Lunt Silverware: The Various Flatware Pattern TypesGeorge C. Lunt and Anthony Towle founded Lunt Silversmiths in 1882 to manufacture sterling silverware and giftware. Since 1902, it has been privately owned by Lunt. Over the years, Lunt Silverware has become the leading producers of America's sterling silverware. The Lunt group of companies includes several top designs and manufacturing units. With its headquarters at Greenfield, Massachusetts, it has many subsidiaries to manufacture international quality silverware. Couzon, USA, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Lunt. Couzon specializes in 18/10 stainless steel flatware of traditional French design and size. Lunt does not sell directly to its customers, and is only a manufacturer and a wholesaler. It has an extensive network of retailers throughout USA, who sell Lunt and Couzon products. Though they don't have a huge lineup of patterns, their flatware is of very high quality. In silverware, the price ranges from $200 for a 4-piece set to $3000-$4000 for a 66-piece set. Some of the most popular patterns from Lunt in sterling silver are Eloquence, Modern Victorian, William & Mary, Homes, and Delacourt. Two of the trendiest patterns are Bel Chateau and Delicay with a Chippendale design. Golden Regency Shell, Regency Shell, and Golden Embassy Scroll are some of the more elaborate patterns. Embassy Scroll, one of the classiest patterns by Lunt, has been designated as the official pattern of US Embassies all over the world. Some very rare patterns, which have now been discontinued, are, American Victorian, Golden Soleil, Memory Lane, and Soleil. Quintessence is an old pattern which has now been revived. Silverware, in American terminology, also includes stainless steel flatware. All Lunt stainless steel patterns are available with 4-piece hostess sets, including Serving Fork, Serving Spoon, Pierced Serving Spoon and Pastry Server. The latest 18/10 stainless pattern introduced by Lunt includes seven designs-Portico, Coco, Williamstown, Captiva, 1902, Sarong, and Sarong Gold. Lunt Silversmiths have of late introduced the new Oscar de la Collection in three patterns, namely City, Island and Country. Couzon 18/10 stainless patterns are distributed by Lunt in select retail showrooms across the US. The price of stainless patterns is determined by weight, pattern detail, quality of finish, size of individual pieces, and the number of accessory pieces available. Despite careful handling and regular polishing, silverware tends to tarnish very quickly. This is primarily due to the inherent propensity of silver to be oxidized when in contact with air. For repairs and restoration, Lunt is closely associated with Roger Jette Silversmiths in Massachusetts. With such careful handling of nuances, Lunt Silverware has managed to maintain its standing in the international market. Flatware being a very popular bridal gift, Lunt Patterns remains a favorite. Notwithstanding tough competition, Lunt silverware, inclusive of both sterling silver and stainless, remains a mark of excellence. |