It’s Not Trash After All

As you rummage through a trunk of your grandmother’s belongings, you find a strange, beautiful object—a decorative, elongated utensil. The utensil is a long, flat, ornamental item that has been decorated in a beautiful way with various decorative patterns. The handle has floral engravings; it has the patina of age and is an example of the beauty of age. You have named this utensil: the antique fish server.

Golden Age of Specialized Utensils

Dining in the Victorian and Edwardian eras was an occasion. A family would gather at a formally set table, each course having its own designated serving utensil. Asparagus tongs, jelly spoons and all other courses had their specific utensil.

An antique fish server was developed to serve a basic need. That need is the serving of delicate fish, without cutting the fish into pieces. An antique fish server differed from a traditional knife because of its width, flatness, and the many holes that allow the user to lift and separate fish fillets cleanly. Antique fish servers were typically not very sharp. Rather, they were designed to protect the integrity of the fish and provide a nice visual effect during the service process.

Art Meets Function

An antique fish server provides both function and beauty. Many antique fish servers were crafted with precision and show great examples of craftsmanship. Antique fish servers could be plated in silver, such as Godinger Silver Art Co.; or, they could be solid sterling silver for use in more formal settings.

In addition to providing a means of transferring delicate fish fillets, the pierced blade of the antique fish server allows excess oil or sauce to drain off of the fish while keeping the fish fillet intact. Many antique fish servers also provided curved or scalloped edges. These assist in guiding the fish fillet from the serving dish onto the plate.

Your server probably has a handle that is adorned with fruit and floral motifs. Also, a blade with intricate cuts-out—these are hallmarks of late 19th-early 20th century design. It has probably seen several special dinners.

Function Beyond Just a Knife

This tool is referred to as a “fish knife,” but technically it is a server. Instead of using tongs or forks to transfer cooked fish—usually white fish like sole or trout—it was used to move the fish without breaking it.

Some families kept the ornate ones for holidays and Sunday dinner while others saved them for wedding or anniversary celebrations. They were part of the formal dining tradition and enhanced the overall quality of the meal with their appearance.

How to Determine if That Is Yours

• Search for a makers’ marks: Check the handle or neck of the fish server for a makers’ mark. Examples may be Godinger, EPNS (electroplated nickel silver) or a sterling hallmark.
• Identify the style: If the fish server has rococo flourishes, floral engravings and shell motifs, then it is likely from the late 1800s to early 1900s.
• Identify the type of metal: Most antique fish servers are silver-plated. However, there are some higher-end versions that are made of solid sterling silver.
• Research online listings: Websites like eBay can give you a list of similar fish servers. This will allow you to compare and get a better idea of what to look for when determining the authenticity of your fish server.

A Part of History On Your Plate

Fish servers make a delightful way to start a conversation about your love of antiques. They add a touch of charm to your vintage-inspired dinnerware. Fish servers can also be repurposed as pie or cake servers. Or, even hung on a wall as an heirloom.

When you hold an antique fish server, you feel connected to a time when the presentation of food, the rituals surrounding the preparation of food, and the importance of paying attention to detail in the presentation of food created a unique experience of dining.