An unusual carving set of bone, ivory, and Solingen steel purchased by an American GI for his new bride in 1958 was the garage sale find of the week!
Yesterday, my mood was cautious. I had exactly $28.37, and a list of necessities. My daughter, the teacher, (I slipped that in because I'm so darned proud), needed a new Mr. Coffee and an oscillating stand fan, and I wanted something to resell on eBay, a tall order for a small amount of cash. The garage was neater than my kitchen, and everything was well marked and reasonably priced, so I settled in for a good browse.
The only other customer was an older man who, talked incessantly, mostly about the pitiful state of today's children, entertainment and fiction writing. Normally, I don't go for a lot of chit chat at sales-I need to get into the zone where I visualize the item on offer in its reincarnation to determine whether it's worth the asking price. But sweeping condemnation of today's youth usually makes my hackles rise, especially since just last night, my 14 year old spent the last half hour of the first high school football game helping a crying five year old with a hot dog find her Mommy.
I was getting ready to enter the fray when I spotted something interesting. It was a carving set in its own satin lined case. The knife had a bone handle with carved insets of stags and something that looked moose-like. The blade was engraved, and paint decorated with various hunting and cuisine oriented motifs such as turkeys and ears of corn that were clearly geared towards the American market The companion meat fork had a matching bone handle, but its ivory inset was a deer and a hunting dog. I looked at it, saw the price tag, and moved on, but it called me back. I picked up each piece, enjoying the heft of the meat fork, and the balance of the knife. The blade was stamped "Solingen Germany Stainless".
I don't know much about knives, but I do know that Solingen has been the center of the German cutlery industry since the Middle Ages, manufacturing what is considered the highest quality blade steel. Solingen blades are purchased by knife, scissor and surgical instrument manufacturers all over the world. If your blade is stamped "Solingen", you can be sure it's razor sharp and made to last. The most interesting thing about this set, however, wasn't the name on the blade, but the story behind it. It was purchased at the base commissary at Trois Fontaine, in Bar-Du-Lac, France in 1958 by the ex-GI standing across from me. He bought it as a wedding gift for his bride who was now taking possession of my $28.37.
Here they were, clearly happy together after almost fifty years in a marriage that started out with a bone handled carving set.
The copyright of the article Solingen Steel & Wedded Bliss in Antiques & Collectibles is owned by Susan Cramer. Permission to republish Solingen Steel & Wedded Bliss must be granted by the author in writing.
typical man to buy his wife a hunting inspired wedding gift! Great article, almost made me interested in antiques!
Sep 2, 2006 1:06 PM
abbey
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Keep reading abbsd! I'll try my best to bring you the backstory, which, I agree is often the most interesting part. Thanks, love, Mom. . .ummm, I mean Suzrae9
Sep 10, 2006 9:01 AM
Debbie Galant
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I love how this story unfolds ... the crabby man also shopping ... the need to spent some of the $28 on the teacher daughter ... the way "Solingen" rings a bell. But it stops right where it really gets interesting. Is the wife a widow? How does she feel parting with this gift? Did she use it? Maybe there should be a Part II to this story.
Sep 10, 2006 4:07 PM
Jennifer W. Miner
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I also love your writing style; I really feel like I'm right there. I've been reading your articles for a while now and wanted you to know how much I like them. :) Jen
Sep 12, 2006 3:38 PM
Susan Cramer
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Thanks, Jen! I'll try to "take you along" on all my adventures, but be warned that some of the places we're going are pretty weird! Thanks so much for your kind words about my writing!
Jul 20, 2007 11:06 AM
Vickie Bolus
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My husband brought a set of knives & forks and a complete carving set back from Germany after his tour of duty there in 1966. The pieces are very unusual in that the handles are carved and each one is inlayed with what looks like a hand carved boar (running) These figures are probably ivory or possible whalebone). The blades themselves have forest scenes (animals, trees, etc) on them. They are in two wooden cases lined with red material. I am interested in finding out their history and value. We have kept them in the original cases.
Jul 24, 2007 11:38 AM
Susan Cramer
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Dear Ms. Bubbles, THANKS for your question! As I mentioned in my story, the set I found was bought at the PX in Trois Fountaines, France in the 1950's. My 2 piece carving set has antler handles with carved ivory inserts of a deer & hunting dog & a boar and dog. I do think they're ivory rather than bone. I bought mine at a yard sale for $25 for the set, and had no luck listing it on eBay. My highest bid was $18.50. Ebay has a new policy banning the sale of ivory. I'm uncertain how this applies to vinatage items, however. Based on the American motifs on the knife blade, I think these were made in Germany for the expost trade, and I'm sorry to say that the value seems disappointingly low.
Sep 22, 2007 10:26 PM
George Mobley
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I have been searching the web trying to find a cultery set like I have to determine its value. My parents purchased a (approx. 50 piece set)in somewhere between 1956-1959, as we were over there 3 years. It is exactly as you have described, each piece is stage horn with inlayed ivory cut out in the shape of different animals. I have everything from nut picks, crackers, poultery sheers, meat cleaver, spoons, knives, forks larger knives and knife sharpener, all in orignal boxes. I want to sell the set, but need to know the value of it first. I would appreciate any advise.
George in Bama
Sep 24, 2007 2:04 PM
Susan Cramer
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George, Thanks for your inquiry. I just relisted my 2 piece set and got a bid of $51 & shipping. I don't know if the value has risen or I'm just lucky. I have another place to check so I'll get back to you! susan
