posted 06-10-2013 06:39 PM            

This is not for investment but for everyday use. I am particularly interested in Watson Mount Vernon pattern but open to suggestion.

posted 06-11-2013 05:01 PM            

Unless you can find pieces with your initials on them, or unless you find various initials and monograms of other owners charming, you may want to consider paying a little extra for ones that have no monogram. You might also want to assure yourself that the pieces you acquire have not had monograms or initials removed since the only way to do that is to remove enough metal to get the surface below the deepest spot of the engraving leaving a less than perfect piece of flatware.

You should also consider from the start how many place settings you will want and develop a plan based on that. A typical place setting of the era would have been 12 or 24 depending on how big your dining table was. These days many people no longer entertain that many at once so you might think about a 8 place setting.

You will also want to think about all of the many specialized pieces in the pattern. Back then they were making all kinds of special pieces in the popular patterns so they could keep selling more and more new pieces to people who bought a pattern.

And then many patterns had associated holloware to go with it as well. Bowls, pots, platters, etc. etc.

Have you started on acquiring your set yet? Would you like to share some photos of your pieces so everyone can enjoy seeing your pattern?

posted 06-11-2013 05:26 PM            

Actually, I really like the simplicity of this pattern. I don't like ornate and this is not for a formal anything. we use sterling every day, I have done so my entire life. was raised that way. Not because we were rich, but because it was considered healthy, and healthy was hard to come by.

You mention dealer stocks, online auction sites and on-line vintage silver flatware specialty stores. Would love to find some of those. I know of replacements.com but they are very expensive and don't have anything in this pattern.

I don't see monograms as particularly bothersome, but none would be better. Not a deal breaker though.

Thanks for the pointer about monogram removal.

I have acquired yeas ago large and medium forks. not sure how many are left, will need to count since my dmil kept tossing them in the garbage. Sometimes we catch, sometimes we don't. I like the heft of large forks and would like to get at lest a total of 14 of those. Soup spoons (14) would be good (I have none), tea spoons (14, I have none of those either). Have plenty of knives, don't need any. Would like to add some medium size forks and spoons too.

As I said, this is not intended for show, this is for everyday use.

14 because I would like to have a couple to spare. They are getting harder to get.

I don't know if I need any special pieces. maybe some for salads and such. maybe not.

No holloware.

I will post some photos later, but I have to say that I am really challenged when it comes to photo posting. I am just not good with that.

posted 06-12-2013 05:41 PM            

Whatever you do, you are unlikely to find old silver patterns such as this one for minimal cost since they are made of solid silver (92.5% pure silver at any rate) and also they are over 100 years old for the most part.

posted 06-12-2013 06:14 PM            

Suggestions?

posted 06-13-2013 10:49 AM            

I don't know that pattern, and I don't focus much on flatware, but it seems to me that there are patterns out there that are somewhat similar. They may be easier to find or less expensive.

If I were buying a flatware service right now, I would first get a sense of a few patterns or a look and quality that I would be happy with. Then, if I had the time, I would start to troll auction houses, particularly local regional auction houses, that often have sales featuring lots of flatware. Sometimes they are sold through "discovery" auctions -- which are held more often and don't necessarily get the full print catalogue treatment, but are usually well catalogued online. Here in New England, there are several such houses. If you go with an open mind, you can get a very good deal. If you live nearby, you can view the offerings in person and talk to someone.

Publications such as Maine Antiques Digest (which is a national monthly) and Antiques & the Arts Weekly have auction calendars in print and online. And if you read such things, you'll develop a sense of which houses are most appropriate for your interests.

posted 06-15-2013 09:23 PM            

My point is that I am open to suggestions. Mount Vernon, as I said above is because I like the simplicity and I already have some pieces and also like the heavy weight of the big forks.

I am looking for places where I can go and look and see what I can find. Since I am not familiar with the market, I am looking for pointers where to look. A set is fine but I will not buy a huge set of pieces I will never use This is strictly for daily use.

I will look at the 2 magazines suggested but would like to find other places too. Online or in real life.