My Best Vintage Find

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!”

 

                    

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

 

                 

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

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.)