TABLE EQUIPMENT 325
SILVERWARE

History. Owing to its useful physical properties and attractive
appearance silver has long been treasured by man. Lack of banks
often caused people to put their wealth into silver utensils, which
could be melted down when necessary. The word sterling is an
abbreviation of Easterling, the name of a German family famous
in the twelfth century for making articles of almost pure silver.
Sterling now means silver containing 7% per cent alloy. Silver
plating was originated in Sheffield, England, in 1742 by Thomas
Balsover.

Quality. An important question for the buyer is whether to
choose sterling silver or plated ware. This is a very personal mat-
ter, but it seems advisable for those with a small income to buy
plated silver. The plate is just as comfortable to use, it looks
exactly as well, it does not seem too good to use often, it does not
entail worry as to its safety, and it is less expensive. On the other
hand, sterling silver is an investment of permanent value. Having
cherished sterling silverware in a family helps to keep alive mem-
ories of festive occasions.

Design. The most hazardous part of buying silver is the selec-
tion of the design. The quality of ware that one buys depends
upon one's means, but the design may be ugly or beautiful at the
same price. Not one of the principles of art or design should be
overlooked by the person who is debating the merit of a design.
An excellent design is shown on page 23*

The woman who is using traditional furnishings will be able to
find silverware in the same feeling. All the decorative movements
produced their own patterns, which are now reproduced and often
simplified. Certain Neo-Classic motifs are exactly right to accom-
pany Wedgwood dishes. The rugged simplicity of the Early
American silver makes it very desirable to go with Early Colonial
furnishings- Paul Revere, the Revolutionary hero, was a fine
. silversmith.

Silverware to accompany Modern furnishings is usually inter-
esting in line and has little or no decoration. Some mistakes in
Modern flatware are knife shafts that are too slender or cylin-
drical, fork tines that are too short and narrow, and teaspoons
with round bowls. Standard shapes are the most comfortable to
use.