Friday, July 8, 2011

My Best Vintage Find

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This  U.S. Navy silver flatware has to be one of my best  vintage finds.  Credit goes to my husband actually, who first spotted it in an old shoe box- while he, my daughter, and I were browsing around a  “going out of business” sale at one of my favorite antique stores.  The cost, for 40 pieces of assorted knives, forks and spoons was $10.

This flatware is called the King’s pattern and was the most widely used official navy flatware from its introduction in 1906 through the 1960’s.  It was the only flatware made in the U.S, at the time, that came with every conceivable serving piece, and was called the King’s pattern because it literally had to be so fine that it was “fit for a king!”

 

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The front of each piece has a seashell design, giving it a nautical feel, and has the traditional  fouled anchor motif.

 

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The back is stamped with USN and also has the seashell design.

 

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Here, during WWII, men aboard the USS Yorktown are sitting down to a typical dinner while underway. 

 

nautical flatware in king's design

 

 

 

 

 

 

If I were buying this flatware one piece at a time, I could expect to pay much more-between $20 and $50, depending on the piece.  So this truly was a great find!  (Photo courtesy of the Pirate’s Lair.)

14 comments:

  1. These are nice to find. I love going out of business sales, when they are real. Many use that title...You found a treasure.

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  2. Thanks Kim-and me too. Another great thing about this sale was all of the free stuff. I found a lot of treasures that day.

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  3. Love the history on these pieces Valerie! And they're really quite wonderful! Thanks for linking up with me :-)

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  4. Gorgeous! I think my favorite vintage find so far is my 1940s typewriter. :-)

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  5. I had no idea the military branches had their own flatware. What an interesting find! I like that they use seashells and the anchor motif to connect to the water/navy. Do you know if they still make their own flatware?

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  6. How very exquisite and what a bargain! Good for you and your husband. Hope you have a lovely weekend.

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  7. Here is the link to my greatest find post for Lisa's blog today:
    http://yellanmildred.blogspot.com/2011/01/bruised-shins.html

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  8. Lisa-this was so fun! I'm glad you hosted the link up!

    Melissa-most definitely your typewriter!! That was a great, great find!!

    Thanks Joanne! That's a good question, and I am going to research that:)

    Thanks Mildred! You have a great weekend too:)

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  9. That is amazing and I love all the research you did and shared.
    I learned a new term "fouled anchor."

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  10. That was a new term for me too! You'd think those sailor boys would be able to keep their ropes neat and tidy ;)

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  11. Very cool. I enjoy going antique hunting with you. You will have to share your tips of where and how to find the best stuff.

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  12. Thanks Tina! I enjoy the pleasure of your company:) Thrifitng is by far one of my favorite past times:)

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  13. Oh these pieces are gorgeous. I especially love the stamp of the USN. Good for Stewart for having such a keen eye!

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  14. Thanks Kim! I'm glad I trained him well:)

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