159-Piece Flatware / Cutlery Set - Thai / Thailand
I have a flatware/cutlery set from Thailand. It's golden in color, so I'm not entirely sure if it's gold (HIGHLY unlikely), or brass or bronze. I've seen SIMILAR sets online (from the same company according to their tags, though not *exact* item matches) that say they're made of "nickel bronze".
There are 159 pieces in the set (not counting the wooden box and its shelves). The color is very uniform with very little tarnish that I notice -- although there is SOME (just not a lot). Many seem to be flawless but there are a few with spots or scuffs. The worse damage notices is a 1/2" mark on the top of a cake server.
As for the other pieces, there are a dozen each of the common ones (4 kinds spoons x 1 dozen each, 4 kinds of forks x 1 dozen each, 3 kinds of knives x 1 dozen each) except there's only one of what appears to be a common steak knife (MAYBE 11 missing, but I doubt it -- there's no place in the case where they would fit), and only 9 of what I think are olive/hors d'oeuvres 'forks' (very short with a ornate tab on one end and 2 close tines on the other end -- it's POSSIBLE that there were a dozen and 3 are now missing -- these are the only items with adorned handles; the rest are plain). Then there's one each of many other kinds of serving utensils and other flatware. The total present in the set is 159 and they're in their original wooden box (perhaps teak?).
This box is structurally intact except for one corner which is separating a bit. It seals with 2 latches and can be locked if desired (one would use luggage-style locks in the latches). Visually, the box shows signs of wear, scuffs, and scratches. The case has 2 removable drawers that hold utensils as well as places for items in the lid and bottom base. The tag inside the box says it's from a jewelry store called "James" in Bangkok, Thailand. Many more photos are available upon request.
I'd appreciate any appraisal help I can get.
Thank you,
Michael Parisi
'virtualsurvivor' on eBay
See my items for sale on eBay at http://www.ebay.com/sch/virtualsurvivor/m.html?_sop=1
Re: 159-Piece Flatware / Cutlery Set - Thai / Thailand
These sets are type of bronze alloy and while they look exotic they are mass produced items that have been made for the export market. Most of them have been brought back as gifts by Soldiers and salors since the end of World War Two that were stationed in Korea, Japan and Vietnam. Even large sets often sell for less than $150.00.