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 Flatware/Holloware - non silver Forum
 Trends In Contemporary Stainless Design (Page 1)
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| Author | Topic: Trends In Contemporary Stainless Design |
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Dale Posts: 2132 |
posted 03-31-2007 04:02 PM
  
[01-2569] For some time, I have been thinking about investigating what is happening in the world of stainless steel flatware. As we so often bemoan the sad fate of the silver companies, and the future of table silver, it might be comforting to know that there is some very catchy work going on in stainless. In keeping with SMP policy, I will give no names of makers or retailers. The pieces shown here are both foreign and domestic. And every one of them can be purchased right now. These are mass produced items. From a foreign company: IP: Logged |
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Dale Posts: 2132 |
posted 03-31-2007 04:04 PM
Another foreign offering: IP: Logged |
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Dale Posts: 2132 |
posted 03-31-2007 04:05 PM
This is also foreign. These are bigger than I thought they would be. Will return after editing. Fruit spoons: IP: Logged |
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swarter Moderator Posts: 2920 |
posted 03-31-2007 04:56 PM
Speaking of "catchy" work, the other night my wife and I were eating out in a local restaurant which uses stainless from a major American old-line firm. I accidentally discovered that one piece would catch and drag another across the table. One fork was so strongly magnitized, it picked up a knife almost entirely off the table! Isn't (good quality) stainless supposed to be nonmagntic? I hope this isn't a trend - the tableware was not marked "China" (or any other place, which used to mean made in the good old USA - for some things, at least, now only the package needs to be marked with country of origin). IP: Logged |
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Brent Posts: 1507 |
posted 03-31-2007 06:26 PM
Do you think Gorham and Tiffany mind having their patterns ripped off? The first looks like Whiting's Japanese, which should belong to Gorham. Or have the design patents lapsed, and are others allowed to remake these patterns? I encountered a magnetic knife in a restaurant about 15 years ago, so I don't think it is a "new" phenomenon. I have always wondered what happened to make it that way; any ideas? Brent IP: Logged |
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Dale Posts: 2132 |
posted 03-31-2007 08:22 PM
I would think they mind very much, but probably can do little about it. These patterns are very old, and may be in the public domain. I really don't know. But can say that the makers are recycling quite a few of the older ones. The third one down looks like something Tufts would have done in the 1880's. There are a series of Tufts butter pats very much like this. It is named 'Gone Fishin'. IP: Logged |
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ahwt Posts: 2334 |
posted 03-31-2007 08:27 PM
The U.S. Constitution grants Congress the power to promote the progress of science and useful arts, by securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries. Congress has decided that the appropriate limited time for design patents is 14 years. Interestingly for copyrights, the limited time is the life of the author plus 70 years or if it was a "work for hire" 95 years from publication or 120 years from creation. These time periods were a result of the Sonny Bono Copyright Extension Act (17 USC 101) enacted in 1998 and were meant to accommodate the Disney copyrights that were expiring for Mickey Mouse. At one time copyright terms were 27 years plus a renewable term of 27 years.
IP: Logged |
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Dale Posts: 2132 |
posted 03-31-2007 08:41 PM
Here is one that again appears to be an 1880's type. IP: Logged |
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Dale Posts: 2132 |
posted 03-31-2007 08:43 PM
A familiar twist with mixed metal options. IP: Logged |
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Dale Posts: 2132 |
posted 03-31-2007 08:45 PM
This is called 'Equestrian'. It again is very much in the spirit of the 1880's. IP: Logged |
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Dale Posts: 2132 |
posted 03-31-2007 08:46 PM
This one is US maker, theme is 'Southwest'. There are three patterns here, under one theme. This type of design has not been seen for a century in US silver. IP: Logged |
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Dale Posts: 2132 |
posted 03-31-2007 08:47 PM
This is called 'Village of Sienna'. All I could get was a handle picture. But I will keep searching. IP: Logged |
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Dale Posts: 2132 |
posted 03-31-2007 08:50 PM
This one I really like. The handle is made to look like wrought iron, the bowl is stainless. Very handsome, and feels good in the hand. With it comes a new set: the cocktail set. Which looks for all the world to be composed of seafood fork, demitasse spoon and butter spreader. IP: Logged |
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Dale Posts: 2132 |
posted 03-31-2007 08:51 PM
Another oldie but goodie. IP: Logged |
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Dale Posts: 2132 |
posted 03-31-2007 08:52 PM
Don't quite know what to make of this one. IP: Logged |
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Dale Posts: 2132 |
posted 03-31-2007 09:25 PM
A novelty pattern, very 1880's again. IP: Logged |
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Dale Posts: 2132 |
posted 04-01-2007 01:45 AM
A definition of stainless from a site's FAQ: Stainless steel is a composite of different steels and varies in terms of grades for different uses. The main ingredient is chromium, and nickel has been added to provide a resistance to corrosion. Therefore 18/10 means 18% chromium and 10% nickel. The higher the nickel content, the more protection from corrosion. Prices vary considerably depending on these specs, so don’t be fooled into thinking you are buying the best quality, if the nickel content is 0%. However, some manufacturers will label utensils with a slighter higher than 8% nickel content, such as 8.3% as 18/10, since it doesn’t quite fit in the 18/8 category, and this is allowable. A little deceiving, none the less. It should be noted that even the best stainless steel is subject to occasional pitting and corrosion. These can usually be removed with a stainless steel cleanser. When shopping, take time to open the package and handle a utensil. An 18/10 spoon has a great ‘feel’ in your hand, the polish is terrific and they are very elegant looking. These are definitely well worth the higher price. And last, check the packaging for other product information, especially international or national standards, to ensure this product meets acceptable standards for your area. After all, you want to be sporting these new table tools for years to come. IP: Logged |
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Dale Posts: 2132 |
posted 04-01-2007 01:52 AM
Here is a multi-motif pattern by Spode, which seems to work closely with Wallace International. AFAIK no US silver maker introduced a multi-motif pattern in the last 100 years. IP: Logged |
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Dale Posts: 2132 |
posted 04-01-2007 01:54 AM
This is a figural full line flatware by Reed & Barton. Which seems to be their first figural in 100 years. And the first for any US maker in that same time period.
IP: Logged |
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Dale Posts: 2132 |
posted 04-01-2007 01:57 AM
This is a grape pattern stainless serving ensemble, brought to us by that powerhouse of silver, Target. Really, it is one of their in house stainless items. The design seems to draw from IS's holloware Vintage in the 1930's. IP: Logged |
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Dale Posts: 2132 |
posted 04-01-2007 02:12 AM
The name of this pattern is Tattoo. Somehow,I can't see Wood and Hughs using this name. IP: Logged |
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rian Posts: 169 |
posted 04-01-2007 09:28 AM
Dale, I've been hoping this would happen. Stainless steel flatware has been so boring! I've fallen into the habit of giving people money for a wedding presents so haven't really looked at household stuff much lately. The only one of these patterns that I have seen is the one with the wrought iron handles. I liked them too. Now with June coming up, I'll have an excuse to shop. IP: Logged |
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Dale Posts: 2132 |
posted 04-01-2007 02:24 PM
Thanks for the encouragement Rian. We spend a lot of time here bemoaning the state of the silver companies these days. Quite rightly so; the silver produced today is either continuations of older patterns or very safe boring designs. Stainless seems to be the wave of the future in design and innovation. There are multi-motif patterns. There are figural patterns. There are mixed metal patterns. All things that characterized 19th century silver. The other encouraging sign, to me at least, is that almost all of the patterns are relatively inexpensive. For almost all, a set for 12 with servers would be less than $200.00. So, people who entertain can have several sets for each entertaining mood they have. IP: Logged |
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Dale Posts: 2132 |
posted 04-01-2007 02:26 PM
Towle is recycling two patterns in stainless: Georgian and Old Colonial. IP: Logged |
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Dale Posts: 2132 |
posted 04-01-2007 02:28 PM
There are also new forms (sort of) coming out. Here are seafood forks adapted to escargot. And a new or slightly modified frozen dessert spoon. IP: Logged |
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Dale Posts: 2132 |
posted 04-01-2007 02:30 PM
I am not sure if this is a recycled pattern or not. But Towle seems to be going into its inventory of dies and putting them out. IP: Logged |
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Dale Posts: 2132 |
posted 04-01-2007 02:31 PM
Mixed metals: Not sure how to describe this one: IP: Logged |
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Dale Posts: 2132 |
posted 04-01-2007 02:37 PM
This is one I did not expect to find, Shreve's XIV Century. Modeled on the later, simplified design. IP: Logged |
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Dale Posts: 2132 |
posted 04-01-2007 02:44 PM
Peapod: Lariat: IP: Logged |
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Dale Posts: 2132 |
posted 04-01-2007 02:45 PM
Inset enameled medallion to complement a popular china line. IP: Logged |
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Dale Posts: 2132 |
posted 04-01-2007 02:47 PM
There is some hollowware also. This comes in both stainless and some sort of stainless and aluminum alloy. Here some examples. The little decorative things are pieces of agate. IP: Logged |
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Paul Lemieux Posts: 1792 |
posted 04-01-2007 02:48 PM
I like stainless patterns when they are not ornate or decorative. I do not think patterns ever come out as crisply as on silver or plate, plus the stainless never oxidizes. So I think it works a lot better on modernistic patterns. Christofle Intégrale is an example of one I like. -- I think that these stainless N.A. style patterns are atrocities. I have handled the first one in person, and it is hideous in design and quality. These "southwest" patterns strike me as a thoughtless hodgepodge of N.A. and pseudo-N.A. motifs. -- quote: Tiffany came out with a multi-motif floral pattern called "American Garden" in 1992. [This message has been edited by Paul Lemieux (edited 04-01-2007).] IP: Logged |
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Dale Posts: 2132 |
posted 04-01-2007 02:48 PM
Another mixed metal. IP: Logged |
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adelapt Posts: 418 |
posted 04-01-2007 03:12 PM
Cat among the pigeons coming up... Stainless steel is a great material, but I don't think that it is suited to slavishly copying old silver patterns. One of the things that attracts many of us to silver is the warmth and softness of the metal. Stainless seems to me to be superbly matched to the simple and sculptural forms such as those seen on Georg Jensen stainless, and some of the patterns above. But once "knock off" patterns like Towle's "Stockholm" come in, or fake hammer marks, 'truth to the material' seems to be lost. Am I a lone voice in this? IP: Logged |
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Paul Lemieux Posts: 1792 |
posted 04-01-2007 03:22 PM
quote: I have and have had several 1880s Aesthetic Movement pieces by the likes of Gorham, Dominick & Haff, Whiting, and I am convinced that even then, these companies were using simulated hammer marks at times (certainly not always). I think Chas Carpenter opines this in his Gorham book. I do agree, though, that it looks horrible on stainless. I think stainless flatware only works when it leans toward minimalist, non-representational design. IP: Logged |
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FWG Posts: 845 |
posted 04-01-2007 03:38 PM
Here's one I use everyday, from Target a few years ago. First encountered it at a grad student's house, and when I saw it I thought it would be uncomfortable and awkward, but turned out to be quite nice. We bought several sets for informal use. IP: Logged |
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Dale Posts: 2132 |
posted 04-01-2007 03:41 PM
I suspect the silver companies' customers could care less about this issue. And they are the ones who pay the bills, not us. So, as long as people will settle for a 'look', they will get it. Some of these items are described as 'bead blasted'. Which may be how the companies reproduced the hammered look way back when. IP: Logged |
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Dale Posts: 2132 |
posted 04-01-2007 04:01 PM
This is a new form, one that would not work in silver. The chip and dip server: IP: Logged |
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Dale Posts: 2132 |
posted 04-01-2007 04:02 PM
More hollowware. IP: Logged |
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Dale Posts: 2132 |
posted 04-01-2007 04:48 PM
As a silverplate dealer, I have heard these very same criticisms directed at silverplate. Having heard them for so long, I am used to hearing them. And long ago, decided to ignore them. The idea here that the reason silver companies are in decline is because people no longer have big meals, entertain at dinners, have smaller families, etc is really not valid. People will buy stylish flat and hollow wares. This is what the existent of all the kicky stainless steel tells us. But there are limits to this demand. Buyers will not polish. And looks like the dishwasher has won the battle. They seem to have an outer limit of $500 for their set. In fact, it seems that a very large segment of the market wants different styles for different types of meals. And that this group will buy stylish flatware in the $200 price range. As well as the stylish china and crystal that goes with this. The market for sterling is a shrinking one. current ways of living are different from when silver reigned. But there still is a market for silver. And there is a market for stylish flatware. It is just that with the advent of stainless, it has split apart. IP: Logged |
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Richard Kurtzman Moderator Posts: 768 |
posted 04-01-2007 11:37 PM
Dale, Are you telling us that crap is king? IP: Logged |
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Dale Posts: 2132 |
posted 04-02-2007 01:12 AM
No, I am not. I am saying that we need to see what is feasible under current conditions. Which are that silver is no longer a viable option for most who would have been considered silver buyers in previous ages. They have been replaced by those who buy stainless. And the makers, who ignore the silver crowd, have responded with flatware in appropriate mediums. Medias? Stainless is where the action is. The old market of sterling is rapidly going away. In its place is the new crowd of buyers who want exciting, cutting edge design. And they buy stainless. For their own reasons. Unfortunately, these reasons overflow into the market which we study. Or should look at, at least. There are a lot more examples to come. And every example proves that the rational we work with is false. Loads of people want great flatware, but: 1. They do not want to polish 2. They want ease of maintenance Which us silver dealers with our opposition to the dishwasher have maintained. Being against the dishwasher has cost us most of the silver market. This has brought us to our present condition of decay. IP: Logged |
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dragonflywink Posts: 993 |
posted 04-02-2007 04:13 AM
As a seller, I've without question, found nice profit in Mid Century Modern stainless flatware and holloware and suspect that some of patterns shown here will retain value. Feel as adelapt and Paul do, that the metal lends itself well to modern designs, and the novelty patterns, but traditional patterns simply look dead (and those Southwest/Navajo-type patterns are just dreadful). Understand that the vast majority of consumers are not buying sterling, but perhaps the folks buying the blatant knock-offs of Jensen's classic Acorn pattern and others, will graduate to the real thing in the future. I use a very heavy and nicely designed Mikasa pattern stainless for everyday, bought on sale over 20 years ago; but as a consumer, would not even consider putting any money into stainless that is simply a less-appealing version of a silver pattern. All a matter of individual taste, I guess. Cheryl ;o) IP: Logged |
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Kimo Posts: 1627 |
posted 04-02-2007 10:11 AM
I agree that the world of stainless has taken over the everyday flatware world, and that it has been some of the most boring and predictable pablum one could imagine for the past few decades. However, I also agree that there are some small sparks of life here and there - mainly among foreign makers. In my opinion one of the few makers that seems to have at least one designer with a sense of design is Yamazaki. Disclaimer - I have no relationship of any kind with this company other than owning one set of their stainless that I keep for everyday use. The "Gone Fishin'" design shown earlier in this thread is one example of their work. Here is another one that I think is well done: IP: Logged |
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agleopar Posts: 850 |
posted 04-02-2007 02:33 PM
A very nice sumation of whats what in the silver world. I find that even folks with unlimited budgets appreciate well made silver holloware but they only want a few pieces aside from their flatware. IP: Logged |
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ozfred Posts: 87 |
posted 04-02-2007 10:26 PM
There is my posting dated 5-9-04 concerning a stainless steel container that might be of interest in the General Silver Forum under "Might I submit a mystery". IP: Logged |
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ahwt Posts: 2334 |
posted 04-03-2007 09:54 AM
  Thanks Dale for the interesting thread on new designs in stainless steel patterns. We have some of the fern pattern flatware and I think it is fun to use in the garden in early spring when ferns are just popping up. The spring is a great time to eat outside and why not mimic nature with flatware. I am not sure who makes this pattern - some is marked Thailand and some China. We just recently found some ladles and serving pieces in this pattern so I assume someone is still making it. I don't think of stainless as a replacement to silver - just an addition of what is available to enjoy. IP: Logged |
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FWG Posts: 845 |
posted 04-04-2007 10:21 AM
ahwt, you're quite right of course, and somehow I had never seen that design as a fiddlehead. I have also seen them from East Asia (although I think I haven't seen Thailand, I have seen Taiwan and China) - and in various grades of quality - but also have seen hand-forged versions by American art blacksmiths. It's been a while, though, and I can't remember where or by whom. Fiddleheads are still weeks away here, although I can see them forming in our ferns' bases. And we're now due a freeze for a few days, so that'll slow them further. Do you eat them? IP: Logged |
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ahwt Posts: 2334 |
posted 04-04-2007 11:02 PM
FWG, I have never had the heart to cut fiddleheads as they are emerging. We have brought some at the grocery stores and they are very good in salads. I think fiddleheads are also called ostrich ferns and they are a great plant to mix in with hostas and other plants that like shade. I have not seen the hand forged type and I really do not understand how the stainless steel can become black and textured at one end, but remain shiny at the other. IP: Logged |
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FWG Posts: 845 |
posted 04-05-2007 09:58 AM
I'm the same way, I never cut ours either -- although I understand you can harvest them and the plant will produce more fairly quickly, I'm reluctant to try it in practice! I've wondered about the blackening as well, thought maybe it was something like anodizing or perhaps a fire treatment. The organic form makes me think of Albert Paley, although it isn't really like his work. The limited association I have in memory for the hand-forged pieces is that I saw them at a craft fair, but whether in Ithaca NY or Lexington KY or Richmond VA or Chicago I can't remember, and in any case over a decade ago. IP: Logged |
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