posted 11-03-2002 01:30 PM            

Special Features
I find the silver flatware of the pre 1870 period to be fascinating just because of how little we know about it and there seem to always be more questions than answers.
The earliest American flatware patterns were copies of the classic British patterns such as fiddle, shell, thread and Kings. Prince Albert was a rather latecomer to the British set of patterns, being created in response to the marriage of Victoria to Albert in 1840. Shown below are samples from different British companies dated circa 1855. The pattern is still being produced unchanged in England today.

John Polhamus was certainly among the most notable of the American Manufacturers of the pre 1870 period and like so many he sold out to Shiebler in the 1870's. His work is often hard to identify since while on occasion you will find a "JP" mark, but quite often he is silent and let the retailer gain the fame, the most notable of which was Tiffany & Co. While most of the works were in the coin standard, Tiffany demanded that all work produced for them be in the .925 Sterling standard and these are of truly quality weight and still a beautiful thing to behold.

It is known that Whiting also produced this pattern and I have one piece marked "Pure Coin GORHAM & CO". In 1905 Reed and Barton essentially revived the pattern as "Marlborough" and it's simple elegance continues to be popular today.

It is interesting to compare dinner forks of the three types: British, Tiffany and R&B

As usual (Right to Left) the British is the sturdiest measuring 8 �" exceeding both the Tiffany at 8" and the Marlborough at 7 7/8". You may note the slight differences in the patterns.

Dating
The pattern originated in England in 1840 and for English pieces it is possible to date them precisely from the marks. Turner gives Polhemus Prince Albert as 1860-1870 and Schiebler 1876, and Whiting C. 1880. The Tiffany pieces would likely be from the 1860's, during the period in which they were purchasing their flatware rather than manufacturing it.

Pieces Available
Item size paid Notes
Dessert Fork 7 1/8" $40 Pure Coin Gorham & Co.
Dinner Fork 8�" $50 Sterling Tiffany & Co.
Tablespoon 8 " $50 Sterling Tiffany & Co.
Dessert Spoon 7�"$35 Strasburger & Co.
Teaspoon 6 " $25 J. Hall & Son
The Tiffany pieces are of definitely heavier weight.

Photo:

Key Pieces
Have no idea if pieces other than those shown might be available. e,g, pastry fork..

Comments
This is a beautiful classic pattern. The Tiffany treasures are a delight to hold and behold.

posted 04-26-2003 08:34 PM            

I guess it is possible that it existed prior to being name for Albert, but in fact all British patterns are named and I have never heard of one being changed.