Used Stainless Flatware
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Tableware
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1950s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Tableware
Stainless Steel, Other
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Tableware
Stainless Steel
20th Century Danish Serving Pieces
Metal
Late 20th Century Scandinavian Modern Tableware
Stainless Steel
Late 20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Tableware
Stainless Steel
20th Century Danish More Dining and Entertaining
Metal
Vintage 1960s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Tableware
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Tableware
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1950s American Tableware
Gold Plate
Vintage 1970s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Tableware
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1960s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Tableware
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1950s German Modern Platters and Serveware
Stainless Steel
20th Century Tableware
Sterling Silver, Stainless Steel
20th Century Tableware
Sterling Silver, Stainless Steel
Late 20th Century Korean Modern Serving Pieces
Stainless Steel
20th Century Korean Mid-Century Modern Tableware
Stainless Steel
20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Tableware
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1970s German Organic Modern Platters and Serveware
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1970s German Modern Serving Pieces
Stainless Steel
Mid-20th Century Tableware
Stainless Steel
Mid-20th Century Tableware
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1980s Indonesian Scandinavian Modern Tableware
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1980s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Tableware
Stainless Steel
20th Century Sheffield and Silverplate
Stainless Steel
Antique Late 19th Century Tableware
Stainless Steel
Late 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Tableware
Stainless Steel
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Tableware
Stainless Steel
20th Century Sterling Silver
Stainless Steel
20th Century Tableware
Stainless Steel
20th Century Sterling Silver
Stainless Steel
20th Century Tableware
Stainless Steel
20th Century Tableware
Stainless Steel
20th Century Tableware
Stainless Steel
20th Century Tableware
Stainless Steel
20th Century Tableware
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1950s Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Tableware
Stainless Steel, Pewter
Antique Late 19th Century Tableware
Stainless Steel
20th Century Tableware
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Tableware
Stainless Steel
20th Century Tableware
Stainless Steel
20th Century North American Modern Serving Pieces
Stainless Steel
20th Century Tableware
Stainless Steel
20th Century Tableware
Stainless Steel
20th Century Japanese Tableware
Stainless Steel
20th Century Italian Sterling Silver
Stainless Steel
Late 20th Century Tableware
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Tableware
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Tableware
Stainless Steel
20th Century Sterling Silver
Stainless Steel
20th Century Sterling Silver
Stainless Steel
20th Century Sterling Silver
Stainless Steel
20th Century Tableware
Stainless Steel
20th Century Tableware
Stainless Steel
20th Century Tableware
Stainless Steel
20th Century Tableware
Stainless Steel
20th Century Tableware
Sterling Silver
Vintage 1910s French Art Nouveau Tableware
Metal, Nickel, Silver
Late 20th Century Japanese Serving Pieces
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Tableware
Stainless Steel
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Used Stainless Flatware For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Used Stainless Flatware?
Finding the Right Tableware for You
While it isn’t always top of mind for some, antique and vintage tableware can enhance even the most informal meal. It has been an intimate part of how we’ve interacted with our food for millennia.
Tableware has played a basic but important role in everyday life. Ancient Egyptians used spoons (which are classified as flatware) made of ivory and wood, while Greeks and Romans, who gathered for banquets involving big meals and entertainment, ate with forks and knives. At the beginning of the 17th century, however, forks were still uncommon in American homes. Over time, tableware has thankfully evolved and today includes increasingly valuable implements.
Tableware refers to the tools people use to set the table, including serving pieces, dinner plates and more. It encompasses everything from the intricate and elaborate to the austere and functional, yet are all what industrial product designer Jasper Morrison might call “Super Normal” — anonymous objects that are too useful to be considered banal.
There are four general categories of tableware — serveware, dinnerware, drinkware and, lastly, flatware, which is commonly referred to as silverware or cutlery. Serveware includes serving bowls, platters, gravy boats, casserole pans and ladles. Most tableware is practical, but it can also be decorative. And decorative objects count as tableware too. Even though they don’t fit squarely into one of the four categories, vases, statues and floral arrangements are traditional centerpieces.
Drinkware appropriately refers to the vessels we use for our beverages — mugs, cups and glasses. There is a good deal of variety that falls under this broad term. For example, your cheerful home bar or mid-century modern bar cart might be outfitted with a full range of vintage barware, which might include pilsner glasses and tumblers. Specialty cocktails are often served in these custom glasses, but they’re still a type of drinkware.
Every meal should be special — even if you’re using earthenware or stoneware for a casual lunch — but perhaps you’re hosting a dinner party to mark a specific event. The right high-quality tableware can bring a touch of luxury to your cuisine. Young couples, for example, traditionally add “fine china,” or porcelain, to their wedding registry as a commemoration of their union and likely wouldn’t turn down exquisite silver made by Tiffany & Co. or Georg Jensen.
It’s important to remember, however, that when you’re setting the dining room table to have fun with it. Just as you might mix and match your dining chairs, don’t be afraid to mix new and old or high and low with your tableware. On 1stDibs, find an extraordinary range of vintage and antique tableware to help elevate your meal as well as the mood and atmosphere of your entire dining room.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021The highest quality flatware is dependent on the flatware's ratio of chromium to nickel. There are three possible ratios: 18/10, 18/8, or 18/0. The best flatware is 18% chromium and 10% nickel, and less prone to rusting.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021The best stainless steel flatware to buy is really a matter of preference. There are all kinds of stainless steel flatware available and the right set for you will make all the difference with every meal regardless of it being a solo weeknight dinner or a special occasion with friends. The good news is that there are no wrong answers for tableware, barware and the other items you can treat yourself to when you’re planning an event at home. On 1stDibs.com, find new, vintage and antique stainless steel flatware in a variety of styles and prices.
- Is bronze flatware safe to use?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Bronze dishware is generally safe to use for eating and cooking, though it requires careful use. Additionally, bronze should not be used to store food over long periods of time.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The world-renowned watchmaker started using 904L steel in 1985. 904L stainless steel is known for its anti-corrosion properties and gorgeous sheen. Previously, Rolex used 316L stainless steel. You can find an assortment of Rolex watches from the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
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