Oneida Community Tudor Plate 'Fortune' Pattern Silver-Plated Flatware
Flatware (Assorted pieces including teaspoons, dinner forks, and knives) · Oneida Community (Oneida Ltd.), an American manufacturer founded in 1848 with a reputation for durable and aesthetically pleasing mass-market silver-plated tableware.
Pattern: Fortune pattern (also known as Tudor Plate), introduced around 1939. This pattern is discontinued.
Type
Flatware (Assorted pieces including teaspoons, dinner forks, and knives)
Maker
Oneida Community (Oneida Ltd.), an American manufacturer founded in 1848 with a reputation for durable and aesthetically pleasing mass-market silver-plated tableware.
Material
Silver-plated base metal (typically nickel silver or copper-based alloy). The pieces are marked 'TUDOR PLATE', indicating an electroplated silver coating over a non-precious metal core.
Dimensions
Standard American retail sizes; teaspoons approx. 6 inches, dinner forks approx. 7.5 inches. Weight is consistent with heavy silver plate; not measured in troy ounces.
Description
An attractive collection of mid-century American silver plate. The 'Fortune' pattern offers a classic Art Deco aesthetic with durable construction, intended for the growing middle-class market of the 1940s.
Key Features
Distinctive floral terminal on the handle, the 'TUDOR' brand identity, and the specific sans-serif font used in the Oneida Community stamp.
Material & Composition
Silver-plated base metal (typically nickel silver or copper-based alloy). The pieces are marked 'TUDOR PLATE', indicating an electroplated silver coating over a non-precious metal core.
Finish & Decoration
Polished silver finish with Art Deco-influenced floral and scroll motifs on the handles. The design features a stylized vertical line texture and a floral bouquet at the terminal of the handle.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'TUDOR PLATE ONEIDA COMMUNITY' on the back of the spoon and fork handles. This is a manufacturer's trademark rather than a purity hallmark.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured through die-striking. Knife blades are likely stainless steel set into hollow silver-plated handles.
Functional Features
Standard dining functionality; the forks have rounded tines and spoons have a deep bowl for soup or tea services.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid metal handles for spoons and forks; knives feature hollow handles joined to the blade with a traditional bolster.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial die-striking. Detail in the pattern is crisp, showing the efficiency of mid-century American manufacturing.
Authentication Indicators
The embossed manufacturer's mark 'TUDOR PLATE ONEIDA COMMUNITY' is clear and consistent with known authentic production from this era.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States, likely manufactured in Oneida, New York, following the traditions of American industrial mass production.
Era & Period
Late Art Deco/Pre-War Era (circa 1930s-1940s). The design reflects the transitional shift from ornate Victorian styles to more streamlined machine-age aesthetics.
Age Estimate
Circa 1939-1950 based on the 'Fortune' pattern introduction date and the specific 'Tudor Plate' branding.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury in early 20th-century America, where silver-plated sets allowed average families to own 'fine' silverware.
Condition Notes
Good overall condition with visible surface tarnish (oxidation) and minor surface scratches from storage. No evidence of 'bleeding' (base metal showing through silver).
Value Estimate
$1.00 - $5.00 per individual piece; full sets often range from $50 - $150 depending on count and condition.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver polish like Wright's Silver Cream. Avoid abrasive sponges. Store in a tarnish-resistant chest or Pacific Silvercloth bags.
Similar Pieces
Oneida Coronation pattern (more ornate), Gorham silver-plated lines, or International Silver's DeepSilver collection.
Interesting Facts
The Oneida Community began as a religious commune in New York that practiced communalism before becoming one of the most successful silver companies in history.