Now that it's the New Year and we're all trying to be a bit better about our habits, especially around the house, why not start with the simplest things first, like polishing silver? After all, it's one of the fastest, easiest ways to make your house look clean! As a child, I remember my grandmother Dottie paying each of my brothers and me five cents a piece to polish her silver. Gorham had always been her favorite polish and continues to be mine today.
Sometimes, when you're shopping the flea market, you have to do a little digging to find the best deals on silver. Then, what turns up might be so tarnished and black, you might just toss it back into the pile, thinking something that dirty could never come clean. But don't let that discourage you! To demonstrate the power of polish, here's a collection of loot from a recent day of digging, all from the New York City Flea Market.
All I needed was a pair of gloves, a soft polishing towel, my trusty Gorham polish and warm, soapy water. Check out the final results! This first piece, another great example of hotel silver, is a strainer spoon produced by Reed & Barton for the the Hotel Knickerbocker in New York. These are great for serving all kinds of chutneys, like this spicy cranberry-tangerine chutney from one of Jaithan's and my favorite chefs, Madhur Jaffrey.
These are two master butter spreaders, as our friend (and realtor) Eve told us, and are used for serving butter from the main plate onto yours. They're 1847 Rogers & Brothers silverplate. How pretty is the swirl pattern now that it's all shined up?
And here's a set of eight dinner forks in the same pattern that are going to look beautiful alongside my bone handle knives. Mixing I think is so much more stylish than matching! Just stick to simple patterns that relate to one another without competing.
And finally, here's a single hotel silver candlestick from the original Loews Hotel in Atlantic City built in 1956. I love its weight, together with its classic shape. This piece, as you might remember, had been especially tarnished, but all it took was a little bit of elbow grease and look how great it turned out. It's definitely one of my new favorites!
A single candlestick like this is great on a table set for four, on a fireplace mantel, or even alongside a set of other onsie pieces that together form a cohesive and beautiful collection.
And so, the next time you're digging for silver at the flea market, on your own or even with me, look past at what something is and imagine what it could be. You just might surprise yourself! And while we're on the subject, do you have a favorite piece of silver in need of a good polish? I'd love to hear about it.
I was so happy to read that use Gorham's silver polish, but I can no longer FIND it - in stores OR online. I have used it for decades and would be VERY appreciative if you could tell me where you are able to find it these days. With MANY thanks in advance, J Simpson
Posted by: J. Simpson | May 10, 2011 at 02:22 AM
Hey Eddie and Jaithan- I remembered seeing this post a long time ago and came back to it for reference, but no luck. My question is how do you clean gold plated items? I just tried to clean one spoon I have and I polished the gold right off- any suggestions?
Posted by: LindsB | June 16, 2009 at 11:08 AM
Hey Eddie and Jaithan,
First I must say thank you thank you, thank you, thank you for this blog! I just stumbled on to you and am so glad to have my Eddie fix back! I've been missing you ever since the show. . .
I just wanted to throw in my 2 cents about sterling. I have recently made the conversion from my beloved but too small and discontinued set of PB stainless to my mother's silver for everyday.
I know that there are folks out there who would cringe but believe it or not you can successfully wash your silver in the dishwasher! How you ask? Well you do have to be careful.
I've been told to use only Electrolux plain old powder detergent and no rinse aid. Also you have to make sure that the silver isn't touching any stainless steel (not as easy as it seems with knife blades etc) but just that tiny bit of effort and everyone can be eating on silver without all the elbow grease our Mom's had to put in. . .
One caveat is that the DW won't remove tarnish spots should the occur from acidic foods like pasta sauce- those will require a quick polish. And if you have one of those gorgeous intricate patterns that benefit from a little tarnish to make the details pop, the DW might make the patina go so it's best to give some thought before embarking on this journey.
Personally, I've been using and washing my silver in the DW for 6 months now without a problem and it's been amazing!
Love you guys!
Posted by: The Stepford Mommy | February 26, 2009 at 12:12 PM
Great timing, I just got some fabulous silver candlesticks from GoodWill today, but didn't know what to get to clean them. Thanks so much!
Posted by: Melissa Lewis - Off The Wall | January 27, 2009 at 11:58 PM
Eddie,
I have been polishing, polishing!! What do you suggest about the stainless steel blade of the knife, some of mine have straches, is there a product that I could use to get rid of them? Also is there a book that you could suggest on hotel silver?
Posted by: Holly | January 26, 2009 at 02:13 PM
I've been collecting random silver pieces for a few years now (some is silver, some coin, hotel, silver-plate)...just whatever catches my eye, and most of it, I get for a song in boxes that nobody else wants to dig through - HA! Last year, I ditched my regular ol' stainless steel silverware and starting using the silver pieces as my everyday ware. I keep them on the counter in a couple of old railroad china canisters. I LOVE IT! I love that it's all mixed patterns. And, being a Southern girl, I'm a sucker for monograms (even if they aren't my own). I have accumulated a lot of hotel silver, too, so I am swooning over your Hotel Knickerbocker piece!
Posted by: Katie | January 25, 2009 at 09:50 PM
Eddie - I came to your blog from Cote de Texas...just loving it...however, I went to read your BIO and some of the older entries from your blog and I could not see any of the photos...all red "x"'s where the photos should be. Your newer entries are fine, but the older photographs are not showing up - such as your BIO. Thanks for your lovely blog - I will come back daily! Stephanie in Texas
Posted by: Stephanie | January 24, 2009 at 10:15 AM
Thanks for the tip about Gorhams silver polish. I'm going to get some because it appears to do a great job. You're the best!
Posted by: Pam | January 21, 2009 at 06:15 PM
Thanks so much for the info. I wondered if there was something wrong with me why my silver never looked better after I polished it. I am going to try your Grandma's posish. Thanks Eddie. Great post. Heidi
Posted by: Heidi | January 20, 2009 at 11:00 PM
Hi Eddie!
I have not used Gorham silver polish. Looks as though it does an excellent job on badly tarnished silver! I have several old very tarnished serving trays. The polish I have been using just doesn't cut it, even though it removes some of the dirt, a greenish tint remains (is this normal with old silver?) Thanks Eddie, Gorham's I will try!
Ciao
Posted by: ralphie | January 20, 2009 at 10:13 PM
I can't wait to start digging for silver! I only have a few pieces that I posted on my blog...I'm looking forward to finding more.
I think shining silver is very relaxing..What's wrong with me!
Posted by: mary | January 20, 2009 at 02:47 PM
Because of your post I have a new resolution for the year: I resolve not to pass up any silver because it's tarnished! I'm really amazed by the candlestick - and I LOVE the pattern on the forks. Also, I love your blog, seriously - I look forward to reading it everyday!
Posted by: Crystal | January 20, 2009 at 02:10 PM
I have this beautiful antique teapot that I purchased while on my honeymoon in Bath, England. Unfortunately, it's just sat in the back of my cabinet because I didn't know what to use. I'm going to go check out the Gorham cleaner right now!!
Tabitha
http://www.fromsingletomarried.com
Posted by: Tabitha (From Single to Married) | January 20, 2009 at 12:21 PM
A friend gave me a bag of old silver and silverplate flatware to make jewelry out of. However, when I saw it, I couldn't resist pulling out the policy to see what it would look like. To my surprise it was absolutely gorgeous and I used it on my Christmas table. I don't know whether I should tell my friend, she might want it back now.
So, I am now on a mission to see what else like this I can find at local flea markets and consignment shops.
I really enjoy your blog, read it everyday.
Melinda in Birmingham
http://youknowjuststuff.blogspot.com
Posted by: Melinda James | January 20, 2009 at 10:46 AM
I love the pieces with that georgeous swirl pattern! You have inspired me as yes, I have several favorite pieces in dire need of polishing.
Posted by: Karena | January 20, 2009 at 09:53 AM
My mother used Gorham polish, also, but I have to admit that I have had better luck with Hagerty's. It seems to require less elbow grease. I am a silver nut - can almost NEVER pass it up at garage sales.
Here is the link to their site. Looks like they were just voted number one by Real Simple.
http://hagertyusa.com/
Posted by: Kathleen Luckard | January 20, 2009 at 09:45 AM
Those look wonderful, Eddie! I have a few piece of old silver & don't always keep them polished, but they sure do shine when I do.
Check out my post today, the black architectural piece is up!
Posted by: Rhoda | January 20, 2009 at 09:39 AM
I bought my sterling when I moved out of the house and got my first real job- 1972. I use it everyday so little tarnish builds up. I keep things not used everyday, like pickle forks and salt spoons, in silver cloth and they may need some polishing when I take them out to use. I will put both sterling and silver-plated flatware in the dishwasher without hesitation. The sterling will outlive me so what am I saving it for? My mother's sterling from 1947 is still good after much use and dishwashers. Some years ago I spent $800 to re-plate the silver-plated flatware my grandmother received in 1918 that had belonged to her aunt. Every fifty years or so you may need to re-plate the silverplate or buy new. So what? Eddie continues to demonstrate the motto I have lived by all my life..."Gracious living does not require a lavish budget." Why not have nice things and use them everyday? Who deserves it more than YOU?
Posted by: Sebastian | January 20, 2009 at 09:33 AM
Ooooh, it's such an important job, but so boring.. I have this set with three brushes with horse hair and a hand mirror all in silver that I inherited from my great grandmother. Her name, Dagny is inscripted. Luckily, we share the same name. :) My grandmother har kept it until my 18th birthday and it was given to me. It looked just beautiful the day I got it. However, I haven't been taking care of it, and now it's almost black. Your post has definitly inspired me to polish it again. I'll get it done this week, and post pictures on my blog with a link to yours. Thank you!
dagny
Posted by: Beautiful Living | January 20, 2009 at 05:30 AM
Hi Eddie
Loved this post....gave me some incentive to polish up some silver that is sitting around the house....take a look at the my favorite piece in need of a "good polish"!! :)
Rochelle
Posted by: Rochelle | January 20, 2009 at 12:46 AM
Can anyone explain why when I have polished the pieces re-darken within a day? how long is normal before you should have to polish an item again? I happen to love the look of tarnish, but I'd appreciate options.
I have a collection of dorothy thorpe pitchers and serving bowls and the silver on them looks amazing tarnished.
Posted by: hallie | January 19, 2009 at 11:55 PM
I am SO HAPPY to hear you endorse "mixing" silver...I have bits and pieces of my grandmother's silver and always mix and match and have often wondered if I was badly erring...and lest anyone question me in the future (as certain southern belles have in the past)...I can tell them Eddie Ross mixes...tastefully, of course!
Posted by: Jenn | January 19, 2009 at 11:34 PM
When you're in a pinch and without polish, regular toothpaste works great. It's the only thing I use anymore.
Love your blog, Eddie.
Posted by: paul | January 19, 2009 at 11:05 PM
The pattern name of your silverplate forks and butter spreader is "Dundee" and it's from the late 19th century, after selling silverplate flatware in my first shop in MD years ago, I still remember most of the pattern names.......
Posted by: Perry | January 19, 2009 at 10:58 PM
There is something so satisfying about polishing silver.
Posted by: katiedid | January 19, 2009 at 10:35 PM
A friend in Washington DC, who used his family silver every day, swore than putting it through the dishwasher kept the tarnish at bay with no damage. Any thoughts?
Posted by: An Aesthete's Lament | January 19, 2009 at 10:19 PM
Gorgeous Eddie - what a lot of elbow grease. I have always wanted to search for gems in old piles of silver but never bother. Next time I will look for a few minutes because of you...interesting spoons are my fave.
Great post. : )
xo Terri
Posted by: Terri | January 19, 2009 at 09:43 PM
I love the before and after shots -- and isn't silver polishing so therapeutic? And what would Grandma Dottie pay you today?
Thanks for the mention, Eddie. What a sweet surprise! I think of you and Jaithan often and always enjoy reading your blog!
xoxo
Evy
Posted by: Evy | January 19, 2009 at 09:24 PM
This is so weird that you are in a polishing mood. I have had two silver goblets sitting by my sink for a week now and I just polish away whenever I think of it. They supposedly were from a presbyterian church that my mother's family attended, long ago. They are not in the best of shape but I love them. Any ideas on what I could use them for. I don't like the feel of metal when drinking out of a cup.
Posted by: cj | January 19, 2009 at 09:04 PM
Hi Eddie, I waited alllll day to see that beautiful spoon it is gorgeous.I was antiquing with a friend this last Thurs and we decided we want to find some interesting spoons for sugar and jams.Now I have something to dig and hunt for.I have learned that I do enjoy doing that, who would have ever thought!! See how you have inspired me.Hugs kathysue
Posted by: Kathysue | January 19, 2009 at 08:55 PM
this makes my silverware look sad :)
time to go shopping!
Posted by: thomas | January 19, 2009 at 07:50 PM
I use Wright's (easily found in grocery stores)on the silver. For intense cleaning I use the glass bowl, aluminum foil, baking soda,boiling water method. Just remember, if you put the whole piece in the solution ALL of the patina will disappear from the engraving/texture. I just put the tines, bowls and blade parts in the solution and use the Wrights on the rest. Otherwise the whole piece is hand polished.
Posted by: georgie | January 19, 2009 at 07:29 PM
My Mother has always believed that "things will press themselves out" or "that with a little polish- things will shine"
and that is true. I love polishing, ironing, it is so therapeutic.
Posted by: patricia | January 19, 2009 at 07:10 PM
Hi Eddie, thanks for answering my recent question about polishing silver. How often do you polish your silver? Will keeping them in felt keep them in their polished state? What about washing them in soapy water?
Posted by: Audrey "drey" Coggins | January 19, 2009 at 06:56 PM
My mother would love you! The last time she came from Ohio to visit I had a tray of silver pieces out on a table in my living room that I had picked up at Crumpton (literally left for the trash) just as I found them; tarnished and forlorn looking. She said "Oh, dear those pieces could be so pretty, IF you actually put some elbow grease and polish to work." She just didn't understand when I explained I liked it just as it was! I'm just not a shiny kind of girl! (But I have to admit, yours looks fabulous now!)
Gail
Posted by: GAILkramer@comcast.net | January 19, 2009 at 06:50 PM
Is it me, or does the better quality silver have the darkest tarnish when in the flea markets and junk shops? Years ago I bought a piece of perfectly black silver for next to nothing but my then young eyes could still make out "STERLING" in little tiny letters. Naturally it polished up beautifully.
To the person asking about polishing copper--I use Copper Glo powdered cleanser by Bar Keeper's Friend--under $2 at the supermarket. Also good for very tarnished brass. Get the tarnish off and then re-polish with a milder metal polish. Works better than anything else for copper of brass that is VERY tarnished.
Posted by: Sebastian | January 19, 2009 at 06:46 PM
I love all those old tarnished pieces! Mine are just displayed tarnished....never polished them. I like the old patina.
DebraK
Posted by: DebraK | January 19, 2009 at 06:43 PM
Eddie... I use Wrights for my silver and Copperbrill for my copper. Both work beautifully.
Posted by: pigtown*design | January 19, 2009 at 06:28 PM
Hey darlin': I see someone has already told about using MAAS silver polish which works really great! Before I discovered MAAS, I used Wright's Silver Polish but the MAAS does a better job than the Wright's did.
We miss you guys down here and can't wait until ya'll make another trip south of the Mason-Dixon line.
Love to you and Jaithan,
Judy
Posted by: Judy | January 19, 2009 at 06:28 PM
Those look fantastic! Any suggestions for cleaning up copper? I have three copper pots that were passed down to me by my mother and grandmother. They have black stuff (rust?) all over them and I have worked on those pots for HOURS and they are still not clean. I use an old cloth and 'Weiman's Metal Polish for Brass, Copper and All Metals' to no avail. Right now they are in a closet (after having been in my grandmothers garage for 20 years) and they look better than when I got them, but I could never cook with them they way they are now. help!
Posted by: Katy | January 19, 2009 at 06:01 PM
That is some fabulous silverware!
I am always torn if I want to keep the old "patina" of tarnish that I love the look of, or give it a shine!
Posted by: alice | January 19, 2009 at 05:46 PM
I have a gorgeous Wallace silver tea service that is in need of a little love. My all time fave polish is Maas Metal Polishing Creme. It really does the trick and leaves things looking like new. By the way, I have never commented before, but have been completely inspired by your talent and personality. Reading your blog is a cherished part of my daily routine. Thanks!
Posted by: Laurel Long | January 19, 2009 at 05:42 PM
Awww... I can picture a little "Eddie" polishing silver for Nana! So cute and thanks so much for all the helpful tips!
Posted by: Decorpad | January 19, 2009 at 05:22 PM
I LOVE that strainer spoon...could you see the hotel name on it before...or was it a great surprise!
Posted by: Linda | January 19, 2009 at 04:50 PM
These pieces turned out so lovely! I actually found a beautiful, antique candelobra, with three "arms" at a garage sale. At least that what we, here in the South call them : )
It was so dirty and tranished, I never thought we would be able to reveal its true beauty... But the day before Thanksgiving, the hubs scrubbed & polishd & viola! It was george!
Posted by: Arlynn from Fleur De Licious | January 19, 2009 at 04:48 PM
Hi Eddie,
I have been meaning to write you about this subject. I have just been given three truck loads of hotel silver and china. One of the oldest hotels here had a major renovation and dumped it all. Some of it is junk and I have a lot of picking through to do. Any tips on making the polishing go quicker? What brands should I be looking for? I have found some Reed and Barton already. Let me know what you think
Posted by: Holly | January 19, 2009 at 04:45 PM
Beautiful job guys! Now, can I send my tarnished pieces for you to polish? Thanks for the inspiration.
Posted by: Julio Muao | January 19, 2009 at 04:31 PM
Do you have any recommendations for tarnished "stainless" like old bakelite cutlery?
Posted by: Naomi | January 19, 2009 at 04:25 PM
Silver is one of my favorite things to look for at thrifts and fleas. If you dig deep enough you can sometimes find good stuff tarnished and CHEAP! Good Job! Hope you're well!
Posted by: Scarlett | January 19, 2009 at 03:59 PM
Beautiful pieces of silver. I found a lovely serving spoon last saturday at the flea market last weekend. The dealer I bought it from always has beautiful and sometimes odd items.
He is amazed that I usually know the name of certain items...I owe that to my Mom and Grandfather both very seruois collectors of "things" LOL
Check out my blog for a craigslist find. It is a really cool chair. I would buy it but do not have the time to takle it as a project.
Posted by: Natasha | January 19, 2009 at 03:55 PM
Amazing! I would have walked right past those pieces. I will see tarnished items in a whole new light!
Posted by: ALVN of WhisperWood Cottage | January 19, 2009 at 03:50 PM