articles

Here at James Baldwin Antiques we are experts in our trade and truly passionate about antique silver. From time-to-time we publish articles on modern and antique silver.

Cutlery

• A question of cutlery: terminology.
  If you've ever been confused about exactly what to call each type of silver fork, knife or spoon you own, this is for you! A brief account of the dizzying array of terminology related to antique silver cutlery and flatware. Precisely what is the difference between a silver table fork and a silver dinner fork? Is it proper to use a silver dessert knife to spread your butter? The answers to these critical issues and many more lie within! read more...
  
  
• Silver Cutlery buyers guide
  A simple collection of advice for the purchaser. What sort of silver canteen will best suit your needs? Silver canteen or silver plate canteen? How many pieces of cutlery will you need? Exactly what types of silver knife, fork and spoon are required for the type and number of courses you regularly serve? We also provide some brief advice on silver flatware patterns, and even budget considerations. If you are looking in to buying a silver canteen of cutlery then this article will be invaluable as you make up your mind and find the best option for you. read more...
  
  
• Storing and Caring for Silver
  Guess what? It's much easier than you think! How do you care for your silver cutlery? In this article you will find advice on how to best store and care for your silver cutlery, including how to clean it after use, how to best keep it clean between uses, which products to use for which jobs, and even the dreaded " silver cutlery in the dishwasher" debate! read more...
  
  

Georg Jensen

• Georg Jensen: The name, the man.
  A brief account of both Georg Jensen silversmith, himself, and the Georg Jensen company. First we examine Georg Jensen's own personal history and development, and then we trace that of the company he so successfully established. From the original Georg Jensen Silversmithy- his workshop and retail premises to the later company both with and without his leadership and involvement, to the modern multinational brand. read more...
  
  
• Jensen's flatware patterns. An overview
  In this article we review the most important of the Georg Jensen Sterling silver flatware patterns. We review the Sterling silverware designed by Georg Jensen himself, and indeed silver flatware patterns by his other designers. Georg Jensen Silver flatware is, in fact, a perfect way to review the important developments of European art and design in the 20th century. If you ever wanted to know more about Georg Jensen sterling silver flatware patterns then this article is for you! read more...
  
  
• Building a Georg Jensen Service
  When one undertakes a project such as obtaining or collecting a service of silver cutlery it is important to conduct at least a bit of research. For those of us who love Georg Jensen silver the task is no less difficult. This is due to the range and variety of Georg Jensen silver flatware patterns produced. This article is designed to guide you through the minefield, alert you to the main issues of collecting or buying a service of Georg Jensen silver cutlery, and ask the sorts of questions you need to answer in order to make an informed purchase. read more...
  
  
• Jensen Flatware for the Collector
  Most buyers of Georg Jensen sterling silver cutlery are building or adding to a silver canteen. However, as pieces of 20th century design, Georg Jensen sterling flatware pieces are also of great interest to collectors. While some collectors may be exclusively interested in the sterling silverware of Georg Jensen many will wish to add silver flatware pieces in different Georg Jensen designs to their more general collection of sterling silver flatware. read more...
  
  

Old Sheffield Plate

• Old Sheffield Plate: An Introduction
  Silver has always been expensive. Since ancient times it has used to fashion objects of status and desire. Status is the word. Until quite recently silver had little practical use. It is too soft to make a tool or weapon from. While it can be polished a very sharp edge it dulls quickly, and the sharp edge is so thin as to be extremely fragile. read more...
  
  
• The Merits and De-merits of Replating Old Sheffield Plate
  Much has often been made of the subject of whether it is acceptable to re-plate a piece of Old Sheffield Plate. These objections range from an interest in the Old Sheffield Plate technique itself: "fused plate" to the destruction of antique patina and wear re-plating causes. Fused Plate is, of course, a fascinating process and of much interest to the student of Old Sheffield Plate. But is there only one reason to collect Old Sheffield Plate? In this article we consider the arguments both for and against re-plating Old Sheffield Plate, and come to a conclusion. read more...
  
  

If you would like any more details, or wish to discuss any subjects which are not covered by our articles, feel free to contact us for more details.