Gilded Age Cutlery Etiquette

“Silver handles are also much used, though they are not counted as elegant table furniture.” ???  – Etiquipedia realizes that some trends and fads are short lived, and she hopes this is one of them. There is no way that one can convince Etiquipedia that the silver handles of these gilded age, gilded macaroni servers, make them inelegant table furnishings!

Mrs. L. J. D. says, “In selecting cutlery it is well to remember that all fork prongs for table use should be of silver. Taste may govern the selection of the handles. Buckhorn and its imitation are often seen. Ivory is valued, but is not durable. 

Pearl is, of course, the most elegant and the most expensive. Celluloid and ivorine are used instead of ivory, as they do not turn yellow or crack. Silver handles are also much used, though they are not counted as elegant table furniture.” – The NYT, 1893

Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia