Tudor Plate Oneida Community Silverplated Butter Knife in the Lady Hamilton Pattern
Flatware - Serving Piece / Butter Knife · Tudor Plate by Oneida Community, a well-known American silverplate manufacturer associated with Oneida Ltd., recognized for producing accessible, durable tableware for the mid-20th-century household
Pattern: Lady Hamilton, introduced in 1932 by Oneida, featuring a distinct Art Deco geometric scroll and shield design at the terminal, now discontinued and popular among vintage tableware collectors
Type
Flatware - Serving Piece / Butter Knife
Maker
Tudor Plate by Oneida Community, a well-known American silverplate manufacturer associated with Oneida Ltd., recognized for producing accessible, durable tableware for the mid-20th-century household
Material
Silver-plated base metal, specifically nickel silver or white metal alloy coated with a layer of pure silver via electroplating (EPNS)
Dimensions
Standard butter spreader or individual butter knife length, approximately 6 to 7 inches (15 to 18 cm), weighing light to moderate due to the silverplated base metal construction
Description
An elegant vintage silverplated butter knife by Tudor Plate in the classic 1932 Lady Hamilton pattern. The piece showcases clean Art Deco styling with a stepped, geometric shield terminal that tapers smoothly down to a wide, curved spreading blade. This functional and decorative piece represents the accessible elegance brought to American dining tables during the mid-20th century.
Key Features
Art Deco Lady Hamilton pattern terminal design, Tudor Plate maker's stamp, wide butter-spreading blade profile
Material & Composition
Silver-plated base metal, specifically nickel silver or white metal alloy coated with a layer of pure silver via electroplating (EPNS)
Finish & Decoration
Polished silver finish with clean lines, featuring a stepped, faceted Art Deco shield motif at the terminal tip of the handle
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped on the back handle shaft with the maker's mark reading 'TUDOR PLATE ONEIDA COMMUNITY MADE'
Construction Details
Die-struck and machine-manufactured, common for mid-20th-century mass-produced flatware, with a unified or firmly integrated blade and handle structure typical of hollow-handle or flat silverplated spreaders
Functional Features
Flat, wide, slightly curved blade designed specifically for slicing and spreading butter onto bread without tearing, featuring a rounded tip
Handle & Grip Details
Tapered flat handle with an Art Deco geometric finial at the terminal, offering a comfortable grip for table service
Craftsmanship Details
Standard commercial-grade die-struck manufacturing with crisp pattern detailing on the handle terminal, smooth blade finishing, and uniform electroplated coating
Authentication Indicators
Clear factory stamping of the 'TUDOR PLATE ONEIDA COMMUNITY MADE' hallmark on the reverse handle shaft, consistent typography and die-struck pattern details typical of authentic mid-century Oneida production
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in the United States by Oneida Community, reflecting American mass-manufacturing prowess and popular domestic tableware design traditions
Era & Period
Art Deco Period / Mid-20th Century (introduced 1932, produced across the mid-century decades)
Age Estimate
Circa 1930s-1950s, based on the introduction date of the Lady Hamilton pattern and the specific Tudor Plate typography stamp
Cultural Significance
Reflects the democratization of elegant dining in mid-20th-century America, allowing middle-class households to set stylish tables with silverplated flatware mirroring high-end sterling designs
Condition Notes
Very Good vintage condition with surface scratches and minor wear consistent with gentle use and age; silver plating remains mostly intact with minimal base metal show-through
Value Estimate
Low to moderate market value, typically ranging from $5 to $15 USD depending on individual condition and collector demand for replacement pieces
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash with mild dish soap and warm water, dry immediately with a soft cloth to prevent water spots, and use a gentle silver polishing cream only when necessary to preserve the thin electroplated layer
Similar Pieces
Other Oneida and International Silver Art Deco plated butter knives and spreaders, such as Oneida's 'Coronation' or 'Deauville' patterns
Interesting Facts
The Lady Hamilton pattern was named after the famous 18th-century beauty and muse Emma, Lady Hamilton, capturing the romantic and glamorous design tastes of the early 1930s depression-era consumer market