Photographing the Alphabet ~ C
C ~ Cutlery
Can you tell what they are?
Fish knives and forks. Does anyone use them any more? I have certainly used these.
Since the advent of dishwashers, bone handled cutlery almost gives a Gosford Park or Downton Abbey, feel to a table.
Pastry forks, I must have half a dozen sets.
I love this angle, they look about ready to slide onto the floor. Crash!
I do have dinner and dessert forks as well as serving, soup, dessert & teaspoons, but they did not hold my interest for this post. The carving knife might look well, but would not cut butter. I think I held on to it because I liked the handle.
The centre pickle fork, cheese & butter knives are modern, but the others are all from the home of Jack’s parents. They were married in 1918, when his dad came home from WW1.
The Laughing Housewife said,
February 23, 2013 at 9:27 am
My Mum bought me a cheap set of cutlery when I got married, just in case we didn’t receive any. She paid seven rand (about £3.50 then). I still have every piece, 28 years later.
Grannymar said,
February 23, 2013 at 12:31 pm
Tilly - A family heirloom in the making.
gigi-hawaii said,
February 23, 2013 at 1:03 pm
I have a set of silver ware, but use them only when I throw an elegant dinner party. Otherwise, David and I use the stainless steel. Your utensils look great!
Warren Lieberman said,
February 23, 2013 at 1:20 pm
Your blog makes me hungry. Just want to use your fine cutlery for its intended purpose.
Grannymar said,
February 23, 2013 at 1:38 pm
gigi - I am a great believer in using things. The cutlery was a reminder of in-laws I never had the opportunity to meet, and seeing them in use, makes them more special for Elly, and hopefully someday she will use them with pride.
Nick said,
February 23, 2013 at 1:40 pm
We’ve never had any fish knives or forks because we don’t eat fish. But we do have a set of pastry forks, or cake forks as we call them.
You could always give away your surplus cutlery to a deserving family/families….
Grannymar said,
February 23, 2013 at 1:41 pm
Warren - That was why I didn’t display it in place settings… I might then have to lay out the food to go with it!
Grannymar said,
February 23, 2013 at 1:42 pm
Nick - Part of the plan for this year, is sorting out the items that Elly would like in the future and disposing of the rest.
Dianne said,
February 23, 2013 at 3:39 pm
Years ago, when I was working in the china, crystal and silver dept. of a large store, I bought all three. I never use them anymore. Dianne
Grannymar said,
February 23, 2013 at 3:44 pm
Dianne - Dining is a much more casual event these days, I am glad to say.
Nancy said,
February 23, 2013 at 5:54 pm
Yes, Grannymar, dining IS more casual than it was in the old days.
How would you like to dress up like you were going to the Metropolitan Opera just to have dinner in your own house?
Of course, if you are Lady Grantham and your house is Downton Abbey, that makes a slight difference.
Do you think they use fish forks?
Grannymar said,
February 23, 2013 at 6:55 pm
Nancy - In the world of ‘Downton” etc., with all that changing of outfits throughout the day, all the grandeur, all the meals, they actually had very little to eat. Their houses were cold and draughty, with great high ceilings, set on large estates with the wind howling and no protection from it. I’ll stick with my small house, no servants, cosy duvet and electric blanket for comfort.
I might watch Gosfort Park later on, to see if they had fish knives.
Grannymar said,
February 23, 2013 at 8:29 pm
Nancy - I just checked the Gosford Park DVD and they eat the fish course with two forks.
The Old Fossil said,
February 23, 2013 at 11:17 pm
Carol looked at the picture of the cutlery (the one where it looks like it will slide off the table) and I told her your comment about Downton Abbey. She immediately asked, “Oh, does she watch Downton Abbey???”
That is our favorite show. But, we agreed from the start that we wouldn’t wish to live there and it does indeed look cold. It also looks like you are living in a museum or something.
Also, the critic in both of us would like to see them stop killing off young people for awhile!
Nancy said,
February 23, 2013 at 11:22 pm
“Nancy - I just checked the Gosford Park DVD and they eat the fish course with two forks.” Grannymar
“Grannymar,They must serve BIG fish at Gosford Park to need TWO fish forks.” Nancy
Grannymar said,
February 24, 2013 at 7:42 am
Fossie - Series three of Downton Abbey finished on this side of the pond in early November and was followed with a 2 hour special on Christmas evening. Filming for series four begins shortly and should be on our screens in the autumn/fall. I don’t have TV, but catch up online when it suits me.
Nancy - The ‘fish forks’ actually featured in a scene in ‘Gosford Park’. One fork was placed on each side of the place setting and no sign of any fish knife - a fork was used in each hand to eat the fish.
Rummuser said,
February 24, 2013 at 2:32 pm
My employers insisted that I learn ‘table manners’ and sent me to an Anglo Indian couple who taught me how to use what spoon/fork/knife, plate, dish etc. Your post brings back those memories.
You will be amused by what I shall send you by mail. I am unable to insert a photograph here and you may want to comment on what I send!
Grannymar said,
February 24, 2013 at 3:07 pm
Ramana - We learned at home. Our table was covered in linen tablecloths, we had linen napkins and side plates then all the cutlery. It was at daddy’s insistence, he wanted us to be comfortable in any setting. Pity he never helped with the clearing, washing, starching and ironing.
I got the photo of the Wrench Steak Knife Set ( knives with a wrench at the end of the handle). On searching the ‘net’ I am glad to report they are no longer available. In my mind they would be very dangerous, and an accident waiting to happen.
Big John said,
February 25, 2013 at 12:56 pm
I have a set of silver fish knives and forks with bone handles in a velvet lined leather case. They belonged to my mother, and I believe that they were a wedding present given to her in 1927. I doubt if they have ever been out of the case.
Grannymar said,
February 25, 2013 at 2:08 pm
Big John - There was no velvet lined leather case when I inherited them, so I enjoyed using them.
Alice said,
February 28, 2013 at 7:27 pm
I was so intrigued by the mention of wrench knife that I also googled it and not only came up with lots of images, but you can still buy them–if you care to fork over one or two hundred dollars or so! At least if what this website says is true: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=wrench+knife+set
Whatever would I need them for?
Grannymar said,
February 28, 2013 at 7:37 pm
Alice - I think they would be dangerous since using the wrench as a tool would mean having the blade as a handle - NOT A GOOD IDEA!
speccy said,
March 3, 2013 at 2:28 pm
The bone handled cutlery looks fabulous- I’m glad you use it
Grannymar said,
March 3, 2013 at 3:54 pm
speccy - I have one particular bundle that I use all the time, but the rest come out when I have a crowd.