Flatware for Youth

Mr. Bowen's thoughts of late have been of the recent birth of his first grandchild.  This in turn has him thinking of flatware for the newest member of the family.  As you might expect, Mr. Bowen was in fact born with a sterling silver spoon in his mouth or at least shortly thereafter.  He received a sterling baby fork and spoon set in the Grande Baroque pattern by Wallace. 

Slightly worse for the wear, this set now resides in the possession of his nephew.  In addition, Mr. Bowen received a sterling baby cup as well.  While still serviceable, this piece has been inundated with dents on the bottom.  This piece will go to his new grandson who will put in dents of his own to the cup. 

While sterling silver baby forks, spoons and cups are great gifts, Mr. Bowen feels that the money spent on these items might be better spent on a youth set of flatware.   Typically, a youth set of flatware consists of a 3 piece set of a knife, fork and spoon.  The lengths of the flatware are shorter and smaller in size than a typical setting.  They are designed for ages 3 - 8.

A youth knife is about 7-1/2'' in length, the fork about 6-3/4'' and the spoon about 5-3/4'' long.  This compares with the smallest size adult flatware (luncheon) which typically has a 8-7/8'' knife, a 7-1/4" fork and a 6'' teaspoon.  Mr. Bowen is not aware of any manufacturer who makes youth flatware with additional pieces such as soup spoons or salad forks.  Apparently, the manufacturers have taken pity on the wee lads and lasses.  Learning to eat Continental style is difficult enough at that age, let alone mastering the rest of the table.