Traditional Sterling Designed for Today . . and Tomorrow
SOMETHING AS OLD AS MAN’S LOVE of the beautiful, but as new as his inventiveness is the new concept in sterling flatware developed by Celsa Corporation of America and offered to the discriminating buyer under the name “Avanti.” Based on Celsa’s recent sales record, this sterling pattern is the answer to the vexing problem of what silver to use with traditional and both contemporary decor, reports Edgar A. Wells-Castillo, executive vice-president of the firm.
“Avanti” is timely, too, not only because of its modern appeal to the matron and the bride, but because of its imposing international background. The silver is produced in Celsa’s new $5-million factory outside Mexico City, near the world’s best silver source. The pattern is the work of a unique team of designers, Italian, French and Spanish, and was engineered by Swiss Craftsmen.
All these handsome pieces perform much more efficiently than older models of tablesware. The shortened tines of the fork allow for a semi-spoon .. . eliminating messy drippings, and the smooth uncluttered surfaces speed the after-meal clean-up operations. The knife cuts as a knife should, precisely and with ease. The usually - unnoticed butter spreader stands out as a work of art. Its blade flows directly from the handle and then angles
forward to provide exactly the right edge for its use. Other place and serving pieces—26 in all—are equally exciting and functional.
Three years of research and interviewing went into the project before the silver was offered for general distribution throughout the United States. Now it my be found in more than 600 of our better stores, says Mr. Wells-Castillo. Six-piece table settings are priced at $44, federal tax not included.
Source: American Horologist and Jeweler - April 1960