Introducing: My Crazy Silverware

Introducing: My Crazy Silverware

Oooh, I went more than a little nuts at Replacements last week. That store is dangerous. I had a minor goal of looking for a full set of sterling flatware while I was visiting. The standard estate sets they had left me cold…

…but, over in the corner, I stumbled across an enormous wood chest. Loaded with 116 pieces of handcrafted turn-of-the-century Austrian flatware by Vincenz Carl Dub (Vienna, 1852-1924, the sum of my internet research so far). Amazing.

Each section of the chest is labeled in German; gold lettering on blue ribbon. 12 settings each of three knife sizes, two fork sizes, four spoon choices. Plus, three salt pots and six matching serving pieces. Amazing quality: much, much nicer than any of the more modern sets.

It took a while to negotiate discounts and create a rationale in my mind for owning so much flatware when I only have six chairs (only two of which match) to my name. But in the end, the loveliness and the fantastic deal overruled any other logic.

And so it is mine. The silversmiths at Replacements are polishing it all, fixing a few blades and shipping it next week. I can’t wait! I’ve vowed to not buy anything – except groceries to serve at fancy dinner parties – for the next many months to make up for it.

Next Post:
Previous Post:
This article was written by
There are 13 comments for this article
  1. Erin N. at 1:38 pm

    What a cool find! A set like that is worth it, it will become an heirloom and last forever.

  2. Jessica at 2:30 pm

    Reminds me of me! I impulsively bought my half completed set of china when I was 19 because it reminded me of my great-grandparents’ anniversary china. Got a good deal too though, so no regrets.

  3. hyb at 7:11 pm

    Wow, what a find. I’m sure it will become a cherished family heirloom and the source of much conversation.

  4. Rachel at 7:39 pm

    It’s gorgeous – and well worth it at any price, because you will treasure it forever. And hey, eventually you will have more than 6 chairs and you’ll need a huge set of beautiful silverware.

  5. icing on the cake at 4:27 am

    How beautiful! I always wanted to go to Replacements, because it’s where I work on completing my silver pattern.

  6. Isadora at 3:50 am

    Replacements IS a dangerous place for people like us. Congratulations on your find and may you enjoy it for a lifetime!

    As for me, I’ve found quite a few items to supplement my long-ago discontinued Lenox pattern. So now it is a nagging dilemma. 🙂 Sometimes it is so difficult to distinguish between needs and wants.