Polished spoons, forks and knives are an important attribute of any feast. Melchior cutlery is produced as a budget alternative to silverware. In appearance, such table setting is almost as good as expensive design, but you need to learn how to properly care for it.
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What is cupronickel alloy?
It is not known where the tradition of presenting newlyweds with silverware in luxurious packaging came from, but it is always pleasant to receive such a gift. The impoverished London aristocracy considered it a sign of good taste to pass on a set of cutlery made of nickel silver or more expensive metal. With proper care, they can be used for decades.
In appearance, expensive tableware is practically no different from more affordable ones. It is difficult to determine the material of manufacture at a glance, especially if it is gilded or rhodium-plated silver over iron. The difference in cost and percentage of metals, respectively, has its own nuances in care.
Melchior is a budget alternative to silver. The name comes from the German reading of the names of the French inventors of this innovation. These are Maillot and Chorier, the developers of the alloy, which was created in Lyon at the beginning of the 19th century.
Over time, the single-phase copper-nickel alloy was improved, the percentage composition changed. Experiments led to the addition of manganese and iron in a small proportional ratio. New alloys emerged, such as monel, constantan, and nickel silver. Silver-plated brass spoons and forks were also called cupronickel.
Today, the composition includes up to 30% nickel, approximately 1% manganese and iron. This is a material resistant to deformation, corrosion and oxidation. Over time, darkening, typical for copper or brass, forms on the products. Because of this, sets of teaspoons and other items require preventive cleaning.
Properties of nickel silver cutlery
Tableware made of "white copper" was known as early as the 3rd century BC - copper was tried to be melted with the addition of nickel. Over time, this technology was lost. Bowls and forks turned black in a humid environment, losing their aesthetic and practical value as table decorations at royal feasts. Imitation of silver and gold was once punishable by death.
Modern cutlery looks much better than antiques, polishes well. Their aesthetic value is determined by the metal, which is resistant to oxidation. Gift sets are distinguished by classic and modern design. Melchior melts, cuts, and embossed perfectly. You can solder, straighten bent fork tines, sharpen knives, restore any other device, unlike silver, which is more difficult to process.
Spoons made of nickel silver
The copper-nickel alloy from which cupronickel spoons are stamped looks quite decent, has a characteristic shine when properly polished. Different gift sets can vary in shade - from almost white to yellowish copper, reminiscent of gilded brass.
Please note! Zinc, iron and manganese, which are part of the alloys, were once declared harmful to health due to the possible ingestion of their oxides. Their percentage content is negligible, zinc is not used today. Melchior cutlery is usually served not only for a festive table.
It is difficult to answer unequivocally whether such alloys have any negative effect on the body. Most likely, devices cleaned from dark plaque do not cause noticeable harm, but they also do not have the property of disinfecting soda, which is typical for silver ions.
Melchior forks
Affordable silverware sets are, of course, quite affordable cupronickel. Rhodium-plated forks, a coating resistant to oxidation processes, are most valued. Such items are absolutely harmless, so they are widely used in everyday practice.
Important! Forks coated with a layer of silver or gold several microns thick cannot be treated with acids and cleaning agents that contain abrasive particles. The alloy that has lost its protective treatment will darken during use.
Melchior teaspoons
It is pleasant to stir sugar in a cup of coffee or tea with a beautiful cupronickel or silver spoon. This is a great gift even in a single copy, if you engrave it with monograms, in imitation of pre-revolutionary traditions. Today you can find sets of English spoons with tongs for desserts.
Even 2-3 centuries ago, people were aware of the intricacies of personal hygiene. Merchants and landowners had their own utensils, including tea and coffee spoons. It was customary to put small cupronickel spoons in the sockets for honey and jam for tea with pancakes, which is still relevant today.
What are the differences between cupronickel and silver?
The noble metal always has a stamp, never oxidizes and retains its original appearance, although it is heavier than its analogues. If you draw a lapis (pencil) on silver and cupronickel, a dark spot will appear on the latter. But the democratic material has low thermal conductivity, so cupronickel devices are very convenient to use.
They are suitable for all types of applications:
- for hot soups and broths;
- snacks straight from the grill;
- second courses and salads;
- stirring coffee and tea.
Silverware is certainly more expensive, but it conducts heat better. The composition of the metal and its commercial name are usually indicated on certificates – documents on compliance with the stated standards. Tableware inherited does not always meet the standards.
Pawnbrokers and pawnbrokers periodically encounter fakes of silver, even if they have the master's mark. Usually, this is ordinary cupronickel, covered with tin and silver in several microns (by means of galvanizers).
Proper care of nickel silver cutlery
Having familiarized yourself with all the nuances, you can safely buy quite practical tableware - single ones with the owner's name engraved, as well as in gift sets. One condition - you will have to wash them only with a soft sponge with warm soapy water, rinse in cold water and periodically lightly polish with flannel.
Immersing the set in a hot soda solution overnight, covering the bottom of the bowl with food foil - this will rid them of plaque and other contaminants. The alloy is also easy to clean with tooth powder. Sometimes you can wipe forks and spoons with a rag with a vinegar solution, rinse and dry.
To clean silverware and cupronickel items, also use the emulsion "Amethyst", "Sif-gel" or paste "Polimet" (instructions on the package). It is better to store them in a closed box and polyethylene, without access to humid air. Then all the items will serve flawlessly for more than one generation.
Having chosen cupronickel spoons and forks, you should refrain from using them when preparing hot food. Frequent contact with boiling water and acidic environments will eventually lead to the loss of the protective layer. The cutlery will turn black and give a metallic taste. For a festive feast, this is a universal option if you properly care for the products.
VIDEO: How to clean nickel silver at home.
50 photos of beautiful cutlery made of nickel silver:
