Silverware Boxes

Silverware boxes are used to store your expensive or precious silverware. They are usually made of wood with some kind of lining such as felt or velvet. Silverware slots into sections in the box which stops the silverware from rattling around during transportation and rubbing, scratching or damaging any of the other pieces in the set.

The boxes are great for keeping silverware separate from other kitchen utensils. It also distinguishes your “good” cutlery from your “everyday” cutlery. Usually the silverware is kept for special occasions which is why the box is helpful to keep the silverware nice for these times. The box is airtight to stop silverware getting wet or rusted. Provided the silverware and box are well looked after, it can be passed down through generations to become a family heirloom. If the box gets dirty, the outside can be cleaned with a damp cloth and no soap should be used. The inside should be treated the same. Silverware will need polishing less often if kept in the box, but it is still important to keep an eye out for when it does start to get dusty.

Should the lining of the box become damaged, it is possible to buy silverware box inserts. The knives, forks and spoons can be wrapped in the insert and then placed in the box. When you splash out on a fancy box for your silverware, you do not want to have to throw it away because of a small stain.

It is also possible to find individual boxes which hold a single dinner set. These can be used at dinner parties on the table next to the dinner plates as they are very pretty. They are simple, made with white cardboard and lined with silversmith’s cloth. The cloth is important as it contains powdered silver which catches all the sulphur in the air which causes rust. As the sulphur hits the cloth instead of the silverware, the silverware is protected. This is included in all silverware storage items, and is why you must buy special storage for your silverware, otherwise it will eventually rust.

Reed and Barton are specialists in silverware and its storage. They produce a lovely Flatware Box made of Wenge wood with a high gloss finish. Wenge is an exotic wood with a dramatic colour that is very attractive. Grown in Zaire, West Africa, the wood is very dark brown and very porous, so it must be treated before using to make items such as the Reed and Barton box. It is a difficult wood to craft, making it a special challenge for the carpenter. The Reed and Barton box has room for 16 servings and is lined with a black silversmith’s cloth. The drawer pulls are made with silver.

To make your box a little more special, it is a nice idea to have an engraved plate made for it. Many stockists of Silverware boxes will do this for you and it is a nice way to remember where the box came from as it is passed down through family generations.