If you think some antique silverware looks a bit funny, you’re quite right. Before the United States Government restricted the number of pieces in a flatware collection, there were many obscure and oddly specific pieces of dining silverware. Can you figure out the use by its appearance?
Gelatin Server
This shell-shaped serving spoon has a very, and I mean very, specific task — gelatin! Yes, this is a spoon for scooping out portions of that wiggly, jiggly stuff. The deep-set base allows you to grab a large scoop without the gelatin sliding off the spoon.
Olive Spoon
Even today we know of olive forks, but what about olive spoons? The Victorians were experts at making excess, so they made spoons too! Instead of puncturing the olive completely, the spoon gently pushed the olive onto the spoon basin. The whole in the center drained out any of the excess liquid.
Macaroni Server
Macaroni and cheese got their own server. A short ten years (1845 through 1855), is when the popularity of the macaroni server flourished. The notched teeth collected just enough macaroni and let excess sauce stay in the serving dish.
Lemon Fork
This splayed arrangement of the tongs is the perfect transport for lemon wedges. Set onto the fork, you can easily pinch the ends and get the maximum amount of lemon juice out of the lemon wedges.
Lettuce Fork
Part fork, part spoon, and part wrought iron fence, this lettuce fork is a little bizarre and uncomfortably sharp, at least one could visually ascertain its unnecessary sharpness! The theory goes that the sharp spear-like spike will pierce through the lettuce, and the curved center would make it easier to gather multiple pieces of lettuce onto the fork.
Asparagus Server
Asparagus are some of the more meddlesome vegetables, always struggling from platter to plate – at least that’s what the Victorians seemed to think. While there are specific tongs for asparagus, the asparagus server is definitely more distinct. The portion closest to the handle curves up like a little levy, keeping the asparagus on the server and not on your table.
Ice Cream Spoon
While you may think ice cream simply needs a plain-old spoon, think again! The Victorians definitely worried about every possible conundrum with food. This center spike is supposed to puncture into the cold stiff ice cream and securely shift it to the center of the spoon. I‘m sure you could use it as a makeshift weapon too.
Would you want to use any of these pieces of silverware?