Colonial Silver Flatware Service by Tiffany & Co.

This exceptional sterling silver 236-piece flatware service for 12 by Tiffany and Co. is crafted in the refined Colonial pattern. Colonial is among Tiffany’s most classically-inspired motifs. First introduced in 1895 by Charles L. Tiffany, the pattern did not get its patent until 1896. Interestingly, this contradicts the mark, “Pat. 1895,” as the dies were made with the anticipated patent date, and the expense of altering them was deemed too high when the date changed. The classicizing pattern was designed by premier Tiffany artisan Paulding Farnham, a gifted sculptor who studied the art of silversmithing directly under Edward C. Moore, head designer at Tiffany & Co. from 1868 to 1891. His talent is evident in the Colonial pattern, which exhibits rich chasing and a dignified form. The pattern was discontinued in 1913. Farnham was responsible for Tiffany’s most elaborate works during his tenure and was called upon to create such important commissions as the Admiral Dewey presentation sword and the famed Adams Gold Vase housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The service comes housed in its custom-fitted Tiffany & Co. case. Each utensil marked “Tiffany & Co. / Sterling / Pat. 1895 T” Case: 23 5/8" wide x 16 3/4" deep x 5" high This set is comprised of: 12 dinner knives 12 luncheon knives 12 fruit knives 12 butter spreaders 12 dinner forks 12 luncheon forks 12 oyster forks 12 salad forks 12 ice cream forks 12 tablespoons 12 teaspoons 12 gumbo spoons 12 bouillon spoons 12 soup spoons 12 fruit spoons 12 iced tea spoons 12 afternoon tea spoons 12 demitasse spoons 12 salt spoons 4 serving spoons 1 large carving knife and fork 1 small carving knife and fork