The 1970s brought us bold fashion, groovy music, and unique home décor, and among its most cherished design elements is the bronze silverware with wooden handles. This exquisite set is a beautiful testament to the era’s elegance and craftsmanship. We often wonder what makes these pieces so captivating: is it the unique character each handcrafted handle brings to the table, the warm, inviting sheen of the bronze itself, or perhaps the cherished memories of elegant dinner parties and intimate family gatherings they evoke? Whatever the reason, these vintage treasures are undeniably alluring.
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The Allure and Issues of Bronze Flatware
Clayton Walker, a professional butler and houseman from Vancouver, Washington, has seen firsthand how much his clients adore bronze cutlery. However, a stylish boutique set his clients initially purchased revealed a stainless-steel base metal beneath the bronze finish as it began to wear. This experience prompted Clayton to consider recommending vintage sets, but it also raised an important question: is it safe to place such items on the top rack of a dishwasher, away from the heating element?
This concern about the longevity and care of vintage items is certainly valid. Ted Mooney, P.E., RET, from Pine Beach, New Jersey, suggests that the real issue might not be the dishwasher’s heat or agitation, but rather the high alkalinity of most detergents, which can be harsh on bronze. He proposes that a gentler detergent could be the key to preserving these pieces, not only safeguarding the silverware but also making Clayton’s hand-washing efforts even more worthwhile.
Guillemette D. from Los Angeles, California, who acquired bronze dishes in Thailand during the 1970s, also raised a pertinent question: how safe is it to use bronze cutlery? Ted Mooney reassures us that bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, is generally safe. However, he cautions that potential contaminants like lead, cadmium, or mercury could be present if the flatware’s origin is uncertain, a risk that also exists with silver and stainless steel items.
Knowledge and Perspectives about Antique Bronze Cutlery
Richard Guise from Lowestoft, UK, humorously notes that while he wouldn’t mind eating with bronze cutlery, he certainly wouldn’t recommend using them as frisbees. His witty remark highlights that although bronze silverware is perfectly suitable for dining, it may not withstand rough handling and should be treated with care.
Alfred B. from Memphis, Tennessee, shared the fascinating history of nickel-bronze flatware, detailing how Dirigold, a Swedish company that later became Dirilyte in the U.S., first produced it in 1914, even though the metal itself contained no gold. Dirilyte continued to be manufactured and sold in high-end jewelry stores until 1985. Alfred’s personal experience using Dirilyte and Siam/Thai flatware daily attests to their remarkable durability and longevity, and he adds that even neglected pieces can be restored to their former glory with available polish and refinishing services.
Mathew N. from Toronto, Canada, offers insight into the enduring use of bronze dishes, known as ‘Khamsa,’ in Nepal during the 1970s and 1980s, underscoring the metal’s long history in everyday life. These hand-forged dishes, crafted using molds and sledgehammers, were deemed safe for eating without the need for tinning, unlike copper and brass. Mathew’s detailed explanation of the tinning process and the inherent robustness of these items further supports the idea that properly made bronze cutlery is both safe and built to last.
The experiences of Janet Young from Tallahassee, Florida, and James McNaughton from Maryland, USA, add further valuable perspectives on maintaining and caring for bronze flatware. Janet, whose bronzeware dates back to the Vietnam War era, hand washes her set and uses a specialized bronze cleaner to combat water stains from her dishwasher and maintain its shine. James, however, struggles to restore the luster to his Thai bronze dinnerware, finding that common cleaners like Brasso and other copper polishes are ineffective. Ted Mooney suggests more intensive methods like power buffing for a mirror finish or using Revere copper cleanser for heavily tarnished pieces, demonstrating that with the right approach, bronze silverware can indeed be brought back to its original brilliance.
When the question arises whether flatware is made of bronze or brass, Mathew N. strongly advises against using brass for eating, as it may contain lead to improve machinability. He suggests that substantial, well-crafted silverware is likely bronze and thus safe for use. This advice is particularly relevant for Marcy D. from Scottsdale, Arizona, who inherited heavy, gold-colored silverware and was unsure of its composition. While Ted Mooney would personally use such a beautiful piece, he recommends using an alloy sorter to definitively determine the metal’s composition and assess its suitability for dining.
Beyond their captivating aesthetic, 1970s bronze silverware with wooden handles offers remarkable potential for enduring use when cared for properly. The collective wisdom and guidance from various individuals reveal that despite valid concerns about preservation and safety, these vintage treasures can continue to grace our tables with their classic charm through diligent effort and the right tools. Whether cherished for their historical significance, intricate designs, or the warm, inviting ambiance they bring to a meal, 70s bronze silverware remains a worthwhile acquisition for anyone drawn to its unique allure.
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