Front and Back of King's Pattern Flatware Note the Engraved Fouled Anchor on front, USN engraved on Back! First produced in late 1880's for the US Navy - over 20 different flatware pieces! Soup to Nuts Collection

Click for larger Photo!

The Pirate's Lair offers to you expert information and photographic documentation of the many and varied designs and patterns of silverplate flatware used by The US Navy. In general, the United States Government authorized the Department of the Navy to purchase dinnerware and tableware for its enlisted and officer corps from leading silverware producers and brands such as Wm Rodgers & Son, 1847 Rodgers, Carlton Plate, Stratford Plate, Andover and Court Plate, Community Silver, Tudor Plate, Niagra Plate, National Silver Co, nobility plate, International Silver Co, Holmes & Edwards, Plaza Heirloom Plate among many others. Click Here To View over 35 Different US Navy Flatware Patterns.

Click Here For Nautical Bracelets made from 60+ year old US Navy Silverplate Flatware

Historically, silverware producers offered from the very plain to very intricate and beautiful general designs and patterns which could be purchased and used by the general public "as is", or they could also be slightly modified for a more personal touch or customization by adding say an engraved family crest, the initials of the family patriarch or matriarch, or in the case of the US Navy the initials USN and/or a Fouled Anchor Design!

A little known fact is that the very popular King's Pattern (standardized as the US Navy's official silverware), was the ONLY silverplated flatware design made in America at the time (ca late 1880's) which had almost every conceivable flatware and serving piece. This "King's Design" which was first introduced in the late 1880's (and still produced through the 1960's) by every major silverware manufacturer in the United States and it was truly America's first world-class silverplated flatware offering rivaling anything from Europe.

It is also believed to be the US Navy in adopting the King's Design (sometimes known as the Seashell Pattern) that insisted upon the silverware manufacturer's to produce an entire and complete placesetting of the many Navy Forks, Navy Knives and Navy Spoons used for very formal "Head's of State Dinners". Essentially the Navy said, "We need and will buy lots of silverplated flatware and serving pieces, however it needs to be in the King's Pattern using an engraved Fouled Anchor on the top front with handle with the initials USN on the back." The seashell look also gave it that nautical feel.

The King's Design was appropriately named because the US Government and Navy needed a single set of formal dinnerware which was literally "fit for a King" and made to impress! The "King's Pattern" was literally America's first cohesive and complete set of fine silverplated flatware produced on a mass scale, and was initiated by the needs of the US Government in it's post-Civil War diplomatic efforts to gain proper recognition as a dominant player on the world's stage. Initially, many of the "King's Design" pieces were only made available to the US Navy and not made for general consumption!

Remember that prior to the introduction of large propeller driven transport aircraft (and certainly jet airliners), whenever ANY government wanted to engage in diplomatic efforts or to "show the flag" the ONLY way to do so was through it's Navy! So when a Presidential envoy, Diplomat or Naval Attache' was required to visit a foriegn nation the ONLY means to do so was to sail there, and depending on the severity of the visit it was the Navy's battleships and dreadnaughts along with a flotilla of supporting vessels which transported the dignitaries to their destination. So logically speaking whenever these dignitaries needed to entertain their counterparts in formal dining-in ceremonies, or signing of treaty's and pacts, they needed to do so aboard the ships they sailed in on! Hence, it was due to these situations where the US Government tasked the US Navy to provide the dining rooms and accoutremants aboard it's Flagships so as to properly entertain Kings, Queens, Emperor's and other Heads of State.

Keeping in mind that in the pre-Civil War years of the late 19th and early 20th Centuries America was still looked upon as being populated and led by unrefined ruffians lacking in both style and sophistication. One of the visible and significant ways to dispel this was to show by example that we as a country knew which fork to use for salad and which spoon to use for soup! Based upon this need to show the world that we were no longer the upstart revolutionaries who didn't know a bayonet from a serving knife the US Government charged the US Navy and it's attendant Naval Officer Corps to be the shining examples of the "new" America. This certainly reasonated with the Department of the Navy as it was already very much a rigid social caste system where the Naval Officer was considered to be from the "upper crust" of our social structure, and was well bred.

As such, one of the many requirements of the well-bred Naval Officer was to learn how to dine properly in the company of gentlemen and gentle ladies, Kings, Queens, Presidents and Emperors. The "how to dine properly" standardized training actually began for the Naval Officer when they were just plebes in the US Naval Academy. While many a plebe came from the "well to do" families and upper crust of the social framework within America (and inherently knew that a napkin wasn't to be used to blow one's nose). These basic table manners needed to be further refined into a standardized set of practical procedures, decorum, and ceremony followed by all Naval Officer's. Hence, the combination of well-refined, well-bred Naval Officer's would be used as the core of our diplomatic missions needed to have equally refined and complete set of beautiful and elegant dinnerware and tableware for entertaining. Again, this fit perfectly into the self-image and stature of the US Navy.

So, in the late 1880's the US Government through the Department of the Navy selected the "King's Design" pattern of silverplated flatware as it's official dining-in tableware used for breakfast, lunch, dinner and on formal occasions. It is anecdotal that the US Navy had a very large influence over the design, pattern, and the various pieces to be produced using the "King's Pattern". Just like today, due to its popularity the King's Pattern was de-militarized and copied by other leading silverware manufacturers for commercial mass production.

While the King's Design was the "official" Navy Silverware, there were many other popular patterns (35+ at last count) which were also purchased and used by the US Navy at local command levels, and they typically only consisted of a single fork, spoon and knife in that pattern. Some of these patterns sometimes had both a dinner fork and a lunch fork, a table spoon and a tea spoon, and a single knife used for all meals.

But by far it was the "King's Design" (again, also known as the Seashell Pattern) which many Naval history buffs are familiar with given its intricate yet elegant pattern with the tradtional US Navy Fouled Anchor engraved on the front top handle with USN engraved on the back top handle. However while the King's Pattern was the standard flatware used for both formal and informal dining aboard ship and shore facilities, the individual Captains and Commanders as well as the many Officer's Clubs found within the Navy were given latitude to select other flatware patterns which struck their fancy to be used as their "personal dinnerware". Towards this end The Pirate's Lair has been diligently collecting many of these rare and hard to find patterns of which we now have identitied over 35 designs. The one common thing that ALL of these patterns and designs have is the monogram USN engraved onto the handles which signifies that they were made specifically for and used by the US Navy.
Call The Pirate's Lair 540-659-6209 for further information. NOTE: That all of the below RARE Naval Flatware Patterns can be made into beautiful bracelets for only $95. as a Special Order Item! What better gift than bracelet made from these authentic 70+ year old rare utensils which were used in the Officer's Wardroom aboard ship! Note also that we do have bracelets in stock and ready to ship using the 4 most popular bracelets for only $75. each

Pattern Name and Date:Adoration 1930 Producer: Rodgers	Click Photo!	Some Pieces May Be Available For Sale	Navy Fork	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Pattern Name and Date:Allure 1939 Producer: Roders	Click Photo!	Some Pieces May Be Available For Sale	Navy Spoon	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Pattern Name and Date: Andover 1939 Producer: Andover Plate	Click Photo!	Some Pieces May Be Available For Sale	Navy Spoon	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Pattern Name and Date:Arcadia or Margate 1938 Producer: Rogers	Click Photo!	Some Pieces May Be Available For Sale	Navy Spoon	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Pattern Name and Date:Avalon or Cabin 1939 Producer: Andover Plate	Click Photo!	Some Pieces May Be Available For Sale	Navy Fork, Navy Tablespoon, Navy Teaspoon	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Pattern Name and Date:Chateau 1934 Producer: Heirloom Plate	Click Photo!	Some Pieces May Be Available For Sale	Navy Spoon	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Pattern Name and Date:Cheveron 1930 Producer: Rogers	Click Photo!	Some Pieces May Be Available For Sale	Navy Fork	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Pattern Name and Date:Court 1939 Producer: Court Silverplate	Click Photo!	Some Pieces May Be Available For Sale	Navy Fork	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Pattern Name and Date:Del Mar 1917 Producer: Rogers	Click Photo!	Some Pieces May Be Available For Sale	Navy Spoon	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Pattern Name and Date:Elaine 1926 Producer: Tudor Plate	Click Photo!	Some Pieces May Be Available For Sale	Navy Spoon, Navy Fork	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Pattern Name and Date:Encore 1934 Producer: Rogers	Click Photo!	Some Pieces May Be Available For Sale	Navy Fork, Navy Knife	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Pattern Name and Date:Eternally Yours 1941 Producer: Rogers	Click Photo!	Some Pieces May Be Available For Sale	Navy Fork	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Pattern Name and Date:Festival 1938 Producer: Manor Plate	Click Photo!	Some Pieces May Be Available For Sale	Navy Fork, Navy Spoon	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Pattern Name and Date:First Love 1937 Producer: Rogers	Click Photo!	Some Pieces May Be Available For Sale	Navy Fork	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Pattern Name and Date:Flight 1930 Producer: Plaza Silverplate	Click Photo!	Some Pieces May Be Available For Sale	Navy Fork	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Pattern Name and Date:Garland or Rapture 1937 Producer: Rogers	Click Photo!	Some Pieces May Be Available For Sale	Navy Spoon	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Pattern Name and Date:Glendale 1930 Producer: Niagra Plate	Click Photo!	Some Pieces May Be Available For Sale	Navy Fork	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Pattern Name and Date:Grenoble 1906 Producer: Wm A Rogers	Click Photo!	The Grenoble Pattern was designed, produced and patent dated April 17, 1906 by Wm A Rogers, or William A Rogers - This was a complete full set of silverware and serving pieces, literally from soup to nuts	US Navy Mustard Spoon or Condiment Spoon used with a Mustard or Condiment Pot- stem reads "Pat. Apr.17 06" then "Wm A Rogers" then the "horseshow" followed by "SXR". This set of silverplate was certainly purchased for a senior Naval Officer and was used for fine dining and entertainment purposes and not used in the general wardroom mess.	Not For Sale
Pattern Name and Date:Grecian or New Grecian 1913 Producer: International Silver Company	Click Photo!	Traditional US Navy Fouled Anchor with Twisted Arm, Ca 1913	US Navy Dinner Fork - Also have Tongs (not Thongs!) in the same pattern so it is verified that this pattern was more than just fork, knife and spoon	Not For Sale
Pattern Name and Date:Grecian or New Grecian Pattern Producer: International Silver Company co 1913 pre-WWI	Click Photo!	Traditional US Navy Fouled Anchor with Twisted Arm, Ca 1913	US Navy Personal Butter Knife - Also have limited number of Forks, Spoons, and Tongs (not Thongs!) in the same pattern so it is verified that this pattern was more than just fork, knife and spoon but an entire set of dinnerware	$40. Each Only Sold in Pairs
Pattern Name and Date:Holland Pattern 1904 Producer: R. Wallace	Click Photo!	Elegantly Designed Dinner and Lunch Fork	7.5"	Not For Sale
Pattern Name and Date:King's Design 1887 Producer: All Leading Silver Co's	Click Photo!	Front and Back-Note Engraved Fouled Anchor and USN	Over 20 Different Pieces of Flatware - Soup to Nuts!	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Pattern Name and Date:La Rose 1938 Producer: Carlton Plate	Click Photo!	Some Pieces May Be Available For Sale	Navy Spoon	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Pattern Name and Date:Lady Ship 1937 Producer: Stratford Plate	Click Photo!	Some Pieces May Be Available For Sale	Navy Spoon	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Pattern Name and Date:Lincoln 1917 Producer: Rogers	Click Photo!	Some Pieces May Be Available For Sale	Navy Spoon	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Pattern Name and Date:Lovely Lady 1937 Producer: Holmes & Edwards	Click Photo!	Some Pieces May Be Available For Sale	Navy Spoon	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Pattern Name and Date:Malibu 1934 Producer: Rogers	Click Photo!	Some Pieces May Be Available For Sale	Navy Spoon	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Pattern Name and Date:Manhattan 1951 Producer: ?	Click Photo!	Some Pieces May Be Available For Sale	Navy Fork	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Pattern Name and Date:Margate or Arcadia 1938 Producer: Rogers	Click Photo!	Some Pieces May Be Available For Sale	Navy Spoon	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Pattern Name and Date:Meadow Brook or Heather 1936 Producer: Rogers	Click Photo!	Some Pieces May Be Available For Sale	Navy Spoon	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Pattern Name and Date:Ramona, Lakewood or Brentwood 1928 Producer: Rogers	Click Photo!	Some Pieces May Be Available For Sale	Navy Spoon	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Pattern Name and Date:Reverie 1937 Producer: Nobility Plate	Click Photo!	Some Pieces May Be Available For Sale	Navy Spoon	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Pattern Name and Date:Rosalind 1938 Producer: International Silver	Click Photo!	Some Pieces May Be Available For Sale	Navy Fork	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Pattern Name and Date:Rose & Leaf 1937 Producer: National Silver Co	Click Photo!	Some Pieces May Be Available For Sale	navy Fork, Navy Tablespoon, Navy Teaspoon	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Pattern Name and Date:Silver Rose 1940 Producer: Rogers	Click Photo!	Some Pieces May Be Available For Sale	Navy Spoon	Call To Order
Pattern Name and Date:Soveriegn 1939 Producer: Rogers	Click Photo!	Some Pieces May Be Available For Sale	Navy Fork	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Pattern Name and Date:Sylvia 1934 Producer: Rogers	Click Photo!	Some Pieces May Be Available For Sale	Navy Spoon	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Pattern Name and Date:Threaded Oval 1850s-1890s Producer: Meriden Brita Co and Int'l Silver Co	Click Photo!	The Plain USN insignia design was widely used for the Officers Wardroom Mess from the 1850's to late 1890's -	Six to Choose From, US Navy Salt Spoon - stem reads "Meriden Brita co" and "Int'l Silver Co"	$95. each
Pattern Name and Date:Threaded Oval 1867-1890s Producer: Wilcox Silverplate Co	Click Photo!	The stylized USN insignia design was widely used from the 1850's to late 1890's - The name Wilcox Silverplate Co was established in 1867 and was a founding member of the International Silver Co in 1897	US Navy Teaspoon - stem reads "wilcox silverplate co" and followed possibly by "82"	Not For Sale
Pattern Name and Date:Thumbprint or Tipped 1886 Producer: Holmes & Edwards	Click Photo!	Rare! Used by US Navy enlisted crew member during the Spanish American War by a Mr. George Leach who was an enlisted sailor during the Battle of Manila Bay.	US Navy Enlisted Dinner Fork, Knife and Tablespoon produced in "German Silver" which was a rust free alloy originally patented in Germany. The provenance of these three pieces of flatware has been borne out.	Not For Sale
Pattern Name and Date:Triumph 1941 Producer: Rogers	Click Photo!	Some Pieces May Be Available For Sale	Navy Fork	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Pattern Name and Date:Windsor mid-late 19th Century Producer: WM Rogers & Son	Click Photo!	Simple USN Initials with unique rounded bowl	US Navy Mustard Spoon or Condiment Spoon used with a Mustard or Condiment Pot	Not For Sale
Pattern Name and Date:Unknown #1 Knife Producer: Unknown	Click Photo!	Some Pieces May Be Available For Sale	Navy Knife	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Pattern Name and Date:Unknown #2 Knife Producer: Unknown	Click Photo!	Some Pieces May Be Available For Sale	Navy Knife	Call To Order
Pattern Name and Date:Unknown #3 Ladle and Tongs Producer: WM Rogers & Son	Click Photo!	Some Pieces May Be Available For Sale	Navy Ladle and Tongs	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Pattern Name and Date:Unknown #4 Cheese Scoop Producer: Unknown	Click Photo!	Some Pieces May Be Available For Sale	Navy Cheese Scoop	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Pattern Name and Date:Unknown 5 Flatware Set Producer: Unknown	Click Photo!	Some Pieces May Be Available For Sale	Navy Flatware Set	Call To Order 540 659 6209

USN Ladies engraved "Fouled Anchor and USN" Bracelet WW2 Navy Silverplate - Rare Naval Trenchart - Small and Medium Size	Click Photo for More Info and Photos!	Nautical Navy Trench Art "Kings Design" Pattern - First produced ca 1890 - 50 to 95 years old - Perfect Gift for the Pirate's Wench! Pirate's Springtime Nautical Wedding Gift Special!	$75.	Click Here To Order
USN Ladies engraved "First Love" Bracelet WW2 Navy Silverplate - Rare Naval Trenchart - Small Size	Click Photo for More Info and Photos!	Nautical Silverplate Old Naval Trench Art "First Love" Pattern produced in 1937 70+ years old - Perfect Nautical Gift for the Navy Wife or Sweetheart - a "First Love"! Pirate's Winter and Springtime Nautical Gift Special!	$75.	Click Here To Order
USN Ladies engraved "Rose & Leaf" Bracelet WW2 Navy Silverplate - Rare Naval Trenchart - Small Size	Click Photo for More Info and Photos!	Nautical Silverplate Military Trench Art "Rose and Leaf" Pattern - First Produced 1937 70+ years old - Perfect Nautical Gift for the Navy Wife! Pirate's Springtime Nautical Gift Special!	$75.	Click Here To Order
USN Ladies engraved "Avalon Pattern" Bracelet WW2 Navy Silverplate - Rare Naval Trenchart - Small Size	Click Photo for More Info and Photos!	Nautical Silverplate Antique Old Navy Trench Art "Avalon" Pattern - First Produced 1940 65+ years old - Perfect Nautical Gift for the Navy Wife! Pirate's Springtime Nautical Gift Special!	$75.	Click Here To Order
USN Heavy Duty Nautical Key Chain for Men or Women WW2 Navy Silverplate - USN & Fouled Anchor - Clip on Belt Loop or Handbag Strap.	Click Photo for More Info and Photos!	Nautical Silverplate Naval Trench Art WW2 Nautical Key Chain - "Kings Design" Pattern - Perfect Nautical Gift for the Navy Husband or Wife! Pirate's Father's Day Nautical Gift Special!	$75.	Click Here To Order
USN Ladies engraved "Rose & Leaf" Keychain WW2 Navy Silverplate - Rare Naval Trenchart - Small Size	Click Photo for More Info and Photos!	Nautical Silverplate Military Trench Art "Rose and Leaf" Pattern - First Produced 1937 70+ years old - Perfect Nautical Gift for the Navy Wife! Pirate's Springtime Nautical Gift Special!	$75.	Call To Order 540 659 6209
Fouled Anchor and USN Ladies engraved Keychain WW2 Navy Silverplate - Rare Naval Trenchart - Small Size	Click Photo for More Info and Photos!	Nautical Silverplate Military Trench Art "Fouled Anchor and USN" Pattern - Perfect Nautical Gift for the Navy Wife! Pirate's Springtime Nautical Gift Special!	$75.	Call To Order 540 659 6209

Authentic 100+ Year Old Nautical Antique Trunks The Real Deal! Fully Restored Antique Trunks Like Sea Chests, Pirate Chests, Treasure Chests - Perfect as a Naval Retirement Gift, use as a Shadowbox and to store Uniforms and Service Memorabilia!	Click Here To Review Sample Engravings	The Largest Selection of Antique Trunks on the Net to Choose From!
OPTIONAL - Trunk Wood Engraving Examples and Prices Custom Designed, Handcrafted, and Hand Lettered in Caligraphy on your Antique Chest	Click Here To Review Sample Engravings	Personalize Your 100+ Year Old Antique Trunk in Perpetuity!
Antique Trunks as a Shadow Box and Storage Chest! Customer Photographic Examples of our Antique Trunks Being used as a Military or Naval Retirement Shadow Box and Storage Chest!!	Click Here for Sample Shadow Box Photographs From Customers	Why just get a shadow box or a newly made trunk with no history! One of our 100+ Year Old Nautical Antique Trunks can be used for both a Shadow Box and Storage Chest for your Uniforms, Photograph Albums, and Memorabilia!

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78 Canterbury Drive
Stafford, Virginia 22554
Phone: 540-659-6209

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