AUCTION FINDS OF THE WEEK- SEPTEMBER 9TH: ELEGANT DINING PART IV

by Kelly Keating on 09/07/13

Welcome back to Auction Finds of the Week!  This week will be the last in the series of posts on all the objects needed for an elegant dining room.  Part I focused on the dining room table, chairs and plates which are the foundation objects of this room.  Part II considered how to create a tablescape or centerpiece with items to adorn your table and provide a central focus to the room.  And part III  found chandeliers which are the other main component that centers the room and sets its tone.  This week will consider the other needed pieces for the table itself to complete its decoration and its function:  flatware and stemware, the jewelry of the table.

The choice of flatware can set the mood for the table and how that flatware interacts with one's plates.  Choose something that is complementary to the china used and to the style of the room.  If the dining room has an eclectic look, why not collect different pieces of antique and vintage flatware in silver and silverplate.  Mixed flatware can provide a fun and inexpensive way (when choosing silverplate) to create a set to serve 4, 6, 8 people.  This mix and match approach could also be done with glassware.

And don't be afraid of using silver flatware.  The care is fairly simple. Polish it once and then use it.  When done wash in a mild soap and store in a silver keeper role or box which will prevent tarnishing.  When you are ready to use your silver again, it will be bright and shiny and ready to go.

The first find this week is a French silver flatware service of 54 peices in a shell pattern.  It is being auctioned at Doyle New York lot 64 on September 24, 2013 with a pre-sale estimate of $500-700.  A shell pattern is always elegant and simple and could work in a variety of settings.  It would work well on the 2 traditional tables in part I- the Georgian style dining table and the Louis Phillipe style oval table.  But it could also work with the more modern choices found in part I, the Paul Frankl table and the After Leleu table.

The second flatware discovery this week is much more intricate and grand and would really only be appropriate for more traditional settings, but I just love it.  Lot 419 is a service of 134 pieces of sterling silver flatware by Gorham in the elaborate multi-motif Coligni pattern which was introduced in 1889.  The lot is being offered by Brunk Auctions in Ashville, NC on September 21, 2013 with a pre-sale estimate of $4,500-6,500.  The pattern is an intricate intertwining of figures and foliage on a shaped stem with a Baroque feel that expresses the historicism of the 19th century.  It screams luxury and is certainly not for everyone.

The last flatware find this week is also by Gorham in a simple sterling silver pattern called Nocturne which was introduced in 1938.  The lot consists of a partial service for twelve and is lot 106 at Skinner Boston on September 11, 2013 with a pre-sale estimate of $500-700.  Nocturne has a modest oval profile with a simple scrolled flourish at the bottom of the stem.  It could work well in any setting from modern to traditional.

The first stemware treasure this week is a set of mid-century modern cut crystal stemware by Royal Leerdam from the 1950's.  The set is being offered by Locati Auctions in Maple Glen, PA on September 16, 2013, lot 913529 with a pre-sale estimate of $500-800.  This stemware has minimal cutting, thick stem and a heavy profile.  It looks substantial.  The Royal Leerdam set would complement the Paul Frankl dning table seen in part I as well as the After Leleu table.

The second stemware find this week is also from Locati Auctions in Maple Glen, PA, a partial service for 6 with 18 pieces in total of crystal stemware attributed to Dorflinger and made circa 1900.  The service is lot 913736 is up for auction on September 16, 2013 with a pre-sale estimate of $500-600.  This glassware pattern features lovely floral and swag cutting and has a wonderful tall, elegant profile.  It would certainly enhance a more traditional setting.  Stemware such as this lot can be found relatively easily engraved with flowers or swags or grapes.  Why not collect a mismatched set for your table?  It can create a lovely look.

The final discovery for this week is an sophisticated and stylish set of stemware by Lalique in the pattern St. Hubert which is being offered by Rago in Lambertville, NJ on September 22, 2013, lot 2268, with a pre-sale estimate of $700-1,000.  The lot consists of 56 pieces of stemware: 12 small cordials, 12 larger cordials, 11 wines, 10 sherberts and 11 goblets.  The profile of the Lalique stemware is pleasing and quite chic.  The stem interrupted by a simple rondel adds a nice touch.  This very classic stemware would complement the modern tables found in part I and also the more traditional tables.

This post ends the series on elegant dining and ideas on how to appoint your dining room for daily life and entertaining.  Stemware and flatware are the jewelry of the table, so choose something that enhances not only the table and but the dining space as a whole.  Collect different pieces of flatware and stemware for a mismatched, fun look, but one that can also be sophisticated.  Find an old pattern in plate or sterling that you like and begin to assemble a service to use.  Silver flatware is not hard to care for and will add some sparkle and history to your table. 

I hope this week's post provided inspiration for your own space.  If you are looking for a particular antique or vintage piece for your dining room or any other space in your house, please contact me at [email protected] for help.

Until next week.

Kelly T Keating
www.theantiqueflaneur.com