A spoon is one of the oldest cutlery. Even the names of its parts speak of this: scooped (now has the shape of an ellipse) and held (handle, later flat handle). The first silver spoons in Russia appeared during the time of Vladimir the Red Sun and were intended not only for the prince, but also for his squad.
Types of spoons
According to their purpose in modern time they are divided:
- dining rooms (for first courses);
- dessert;
- Tea rooms
- Coffee
- bar.
There are at least thirteen types of spoons, but they are used most often in catering establishments.
By type of material:
- wooden;
- steel;
- nickel silver;
- silver ones.
For royal and imperial tables, spoons, forks, knives could also be made of gold. Engraving on a silver spoon or gold usually indicated the name of the workshop where it was made.
silver spoon
In Russia, even not very wealthy people in the late XIX - early XX centuries table silver was commonplace. They looked after him, cleaned him, made sure that it shone like a mirror. Silver was cast, as they do now, in special forms, and then, after cooling in water, they were cleaned and polished by hand. The pen drawing and its shape were completely different and exquisite. Engraving on a silver spoon was made to order and implied some important, pathos date: wedding, anniversary, angel's day. Then the spoon, especially the nominal one, was solemnly presented to the culprit of the event.
Silver on the table these days
Silver is a relatively rare metal on an everyday table. He was almost completely replaced by steel and cupronickel, which is a pity. It will beautify a daily table. How pleasant it is to drink coffee in the morning with an elegant spoon! Especially if engraving is applied. On a silver spoon, it can be both on the handle and on the scoop.
It is also nice to use a
dessert spoon when the hostess serves ice cream, mousse, and porridge on the table. You can apply a picture or inscription to this device. Artistic engraving on a silver spoon is done in several ways. This is a mechanical cutting of inscriptions and patterns with the help of needles and stichels (hand tool). Laser engraving is the modern way symbols are applied. A special mock-up is made for this, and the laser beam leaves either a dark or a light trace on the noble metal. By itself, this engraving will not be erased, if there is a need to remove it, then this can be done with jewelry polishing in workshops.
Christening
Engraving on a silver spoon on christening usually has a baptism date and a baptismal name. This is the basis to make memorable such an important event in the life of a small person.
The standard product from the store becomes exclusive. The value of such a gift grows at times. A spoon from the godparents will be carefully stored and will become a family heirloom.
Silver spoon engraved on the first tooth
Milk teeth begin to cut at the age of three months. The enamel is soft, so it is advisable to have a silver spoon for feeding the baby, which has bactericidal properties. A silver spoon engraved on the first tooth is a very old tradition in Russia.
The
first tooth had to be gently tapped with a spoon so that the teeth were strong and cut through without pain. The custom suggests starting the first lure of the baby from it. The most suitable for this case is a teaspoon. The coffee shop will not work, it is too small, and the baby at this time takes everything into her mouth. The kid may choke inadvertently. All other spoons will be too large. When eating with a dessert spoon, a lot will be spilled. Later, a small child will learn to properly hold his first spoon. Therefore, it is important to choose it with a convenient handle.
What engraving do for children
For any holiday you can order a variety of patterns and inscriptions. Silver spoons for children with engraving usually include the name of the donor (“from Olya’s grandmother, Ivan’s grandfather”, “from Aunt Ira”) and the one to whom the spoon is intended - “Zhenechka”, “Natasha”, “Lyalechka”.
The name can be not only diminutive, but also complete. In addition, you can apply a beautiful monogram, a zodiac sign, roses, fruits and bunches of grapes, the weight of the child and the date of his birth - all that the fantasy tells.