BIRKS STERLING
FLATWARE IDENTIFICATION GUIDE
BIRKS STERLING
FLATWARE IDENTIFICATION GUIDE
BIRKS STERLING SILVER FLATWARE IDENTIFICATION:
Looking to identify your Birks sterling silver flatware? Whether you’re trying to match pieces from an inherited set or are expanding a collection, this detailed guide will help you recognize the most common Birks flatware patterns and identify various knives, forks, spoons, and serving pieces.
About BIRKS STERLING SILVER FLATWARE
Founded in the 19th century, Henry Birks & Sons began producing sterling silver cutlery in the 1890s. Over the decades, Birks released numerous patterns—many of which remained in production for generations before being discontinued. Today, Birks silverware is prized for its craftsmanship, variety, and timeless style.
Due to numerous variations in shape, size, and pattern design, identifying individual Birks pieces can be challenging. Use the size guides and visual references below to help you identify your flatware accurately.
BIRKS STERLING SILVER FLATWARE:
sizes are approximate & vary by pattern
Knives from left to right:
• Dinner Knife (French Blade c. 1935-60) 9.75″
• Dinner Knife (Modern Blade, post 1960) 9.5″
• Luncheon Knife (French Blade c. 1935-60) 8 7⁄8″
• Luncheon Knife (Modern Blade, post 1960) 8 5⁄8″
• Steak Knife 8 5⁄8″
• Fish Knife 8 5⁄8″
• Butter Spreader (Hollow Handle)
• Butter Spreader Flat Handle.
sizes are approximate & vary by pattern
Forks from left to right:
• Dinner Fork 7.5″
• Luncheon Fork 7″
• Fish Fork
• Salad Fork 5 7⁄8″
• Seafood Fork 5 3⁄8″.`
sizes are approximate
Spoons from left to right:
• Coffee Spoon 4″
• 5 o’clock Teaspoon 5 1⁄4″
• Large Teaspoon 5 5⁄8″
• Citrus Spoon
• Dessert Spoon 7″
• Large Soup Spoon 6.75″
• Cream Soup Spoon 5 5⁄8"
• Bouillon Spoon.
Birks Old English Forks
Special note for Old English pattern only:
Dinner and Luncheon Forks are available with the bottom tip facing up (shown at the top of the photo) or facing down “reversed” (shown at the bottom of the photo). In the 18th century when this pattern was designed, forks were laid face down on the table so Birks offered the traditional “tip-up” version and the more modern “reversed” version.
BIRKS STERLING SILVER SERVING PIECES
Birks produced a wide selection of sterling silver serving utensils across many flatware patterns. The size and shape of these pieces vary by era and pattern.
Serving Pieces from left to right:
• Master Butter Knife 6.5″
• Pate Slice
• Bar/ Cheese Knife
• Sauce Ladle
• Sugar Spoon
• Pickle Fork 5 7⁄8″
• Lemon Fork
SERVING PIECES FROM LEFT TO RIGHT:
• Gravy Ladle 6 3⁄8″
• Pierced Tablespoon 8.5″
• Tablespoon 8.5″
• Tomato Server
• Pie Slice (offset)
• Serving Fork
• Cold Meat Fork
SERVING PIECES FROM LEFT TO RIGHT:
- Pie Slice 9"
- Fish Serving Fork
- Fish Serving Knife
- Carving Fork
- Carving Knife
- Bread or Ceremonial Cake knife
- Cake Knife
- Salad Serving Spoon
- Salad Serving Fork
Birks Sterling Flatware Patterns: Identification by Style
Birks made sterling flatware in numerous designs, this guide identifies the most sought-after and recognizable patterns:
Tudor Plain
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Need Help Identifying Your Birks Flatware?
At J.H. Tee Antiques, we specialize in vintage Birks sterling silver flatware identification. If you need help matching or identifying specific pieces, feel free to contact us via email or visit our Vancouver antique shop.