ye Ore Architectural Piec In The Best 18th Century Tradition . fern ker eon con lantels, Doors, Furniture Rare CSE Speer a oc PAU WES SM Cn Beyeed Paul Revere Jr, crafted teapots, coffeepots, and other serving pieces inspired by English and Continental styles, Light, classical forms were favored. During the 19th century, American tea and coffee set Vices became more ornate. Production shifted from small artisan workshops to larger factories; venerable American companies, such as Gorham Manufacturing Company in 183] and Tiffany & Company in 1837, were established Although some Southern families have retained silver services since the Revolutionary War, this is rare, During mes of economic turmoil, such as the Civil War, much Southern silver was lost. “When a silver service was passed down, instead of being cherished as an heirloom Eerdmans. “Silver was essentially money in the bank, Eerdmans notes that in the 20th century, most Americans embraced traditional style. Stately new houses patterned after centuries-old designs, such as the Georgian Revival, cropped up in burgeoning neighborhoods from the 1920s through the 1940s, and a silver service on a side board or tea table beautifully complemented the look. Though few people entertain with a silver service in the 2ist century, Jayne says itis possible to do so in a chic, updated way. “Center the service in a begutiful part of your home,” he advises, “and make it a fun Gccasion with a bit of old-fashioned ceremony.” # For details, see Sourcebook, page 122 so ERT Origins: First created in Europe in the 17th century. Silver historian Joseph Brady of Baverly Bremer Silver Shop ia ‘Atlanta says the general practice of making 2 five-piece tea service with matching tray dates from the late 19th to arly 20th century. Collecting: For much of the 20th century, 19th-century silver wae out of fashion; instead American Colonial and Federal silver were favored. Brady notes that two things rear the end of the 20th century changed this: record- fetting prices for early American siver and scholarly research in the fled of 19th-eentury American silver manufacturers. Wdentifyin Aoristies: Today a dealer may sella set with as few as threa pieces—a coffeepet, cream jug, ‘and sugar bowl—or as many 28 six, including, for example, ‘3 teapot, coffeepot, hot water kettle, cream jug, covered Sugar bow, and waste bow. Even when freshly polished, ‘ld siver has a mellow patina caused by years of use. Expect to pay: While some 19th-century siver coffee and tea services fetch upwards of $50,000, other antique Sets may be acquired for around $5,500, Vintage sets from the 1950s may be found in the $3,000 range.