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 SMP Silver Salon Forums
 Silverplate Forum
 "Carnation" Strawberry Forks
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| Author | Topic: "Carnation" Strawberry Forks |
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nautilusjv Posts: 253 |
posted 02-03-2010 02:49 AM
  
I recently found a set of 4 strawberry forks in the "Carnation" pattern by one of the ubiquitous Rogers, Wm A Rogers, Ltd and introduced in 1908. I was wondering if anyone knew when such forks went out of fashion and were no longer being made. Was it by the 1930's, after WWII or earlier? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Also, if anyone has other examples of strawberry forks, I would love to see them. Thanks, Kelly IP: Logged |
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Dale Posts: 2132 |
posted 02-03-2010 11:40 AM
This pattern was owned and controlled by the Carnation Milk Company. For long periods of time it was only available as a premium; it could only be purchased with proofs of purchase of Carnation products. AFAIK the strawberry forks were available for a long time, probably into the 1930's. The subject of premium patterns needs a lot of study. Knives in this are very rare. The pattern is generally found in good condition. IP: Logged |
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nautilusjv Posts: 253 |
posted 02-03-2010 01:52 PM
Thank you Dale. That is fascinating information and interesting in terms of early consumer culture and the cross marketing of products. It really is a lovely pattern and I will be happy to use the forks when strawberries are really in season. Kelly IP: Logged |
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nautilusjv Posts: 253 |
posted 02-03-2010 04:13 PM
I have another question to add to my original post. Dale said that strawberry forks were still available into the 1930's. Is this true for other food specific utensils? Was (and when was it) there a shift to a more manageable and smaller place setting where a utensil could serve more than one function such as dessert fork also for salad etc.? And what about specialized serving pieces? Did they also at some point go out of fashion or did they still remain viable products? I find this all very fascinating. Any thoughts are much appreciated. Kelly IP: Logged |
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Dale Posts: 2132 |
posted 02-03-2010 05:05 PM
With sets that were sold thru the standard silverware outlets, the simplification came with the Hoover committee right after WW1. My understanding is that patterns from before this event offered everything for as long as they were available. The specialty patterns, like Carnation and Sunkist's Orange Blossom, were somewhat different. Orange Blossom offered orange spoons and orange knives well into the 1950's. Carnation is one of the very few silverplate patterns where strawberry forks are common. So is the cream ladle. This usually indicates a long period of offering. My impression is Carnation was available into the 1930's, which would work out to 25 years, which sounds about right. As something that goes with instant milk, strawberries are a likely choice. So offering strawberry forks was a good way to promote the brand. These may have been sold into the 1950's as a novelty item. IP: Logged |
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nautilusjv Posts: 253 |
posted 02-03-2010 05:13 PM
Thanks Dale. Could you explain the Hoover committee a bit more? I am not familiar with it, but I did just find the thread about it here. Complicated, but endlessly interesting. Thanks, Kelly [This message has been edited by nautilusjv (edited 02-03-2010).] IP: Logged |
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nautilusjv Posts: 253 |
posted 02-05-2010 06:00 PM
I came across 2 pages of a 1913 Wm. A. Rogers, Ltd. catalog featuring Carnation reprinted in The Standard Encyclopedia of American Silverplate by Bones & Fisher. IP: Logged |
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ahwt Posts: 2334 |
posted 02-07-2010 09:00 PM
 Kelly, above are some forks that may be strawberry forks. The one on the far left is made by the Whiting Manufacturing Co, next is one that is silver-plate and marked Rodgers, then Lilly by I think Whiting, next Francis I by Reed and Barton and finally one that may not be intended to be used for berries as it is larger and came with a knife with the same handle. These may have been intended to be used with large strawberries. My wife has recently become interested in berry forks and thinks that they are still very popular. IP: Logged |
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nautilusjv Posts: 253 |
posted 02-07-2010 09:22 PM
Thanks awht for sharing the forks. They are lovely. I love the Francis and the Lily fork. Kelly IP: Logged |
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