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Silver and Pewter

Silverware, rare during the initial period of colonization in New England, became plentiful even in the poorer homes at the start of the 18th century.

Prior to this, knives and spoons were made of pewter, or wood in general use, but Colonists were almost completely ignorant of forks. Even in England forks were rare, and it is thought that the first ever sent to America was one received by Governor Winthrop in 1633, sent by E. Howes.

Howes in a letter to Winthrop said, “included is a forke for the useful aplycation of which I leave to your discretion.” It is doubtful that Winthrop was so discreet as to use the strange instrument for feeding purposes at the dinner table. As the 17th century grew old, however, “forkes” came into more general use serving the same purpose now relegated to them by present day New Englanders.

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