Silver (household)

Household silver (the silver, the plate) comprises dishware, cutlery and other household items made of sterling, Britannia or Sheffield plate silver. Sometimes bought in sets or combined to form sets, such as a set of silver candlesticks or a silver tea service.   Silver requires a good deal of care, as it tarnishs and must be hand polished, since careless or machine polishing ruins the patina and can completely erode the silver layer in Sheffield plate.

Additional recommended knowledge

What is the Sensitivity of my Balance?

What is the Correct Way to Check Repeatability in Balances?

Recognize and detect the effects of electrostatic charges on your balance

In a great house, the footmen cleaned and polished the silver, overseen by the butler who was responsible for it. In middle-income households the few items of silver or silverplate may be displayed on a buffet or in a cabinet or china cabinet or breakfront, but a larger collection of silver is usually locked away in a secure room or a special silver safe.

See also

• Holloware
• Flatware