Tiffany Silver Flatware, 1845-1905 : When Dining Was an Art

The antique silver flatware of Tiffany & Co., New York City, is highly sought-after, but the collector is frustrated by the lack of available information on and pictures of patterns and pieces (Tiffany s early catalogues 'Blue Books' did not always list what pieces were made in each pattern and never had illustrations). This definitive book relates the history of the silver flatware made by others and retailed by Tiffany 1845-c.1876 as well as that designed and made in-house 1869-1905. The story is woven into the broader fabric of the history of flatware in general and that of dining and food. The development and proliferation of many different flatware pieces in America are analysed and compared with the same in England, France and Germany. Based on research in the Tiffany Archives and elsewhere, this volume discusses and illustrates twenty-three Tiffany-made full-line patterns (plus variations) numerous not-full-line patterns and ten custom patterns. Detailed descriptions and superb photographs document the extraordinary creativity and craftsmanship that distinguished much of Tiffany & Co. s prolific Victorian flatware production, including more than 125 piece type - much unique to Tiffany - used for eating and serving fifty food items or categories. Containing a wealth of well-referenced information set in efficiently organised and easily readable text, strengthened further by a detailed index, this book will be of interest to scholars as well as collectors.

Edward Wawrynek spent twenty-five years with Tiffany & Co., New York City, serving in capacities ranging from overseeing the operation of the silver factory of Vice President for Public Relations and Communications.