Wednesday, February 1, 2012

A Fork in the (Portobello) Road

On the top is my new fork. On the bottom is my old fork.

I have now embarked on acquiring a new set of everyday flatware, a pattern named "Sheraton" by Oneida, shown at left. The reason I love this pattern is that it's *very* close to the design of this vintage fork at right which I found while rummaging around at the Portobello Road Flea Market in London some years ago.

It was either 50 pence or a pound for anything in the box, and I thought this fork with its etched design was just one of the prettiest things I'd ever seen. I was a bit nervous about having a single fork in my airline baggage in a post-9/11 world, but I guess since the bag was checked my vintage fork find raised no red flags.

I also liked the thick handle with its elegantly beaded border, so I was thrilled when I happened upon Oneida's "Sheraton" flatware which has a very similar design. And to make life easier for my husband, I have now begun requesting Dillard's gift cards as gifts since they stock this brand. So thanks to him (and a good Dillard's sale!), I now have my first two place settings. When I got them home, I was delighted to discover Oneida guarantees that the basic pieces of this pattern will be in stock for the rest of my life, and if that's ever not the case, they will replace every piece I have with another pattern they do have in stock. You'll probably be seeing this flatware in many photos ahead, and since my "old" fork has drawn a little interest in the past, I wanted to tell about the "new" fork it inspired!

13 comments:

  1. I understand your favourite fork. My favourite spoon is one I found in a house I rented 34 years ago - left behind by previous tenants.
    Although I've searched many websites, I've never been able to identify the Reed and Barton pattern nor find any others like it.

    ReplyDelete
  2. That is a very nice style you have chosen. It has nice fluid lines for more styled settings yet some decoration to go with fancier ones. Good choice and nice story.

    ReplyDelete
  3. The antique fork is beautiful! and your newly acquired place settings are just perfect ~ they complement each other so well.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Your new flatware is lovely, and it does echo the lines of the vintage piece well. But oh, I love the scrollwork on the sides of the vintage fork! I can see why it's a favorite. Or favourite, as the case may be.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Every time you use your new fork,it will bring ack memories of your trip to Portobello Road,

    ReplyDelete
  6. What fun! The antique piece is exquisite. So glad you were able to find a pattern that closely resembled it! :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oh wow, I love this. The knives are great and I love that fork

    ReplyDelete
  8. Love em both.

    You have great taste, my friend.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi Angela
    I like the new pattern which is close to your antique silver and that's quite the guarantee.
    Judith

    ReplyDelete
  10. How awesome that the fork you acquired in England [which is lovely] was your inspiration for
    selecting a flatware pattern to coordinate. It will set a beautiful table!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Very pretty new fork and old fork and all the place setting.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Great finds, Angela - love both the old fork and the new fork. Joanie

    ReplyDelete
  13. Your new Sheraton pattern flatware is lovely.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks so much for taking time to leave a comment! It makes my day to hear from readers!