SILVERWARE GLOSSARY

(March 2015)

Underwriters, agents, brokers and claims personnel are often required to evaluate requests to schedule or pay for items in the silverware class of property. That being the case, it may be helpful to have a source that defines or explains various silversmith and silverware terms.

Overview of the ISO Personal Inland Marine Program

Silverware Form

Note: This list was compiled by our editorial staff after independently researching a variety of sources on the topic of silverware and related materials.

- A -

acanthus leaf–A broad-leaf, vine-like plant native to the Mediterranean and which is commonly featured as a design on silverware borders, handles, etc.

alloy–Refers to combining (mixing) metals in order to either strengthen it or to reduce the amount of precious metal. Note: Without the use of alloys, silver would not be used for silverware since, unalloyed, it is too soft for that purpose.

alpaca silver–See nickel silver.

annealing–The heat-treating (softening) of metal after it has been work-hardened with steel tools. This is necessary between raising and forging stages. Annealing is also used to remove tension in a piece of metal before brazing.

antimony–A brittle, shiny, metal-like material commonly used in alloys.

apostle spoon–A spoon with a finial (see definition) in the shape of one of the Disciples.

applied–See applied decoration.

applied decoration–Decoration added onto the surface of silver, usually cast.

apprentice–A person who is bound to serve a skilled tradesperson for several years in order to learn that trades (i.e., silversmith apprentice).

argentium sterling–A newer alloy that, besides qualifying as sterling, is impervious to the formation of fire stains and is resistant to tarnish.

argyle–A silver gravy-warmer consisting of a well for holding gravy and an outer casing that holds hot water.

armorial–A piece of silver that is decorated with a coat-of- arms (of a person or family who once owned the object).

Art Deco–A style which features non-natural elements such as sharp angled, geometric shapes, bold colors, molded, or faceted beads, as well as the use of chrome and plastics.

Art Nouveau–Also known as "Victorian" or "Edwardian." This style features fluid lines, natural colors, and natural, particularly floral themes.

assay–Any attempt to test metal to determine its level of purity (value).

- B -

baize–A felt-like, colored wool fabric, frequently used for displays, and linings for game tables and silverware storage cases.

Baltimore assay mark–A mark used to by the namesake city in the early 1800s to certify that the silverware piece had a silver content of at least 90%.

baluster–Refers to any silver piece with a bulb-like body and a long neck.

baroque–Any florid, heavily ornamented design or style that began near the end of the 17^th Century.

base metal–A common (non-precious) metal use in alloys or as a core for layering precious metal.

bayonet fittings–An attachment method consisting of locking lugs that fit into flange and which is secured after the cover and object are rotated.

beading–A border of decoration consisting of small beads.

berry spoon–A large, oval-shaped spoon used with serving bowls.

bezel–The inner, locating rim found on coffeepot and teapot covers.

biggin–A small cylindrical coffee or hot water jug with a short spout and domed cover that was first popular in the late 1700s.

black jack–A large, leather drinking vessel, traditionally with a silver base and cup rim.

bleeding bowl–A small, two-handled, shallow bowl used in wine-tasting.

bobeche–A wide rim that is placed in a candle-holder socket to collect wax drippings.

bolster–The raised portion of a knife blade at the juncture between the blade and the handle.

bottle ticket–A small silver plaque with a chain that slips over the neck of a wine bottle, displaying the name or type of wine.

brandy saucepan–See pipkin.

Brazil silver–A manufacturer’s name for a nickel-based, silver-free alloy.

brazing–A form of soldering that utilizes high temperature alloys to join high temperature metals.

bright-cut decoration–A style of engraving that creates a decoration that appears in sharp contrast to its background surface.

bright finish–A highly polished, mirror-like finish.

britannia–An alloy of antimony, tin, copper, zinc, and other metals which looks like pewter.

buffing–A polishing process that utilizes a rotating, wheel with an abrasive surface.

bullion–Pure silver that is in the form of bars or ingots.

bun pepper–A bulb-shaped shaker for ground pepper.

burnishing–Use of a steel tool or bloodstone to polish electroplated silver pieces which creates a long-lasting plating.

butler finish–Silver items with a luster that, traditionally, was formed by years of polishing.

- C -

cake stand–A plate with a pedestal for holding and serving cakes and pastries.

campana–A vase or vessel that is shaped like an inverted bell.

candelabra–Plural of candelabrum.

candelabrum–A candlestick that has arms for more than one candle.

candle cup–A drinking cup that has two handles.

candle snuffer–A small, cup-shaped object used to extinguish candles without blowing around sparks or hot wax.

cann–An American style tankard.

cartouche–The decorative border that frames a coat of arms or the blank area designed for adding an engraving.

caryatid–A decorative. sculpted support column in the form of a female.

cast–The process of pouring molten metal (in this instance, silver) into molds.

chafing dish–A two-piece serving dish consisting of a serving dish that fits into an outer vessel that is filled with hot water to keep food warm.

chasing–See embossing.

checking–The processing of hammering an object's edges in order to increase their thickness and durability.

chinoiserie–A European fashion of placing their concept of oriental themes onto silver, popular in 17^th and 18^th centuries.

close plating–Covering knives with a thin layer of silver foil in order to prevent rusting.

collar–See flange.

compote–Also known as comport, a serving bowl usually reserved for candies, nuts, or other sweets.

cross-peen hammer–Hammers with long, narrow faces that run perpendicular to the handle. They are used for raising, forming, and planishing.

cut card decoration–Flat, silver applications usually placed on the rims of serving pots as both a decoration and a reinforcement.

cutlery–Implements used for cutting, particularly for cutting and serving food (esp. knives).

- D -

decanter label–See bottle ticket.

die forming–Forming or duplicating an object by hammering a sheet of metal into a form consisting of that object's outline/frame.

die stamping–See die cutting.

dinner size–Larger than normal size flatware that is used for formal dining.

dinnerware–A generic term for dishes, bowls, tea sets, and other dining accessories.

dirilyte–A hard alloy which resembles gold, but consists of bronze.

dish ring–See potato ring.

duty–A tax paid on imported and exported goods.

duty dodger–Refers to silver items containing marks transferred from other silver pieces. A technique used to escape paying duty.

- E -

electroplate–Copper or nickel alloy that is covered with an application of silver. Process introduced in the mid 1800s.

embossing–Also known as chasing, refers to the use of hammers and punches to create a raised decoration or pattern.

engine turning–A process where a machine is used to cut decorative lines.

engraving–Any design that is created by cutting a pattern of lines on a metal surface.

EP–(Silver) Plated copper.

EPBM–(Silver) Plated Britannia.

epergne–A set of detachable serving bowls that, besides holding fruits and other foods, was also used as a centerpiece.

EPNS–(Silver) Plated nickel silver.

EPWM–(Silver) Plated white metal.

etching–A process where a piece is coated, a part of the coating is removed (in a pattern) then the piece is submerged in a nitric acid solution, creating the final design.

etui–A small, cylindrical container with a hinged top, typically used for holding very small tools or needles.

ewer–A wide-mouthed (spout) jug.

- F -

faceted–A criss-cross pattern of planes typically cut into jewelry or glass to reflect light.

ferrule–A narrow piece of material that is placed between a tea or coffee pot and a handle to insulate the handle from heat.

fine silver–See silver, pure.

finial–Spire-shaped tops often used on coffee pot and tea pot covers or the spiral, decorative ends on spoons.

finish, satin–See satin finish.

fire scale–See fire stain.

fire stain–A deep tone discoloration that is the result of oxidized copper.

flange–A collar or rim that is used as a reinforcement.

flatware–A generic term for cutlery.

floreated–Having a flowery decoration.

fluting–Concave grooves that are set (vertically) in panels or columns.

fold forming–A new, quick, easily learned way of shaping sheet metal with simple hand tools. The forms are derived from the natural plasticity of the metal and complex relief forms are made from sheets of metal often on one annealing.

foliated–Having a leafy decoration.

forged–A process of shaping metal by hammering and heating.

forming–A process which alters a sheet of metal so that it changes planes, three-dimensionally.

freedom box–A commemorative box representing that the, usually prominent, recipient has been given the freedom (i.e., keys) to a city.

French plating–Application of silver foil to objects made of brass or copper.

- G -

gadrooning–A curved border consisting of lobes and fluting in an alternating pattern.

gauge–A measurement of the thickness of a metal layer or a wire.

German silver–See nickel silver.

G.F.–See gold-filled.

gilding–Layering an object with gold.

gold filled–Describes any jewelry consisting of a base (non precious) metal covered with a gold layer.

gold marks–Standard indicators of the quality of gold contained in a piece of jewelry (Europe–417, 583, 750 and

1000, United States–10k, 12k, 18k, and 24k).

graver–A steel tool consisting of a long handle and sharp point used to carve designs into precious metals.

Greek key–A classic design consisting of interlocking, alternating right angles.

green gold–An alloy of gold and silver.

guild–Typically refers to a medieval association of persons belonging to a particular craft or trade.

- H -

hallmark–Legally mandating stamping that tells a piece’s silver content and identifying information such as manufacturer, origin, etc. (originating from Guild Hall Mark).

hammered silver–A silver piece that has a surface decorated by light hammering.

hand-wrought silver–Any silver piece, expertly-created without the use of machinery.

hard gold electroplated–A base-metal object that is plated with a burnished gold layer.

H.G.E.–See hard gold electroplated.

hollow handle–Handle created by two soldered halves.

hollow ware–Hollow service items, typically coffee pots and tea pots.

house mark–A mark stamped or laser-engraved by the company that created the object for its own line or for a retailer.

hundredweight–See pennyweight.

- I -

impaling–A joined pair of coats of arms.

incuse–Any design using stamped images or letters that are sunken into a surface.

ingot–Typically a metal cast in a shape (square, rectangular) suited for shipping and storage.

insulator–See ferrule.

intaglio–Any design using raised images or letters that are in relief (raised above a surface).

- J -

Japanesque–Any design that is inspired by Japanese culture.

jewel–A precious or semi-precious stone that has been cut into a decorative shape and polished.

jewel encrusted–Refers, typically, to a gold piece that is heavily decorated with jewelstones.

- K -

karat–A unit for measuring the purity or fineness of a gold piece.

kilt pin–Any decorative pin used to close the lower right corner of a kilt.

knop–A rounded (often pineapple-shaped) handle used on covers.

knurling–Refers to any decorative design that pressed into larger silverware pieces (such as dishes or platters) from a steel roll containing that design.

- L -

latten–A type of alloy used up until the early 19^th century.

lattice–A decorative pattern consisting of diagonal crossbars.

lemel–Remnants (filings and scrapings) of silver found around a silversmith’s work area.

liner–Any sort of inner sleeve accompanying a silver item (i.g., glass sleeve inside a silver butter dish).

loading–Insertion of an iron rod to stabilize and strengthen candlesticks.

luncheon Size–Flatware that is smaller than normal (place) size.

- M -

maker's mark–The name or artistic mark stamped on an object created by an individual silversmith.

mantling–The background/display for a coat of arms.

married metals–Two or more different types of metal sheets that are joined (by fusing or soldering) to form patterns.

martele–Silver with handmade decorations which had a higher silver content than sterling silver.

matting–A flat finish surface that is used as a background for decorative designs.

mazareme–A large, shallow dish designed for cooking fish.

medicine spoon–A spoon with two, different sized bowls that can be folded and designed for taking medicine.

mirror-plateau–A flat, glass, stand used for displaying centerpieces.

mokume-gane–Refers to sandwiched metal that have been formed in order to facilitate raising the metal.

monteith–A shallow bowl with a special collar designed for hanging wineglasses over ice to allow them to cool.

motif–A design’s most prominent feature.

motte spoon–One designed to supplement tea service. It is used to skim tea leaves as well as to clear clogged teapots.

moulding–Refers to mould-shaped silver castings.

mounts–Any metal decoration that is fastened onto another piece.

- N -

nappy–Refers to a small, usually round, individual dinner plate.

nibbled edge–An edge which, by filing or “nibbling”, has the exact shape of the mount.

nickel–A hard white metal that, because of its similarity, is a popular silver substitute, especially in alloy use.

nickel silver–An alloy, originally called German Silver, consisting of copper (50%), nickel (10%), and zinc (40%), which resembles silver.

non-tarnishing silver–A piece plated with palladium or rhodium or a cadmium-silver alloy; all which are tarnish resistant.

nozzle–The top portion of a candlestick (detachable) into which candles are inserted.

NS–See nickel silver.

- O -

obba–An old style of drinking vessel, similar to a small bowl.

onslow pattern–A particular style of flatware containing a spiral scroll pattern.

open work–Decorations that are pierced.

oxidizing–Refers either to the natural dark areas that, with age, appear in recessed areas of silver pieces or a specific method of treating a piece to create darker, contrasting designs.

- P -

paktong–A white alloy originating in China and consisting of copper, nickel and zinc.

parcel gilt–Any silver surface which a portion covered by a layer of gold.

patina–A naturally aged silver surface.

patinate–To apply a chemical that darkens the recesses on ornamental pieces and engraving that have naturally developed over time. This process is sometimes applied to objects that have had their darkening removed from dishwashers or chemical strippers.

pennyweight–Equal to 1/20^th of a troy ounce that is used to weigh precious metals and gems.

pewter–An alloy of antimony, copper, and tin which is usually dull gray in appearance (though it can be polished to a brighter finish).

piercing–A deep-cut decoration created with punches, special saws, or sharp chisels.

pink gold–An alloy of gold and copper.

pipkin–A small silver saucepan with handle that is used to warm brandy.

place setting–Refers to the standard flatware setting consisting of a fork, knife, salad fork, and teaspoon.

place size–Another term for normal or regular size flat and dinnerware.

planishing–A decorative process of treating (refining) the surface of a silver piece by striking with one or more types of a highly polished hammer.

plate–Either a reference to a dish or to pieces that have a coating of precious metal.

plating–See electroplate.

plinth–A square base typically found on columns (sometimes candlesticks).

polishing–This process refines a metal surface by the use of abrasive compounds applied by hand or a polishing wheel.

porringer–A bowl with two handles used for porridge.

potato ring–Any ring-shaped object used to prevent hot dishes from touching a table’s surface.

preservation–To stabilize an object from further deterioration, such as coating with Renaissance wax.

pseudo-hallmarks–Identifying markings usually found on some American silver, base metals, and silver plate which, though not required, are similar to true hallmarks that is required on European pieces.

pyx–a small, round box, originally used for holding consecrated communion wafers.

- Q -

quadruple silverplate–Late 19^th century reference to very fine silver items plated with four times the amount established as the silverplating standard.

quaiche–A shallow, double-handled cup or bowl for drinking.

quatrefoil–A design consisting of four, slightly overlapped lobes.

quirk–An acute angle or channel the usually joins two diverse elements (such as a raised and a flush surface).

- R -

raised chasing–See repousse.

raising–Shaping metal into hollow forms by placing metal sheets over a head or T-stake.

reeded–A decorative design that simulates a reed bundle.

refinish–To make an object look new by removing all scratches and imperfections.

regency–Refers to highly ornate silver pieces that were particularly popular during the time that George, Prince of Wales was their Prince Regent (1811-1820).

relief or relief decoration–Any raised pattern or design.

repatinate–See patinate.

repousse–French term referring to a decorative method that pushes a design out of a metal and molding back to create a raised design.

reserve–An undisturbed area in the center of a design that is dedicated for an engraving.

restore–To repair and finish an object to its original condition.

R.G.P.–Abbreviation for rolled gold plate.

rococo–A very detailed decorative style after the Baroque Period which features Oriental themes and curved shapes.

- S -

salver–A tray for serving food or beverages.

satin finish–A surface treated with a steel wire brush to create a flat (non-shiny) finish.

sconce–The socket or bracket where candle-holders are attached.

scroll–A curved decoration. Such a decoration that curves upward from a base is called a flying scroll.

service–Either the number of place settings within a set or the number of forms contained by a pattern.

shoulder–A raised rim on a plate or platter.

silver–A white, lustrous metallic element that conducts heat and electricity better than any other metal.
silver, coin–Silver pieces that assay at about 90% silver content.

silver, pure–Pieces with 100% silver content.

silver, solid–See sterling silver.

silver gilt–Silver completely covered by gold layer.

silver plate–Refers to pieces of base metal that have been plated with a layer of silver.

silversmith–A person who works at creating silver pieces.

solder–A lead or lead-based material that is used to repair holes or cracks in silver items.

spoonmaker–Another term for a person who makes flatware.

spinning–The process of creating silver hollow ware by shaping a silver disk over a chuck (steel or wood) in the shape of the finished design.

splade–An Australian term referring to a single set of a fork, knife and spoon.

spout cup–A cup that is covered, having two handles and a spout (used by invalids, toddlers, etc.).

stainless steel–Officially, a steel alloy containing a minimum of 13% chromium along with nickel and steel.

stake–Any polished cast iron or steel tool placed in a vise and is used for forming and planishing metal over. stamping–Imparting a design on a piece by use of a die and a heavy press.

sterling II–Describes flatware having silver handles, but the remainder of the knife, fork, or spoon is stainless steel.

sterling silver–A silver alloy (mixture) composed of roughly 92% silver and the rest, copper.

surface plate–A perfectly level steel, cast iron or granite table of any dimension that is used to check the level and flatness of an object.

swags–Hanging decorations with a husk, chain, or flower pattern.

- T -

T-stake–A "T" shaped tool, made out of iron or steel. It is placed in a vise and is used for various, silversmithing processes, particularly planishing.

tankard–A large, tall cup, with a handle and hinged cover, typically used for drinking beer.

tazza–A stem-footed, wide and shallow bowl.

touchmark–Refers to a marking of a manufacturer or an individual craftsman.

trademark–A mark consisting of a particular company’s symbol or trade name used primarily in the United States.

trencher–A small salt-dish.

Troy measure–Measure used specifically for weighing precious metals and jewels.

Troy ounce–Member of the Troy measure, equal to 20 pennyweights.

Troy pound–Member of the Troy measure, equal to 12 troy ounces.

tumbler cup–A cup with a round, weighted bottom which when knocked over, will right itself.

- U -

No entries

- V -

vermeil–A special electroplating process used with gold.

vesta box–A decorated match box.

Victorian plate–Items plated with silver during Queen Victoria's reign, roughly 1840 through 1900.

Victorian silver–Silver and silverware items created during Queen Victoria's reign (roughly 1840 through 1900) and bearing the designs and decorations that predominated in that time.

vinaigrette–A small silver with a pierced lid and a liner. It contained a vinegar-soaked sponge for reviving people who fainted.

volute–A tight spiral design, commonly used in architectural columns.

- W -

waiter–See salver.

weight value–The price of a troy ounce of either gold or silver.

white gold–An alloy of gold and nickel.

white metal–An alloy of whitish metal consisting of two or more combinations of antimony, bismuth, copper, lead, and/or tin. The predominant metal in any mix is either lead or tin.

- X -

No Entries

- Y -

No Entries

- Z -

zinc–A base metal that is used with several metal alloys.