There is evidence to suggest the origins of the Thai bronze flatware are back as far as the 1930s, based on the marking “Siam,” as Thailand was officially known until 1939.
"Bronzeware" is unique flatware handmade by skilled craftsmen in Thailand, better known as Siam in its history. Cast individually from glowing red molten bronze, each piece is then ground to the proper shape and then polished to a mirror finish by these patient craftsmen. The Rosewood handles are carefully shaped with the simplest of tools and skillfully attached to the bronze stem.
Rosewood is a brownish-red hardwood native to the tropical jungles of Southeast Asia. It is referred to as “Rosewood,” because the fragrance of roses permeates the air when the tree is cut to the ground. The wood is naturally water resistant because of the resinous content of the fibers. Rosewood is also exceptionally hard to nick or dent. In addition to these qualities Rosewood is perhaps one of the world’s most beautifully grained woods and has long been used in the finest and most expensive furniture and musical instruments.
It’s difficult to tell who the maker is or the date of origin. Our best guess is that this well-made set was an early production of the style in Thailand and was made somewhere between 1930 and 1960. The sets were eventually made to sell to U.S. Servicemen, who were stationed in Thailand.
Standard pieces on “Replacements” total $274, with all the unique pieces not found in addition.