A century old...From the carefully crafted repousse engravings in the Rose pattern to the grace of the balanced weight, this lovely server is delightful. Made in the USA in the 1920s, due to its mark and the pattern, which changed over time, this server is crafted in the Rose pattern, a classic. Solid sterling silver handle, standing the test of time, bearing light scratches indicative of its age...This is a great gift for new brides-to-be, best friends, or yourself...something I love to give with a note of wonder about the women who used it and treasured it first...
The difference in the styles is in the serving blade. In Style A, the blade is marked as stainless. In Style B, the blade is simply marked with the company name. I took this piece (Style B) to a jeweler who has a laser that can detect silver content. As expected, the handle is sterling, and is so marked, but this server has a silver plating on the blade. The jeweler believed this piece was silver plated over stainless steel. That may be so, but it may also simply be a traditional silver over steel. Not sure. The plating is intact with some fine surface scratches typical of antique servers.
Regarding Style A: "Stainless steel blades were invented in 1913 by Harry Brearley, who worked for Thomas Firth and Son in England. The “FIRTH” blades became popular in the United States in the 1920s and many Stieff pieces are marked at the base of the blade…THE STIEFF COMPANY and underneath FIRTH STAINLESS or THE STIEFF COMPANY and FIRTH STAINLESS on the length of the blade." If you're curious regarding how we date pieces like this one, go here:
http://www.thestieffcompany.com/The_Stieff_Company/S._Kirk_%26_Son.htmlStyle A:
Length: 10 1/16 inches
Blade width: 2.1/4 inches
Blade length: 5 3/4 inches
Weight: 121 grams
Markings: The Stieff Company; Firth Stainless on the blade; sterling on the ferrule of the handle where it joins the blade.
Pattern: The famous Stieff Rose
Style B:
Length: 10 1/16 inches
Blade width: 2.1/4 inches
Blade length: 5 3/4 inches
Weight: 103 grams
Markings: The Stieff Company; sterling on the ferrule of the handle where it joins the blade.
Pattern: The famous Stieff Rose
Since the handle is solid silver, you don't have to worry about the durability of the finish. A simple polish removes any accumulating tarnish. (I prefer Hagerty Silversmith's wash with a tarnish preventative. Avoid using silver dips; they'll remove the lovely patina that gathers in the crevices to enhance the detail of these pieces.)
Free of dings and dents; no monogram.
Commensurate with age, the condition is good.
If you would like to see our other lovely tableware or linens, go here:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/NotBeforeJava?ref=search_shop_redirect§ion_id=18216439