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?

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Apollo by Alvin

Alvin's Apollo pattern was introduced in 1900. Although of the same name, Apollo by JB and SM Knowles (1892), the design is very different.

Lettuce Serving Spoon (8 1/8)

Pie Server (10 1/8 inches)

Gravy Ladle (5 1/8 inches)

Sardine Fork (4 1/8 inches)

Monday, September 18, 2017

Easter Lily by Alvin

Another floral pattern from Alvin. Their Easter Lily (1900)pattern is very much like their Carnation pattern, just with a design of lilies.

Pattern Design

Friday, September 15, 2017

Carnation by Alvin

Alvin's Carnation pattern dates back to 1900. Like many patterns of this time it has a lovely rich design on it. This is a bit different from Wallace's Carnation pattern (1909).

Almond Scoop (5 7/8)

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Marie Antoinette Patterns

Marie Antoinette is another popular names for sterling patterns. Here are two examples.

Alvin (1910) Luncheon Fork

Dominick and Haff (1917) Cocktail Fork

Monday, September 11, 2017

Cellini Patterns

There are a plethora of sterling patterns named Cellini. Each is very unique in its design paying homage to "Benvenuto Cellini [born in 1500] ,an Italian goldsmith, sculptor, draftsman, soldier, musician, and artist who also wrote a famous autobiography and poetry. He was one of the most important artists of Mannerism." *1

Here are several examples of Teaspoons in various Cellini patterns:

Cellini by Alvin (1929)

Cellini by Frank Smith (1890)

Cellini by Ricci Sterling

1, source, Wikipedia

Friday, September 8, 2017

Francis I by Alvin

In 1910 introduced their Francis I pattern which was designed by Charles W. Harman. Don't confuse this Reed and Barton's more elaborate Francis I pattern.

Strawberry Fork (5 1/2 inches)

Ice Cream Fork (5 1/4 inches)

Butter Spreader (6 inches)

Jelly Server (5 1/2 inches)

Monday, September 4, 2017

Chateau Rose by Alvin

Alvin introduced its Chateau Rose pattern in 1940.

Cream Soup (6 1/4 inches)

Cucumber Server (6 1/2 inches)

Sugar Tongs (4 inches)

Ice Cream Fork (5 1/2 inches)

Friday, September 1, 2017

Eternal Rose by Alvin

Eternal Rose is a "newer" pattern by Alvin. "Newer" in that it was introduced in 1963.

Pie and Cake Server (11 inches)

Iced Tea Spoon (7 1/8 inches)

Medium Cold Meat Serving Fork (8 5/8 inches)

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Evangeline by Alvin

Alvin's Evangeline pattern dates back to 1907. This simple design does not compare at all to Unger's Evangeline and it's Art Nouveau style.

Strawberry Fork (5 inches)