessert Spoon.......7 1/8"............ ...$149.00
Fish Fork ?.......... 7 1/4"..................$102.00
Pastry Fork ?.........7 "... ............ $129.00
Knife (new)........8 3/4"...................$69.95

New Items available
item...................size..................Replacements Price
Dinner Fork.........7 7/8"................. $129.95
Luncheon Fork......7" .................... $119.95
Salad Fork ...........6 1/8" ............... $99.95
Teaspoon ............6 1/8" ............... $59.99

I have been able to purchase two forks which, upon comparison are neither dinner, luncheon or salad forks. I assume that the one with cupid in a boat is a fish fork and the three tine one is a pastry fork. It is possible that I underpaid for these because of their rarity, they didn't fit a need in anyone's set. I have refused to buy any new pieces with the exception of the knife which is no doubt near impossible to obtain as an original. Midwest Sterling will replace the new stainless blade with an old style blunt version that will fit your old place setting for about $15.

Photo:

Key Pieces

Any old piece you can find is a treasure. Possibly the most difficult would be a genuine old knife.

Comments

This pattern takes flatware into the realm of pure art . Each piece is a treasure and worthy of a place in the finest flatware collection.