Yes! I’ve had two sets of silver flatware that I got tired of and sold. Now I have 6 place settings of 18th- and 19th century English sterling, with a variety of engraved crests. Collecting them and putting them together has been an adventure for me.
However, I never entertain at home, so my husband and I and an occasional houseguest are the only ones who use them. They’ll still be in lovely condition when they’re passed on. Whether they go to my sister’s children or to another silver collector, I like to think of them staying together like old friends.
Yes, but only because my mom doesn’t entertain anymore and passed her wedding silver on to me, because I do. I have service for 12. I don’t use it often, but I love having the option.
My mom received dishes and silver that were her grandmother’s (I think). I don’t believe either is a full set and we never break them out, even on holidays. My folks bought some flatware that is edged in gold (which is not diswasher safe…does that mean it’s not real gold?). All of this stuff is a bit fussy for my taste. I’m sure when my dad dies someone will take it, but no one’s particularly interested in owning or using it. I’m cool with knowing that it belonged to someone who loved it at one time. Maybe my little niecelette will use it when she’s older.
I have a set of silverplate, and it is really wretched stuff. Completely impractical for everyday use (if you don’t wash dishes immediately after each meal) and in the three years I used it, some of the silver rubbed off completely. I was upset because I loved the pattern–American Repousse by Godinger.
So I bought a set of good stainless. Oh, what amazement. Clean and shiny after the dishwasher, no matter how long I let salad dressing sit on it beforehand. Life is good.
To be honest, if I ever get to the point where I feel I’m very-well-off, I will probably buy a few place settings of Kirk-Steiff’s Repousse, which is solid silver, and use it for special occasions.
We have three sets of antique sterling (each is service for twelve) inherited from various relatives over the years. We use them for special occasions. For everyday dining, we have service for hundreds, made up of odd lots of antique sterling and silverplate picked up in bits and pieces at auctions and flea markets. Their funky mismatched elegance goes well with the colorful Polish ceramic dinnerware my wife collects and uses for everyday.