The trenchers all seem to be made of a white metal. While I'm making them, I'd like to hear the opinions of those gathered here on what metal they were most likely made from. Pewter?? Silver??

Thanks--

--James--

I'm assuming at least middle class mid 15th C. by your clues but don't want to assume anything.

--James--

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Originally posted by hauptfrau:
Period? Class?

I'm assuming at least middle class mid 15th C. by your clues but don't want to assume anything.

Gwen

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Can anyone give me references to any images from mid-14th century through 1420?

Thanks--

there are extant examples of trenchers for our period made of pewter. You can find one in the book "PreIndustrial Utensils: 1150-1800". its 17.3 cm by 14 cm and is dated as Flemish, 1400-1500. it even has the firestriker on it .

theres also a wide assortment of ceramic/earthenware plates in the book, being standard round plate shapes.

hope this helps!
--AM, who fully realizes that wood plates probably didnt last long enough to get their pictures taken in the 20th century

Were wooden trenchers/bowls/plates still in use among the middle/lower classes in 1450? Or would they have likely had the wherewithall to purchase metal or ceramic ones?

Norhala

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Originally posted by Bill & Norhala:
Hi!

Were wooden trenchers/bowls/plates still in use among the middle/lower classes in 1450? Or would they have likely had the wherewithall to purchase metal or ceramic ones?

Norhala

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According to the peasant inventory of Richard Sclatter of Elmley Castle (worcestershire, 1457), he had 8 trenchers valued at 1d. as a brass pot is valued at 2s, I am assuming that they are not metal (or they would cost more, no?). One assumes they are wood or pottery.

Ceramic vessels are described as being worth 1/2d each, so one might assume that Richards trenchers were of the even cheaper wood.

Meanwhile, the merchant Simon de Leverington of 1285 is assessed 2 pounds, 17s, 0d for silver spoons and plate. One assumes it would have cost even more in the 15th century.

based on this, I would make the conclusion that wood was the most common, followed by ceramic (the number of ceramic dishes extant is very large), follwed by metal. Pewter would be the cheapest, then silver.

source of assay info: Christopher Dyers "Standards of Living in the Later Middle Ages: Social change in England c.1200-1520".

Seems that Bob R. and Dave Key refered to household inventories and plate in the "Gentleman/Knight Portrayal" thread. Perhaps a look over there would be helpful- http://www.darkharvest.com/ubb/Forum7/HTML/000040.html

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Originally posted by hauptfrau:
AM, James wants to do upper middle class. Does the book refer to any upper middle class inventories?
Gwen

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I think Simons inventory counts..he seems a well to do merchant guy?

he seems to have some silver plate. nothing else is mentioned, but perhaps becuase it wasnt worth mentioning compared to all the shiney stuff?