Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar

The Story Behind this Blog

Being from the South, Silver is a very big part of my life. It doesn't have anything to do with wealth. Although those with more money - old money, tend to have more of it. New money tend not to spend their money on Silver. They do not have the appreciation for the warmth of the metal, the beauty of the patina, the story it tells of the generations past who have used it. A true southern girl comes of age when she chooses her silver pattern, long before she chooses her mate. If she is smart, she chooses that of her mother, grandmother, or favorite great aunt who in their benevolence will pass their silver on to her. It is the pieces in those sets, the pieces on our tables, along with the pieces we find in the corners of the displays in antique stores that prompted me to start this blog. They are beautiful, they are odd, but what are they, and what in the hell do you do with them?

Friday, February 27, 2015

Alhambra by Whiting

Whiting introduced their Alhambra pattern in 1880. Given "Alhambra" is the palace and fortress complex located in Granada, Andalusia, Spain, one is not surprised to find the design of this pattern to have Moorish tones.

Pastry Fork (6 1/8 inches)

Oyster Ladle (11 3/8 inches)

Flat Handle Crumber (10 3/8 inches)

Olive Fork (9 3/8 inches)

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

John Hancock by Lunt

Lunt introduced John Hancock in 1911. It was designed by George C. Lunt who also designed Chatelaine (aka Enid) in 1894. To be named for such a distinguished gentleman, the pattern has feminine features such as a ribbon at the case of the terminal. Beading is draped across the top of the terminal below a shell and cornice design that reminds me of the features one would see above the mantle of a very fancy colonial home.

Teaspoon (5 3/4 inches)

Bon Bon Tongs (3 5/8 inches)

Baby Fork (3 1/2 inches)

Monday, February 23, 2015

Old Dominion by Lunt

Lunt introduced Old Dominion in 1898. At first glance it looks like a modest pattern but when you pay more attention to the detail of the edging around the stem and terminal and the detail on the serving pieces, it is truly a lovely pattern hidden behind such a provincial name.

Fork (7 inches)

Bon Bon Spoon (4 1/2 inches)

Seafood Fork (6 inches)

Friday, February 20, 2015

Whiting Silver Company Markings

Frank Whiting was eventually aquired by Gorham so it no longer exists. However, there are still many patterns out there designed and produced by the company prior to that time. Below are two markings you will find on the back of pieces of sterling flatware by Frank Whiting and Whiting Silver.

Frank Whiting

Whiting Silver

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Baronial by Frank Smith

Frank Smith introduced Baronial in 1920. It was designed by Aurthur J. Stone. It is an elegant pattern with an offset design. The serving pieces are particularly attractive.

Preserve Spoon (7 3/4 inches)

Salad Serving Fork (8 1/4 inches)

Lettuce Serving Fork (8 3/4 inches)

Monday, February 16, 2015

Lion by Frank Smith

Introduced in 1905, Lion by Frank Smith is a very distinct pattern with the image of a lion's face on the terminal. It is truly unique and easy to identify.

Fork (7 3/8 inches)

Fish Knife (8 1/8 inches)

Friday, February 13, 2015

Colbert by Frank Smith

Frank Smith introduced its Colbert pattern in 1921. It is a rich design very much is the tradition of the early 1920's. Note the detail on the shoulder of the serving fork.

Large Sardine Serving Fork (5 5/8 inches)

Strawberry Fork (4 3/4 inches)

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Who Became Reed and Barton

Reed and Barton is another company that has managed to survive and in the process buy and absorb several other smaller companies. Some of these include: Dominick and Haff, Sheffield Silver Co., Theodore B. Starr, and the Webster Company. And in doing so they have gotten the patterns and dies from William Gales and Sons, J. R. Wendt & Co. and the Frank W. Smith Silver Co. because the aforementioned acquisitions had previously purchased or absorbed these companies. Once again I'll offer my caveat - The following is best I could do to chart out the flow. It may not be correct. The information is confusing at best coming from different sources. But it gives you an idea of how all the smaller companies ending up merging.

Monday, February 9, 2015

American Directoire By Lunt

Lunt introduced American Directoire in 1931. It was designed by Frederick W. Koonz who also designed American Victorian, Modern Victorian, Charles II, and William and Mary for Lunt. This pattern is much more tailored than the other four patterns. The streamlined stem with flaired terminal and feathered detail on the shoulder of each piece has some touches of art deco.

Individual Fish Knife (8 3/4 inches)

Small Cold Meat Serving Fork (7 7/8 inches)

Ice Cream Fork (5 3/4 inches)

Sugar Spoon (6 1/8 inches)

Friday, February 6, 2015

Lettuce Serving Forks (Part 3)

Alice, Cambridge, Cherub, Fessenden, Georgian, Hyperion, Les Cinq Fleurs, Raphael, Stratford, Waverly, Century, Lily, Savannah, Versailles, Whiting

Richmond by Towle ( 8 1/8 inches)

Old Newbury by Towle (8 1/4 inches)

Majestic by Reed and Barton (10 inches)

Love Disarmed by Reed and Barton (8 5/8 inches)