silverware and silverware
Silverware was a way for families to show their wealth and establish their credit: silverware was presented on specious furniture called silver.
It also constituted a reserve of money which could be sold or pledged to meet an unforeseen expense. This is how King Louis XIV sent his silverware, including important furniture (chests of drawers, consoles, candelabras, jugs, mustards, cutlery, etc.), to the coin to be melted. This cast cost 10% of the weight of silver.
