Stainless Steel Flatware in the 1970s

Invention of Stainless Steel

• Stainless steel was developed by Harry Brearley, who in 1913 was involved in a project to prevent corrosion of rifle barrels. His tests included dissolving the rifle barrels in acid. The tests indicated that steel which had a high content of chromium failed to dissolve in the acid. After experimenting with varying proportions of chromium he produced a stainless steel with 12.8 percent chromium. In 1914 he was employed by Thomas Firth and Sons and the first commercial manufacture of stainless steel cutlery commenced. Stainless steel flatware was found to have many advantages including fire and heat resistance, aesthetic appearance, impact resistance and long-term value. By the 1920s, the rust-free metal flatware was widely used in restaurants and hotels and was introduced into American homes in 1931.

Prior Poor Quality

• Until the 1960s, stainless steel flatware was poor in quality when compared with sterling and silverplated flatware. In a brilliant move to diversify its business interests, the Oneida Company made a commitment to produce quality stainless steel flatware. In the late 1960s, Oneida produced Chateau, one of the first stainless patterns to emulate sterling designs.

An Improved Product

• During the 1970s the quality of stainless steel flatware continued to improve. Jewelry and fine department stores began to feature stainless steel in their silver departments. As consumers became acquainted with the beauty and easy care of stainless steel flatware, it quickly surpassed sterling and silverplate sales.

Rising Cost of Silver

• In 1979, silver bullion prices jumped from $5 an ounce to greater than $48 an ounce in early 1980. The rising cost of silver became a huge motivating factor for consumers to purchase stainless steel flatware instead of sterling silverware. During the 1970s the Oneida company added intricate, ornamental designs and improved craftsmanship. One of their most popular patterns, Michelangelo, offers an elegant detailed symmetrical flower design. Made of high quality 18/10 stainless steel, Oneida stainless steel flatware from the 1970s remains popular today.