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, January 15, 2021

Drury Lane by Towle

If I remember correctly, the Muffin Man lived on Drury Lane. Not sure if Towle's pattern by the same name was introduced in 1939.

Dinner Fork (8 inches)

Bon Bon Spoon (4 /78 inches)

Sugar Tongs (4 inches)

Monday, January 11, 2021

Dorothy Bradford by Towle

Towle's Dorothy Bradford pattern dates back to 1913. I'm not sure who this pattern was named for. There were several well known "Dorothy Bradford's". There was Dorothy Elizabeth Bradford, the British Painter (1897-1986). And also there was Dorothy Bradford who came to America on the Mayflower and was the wife of William Bradford, who served as the governor of Plymouth Colony. Your pick!

Dinner Fork (7 1/4 inches)

Butter Spreader (5 3/8 inches)

Sugar Spoon (5 3/8 inches)

Friday, January 8, 2021

Aristocrat by Towle

Aristocrat by Towle dates back to 1934. It was designed by Harold E. Nock. Other patterns designed for Towle by Nock include Old Master, Old Lace (1939), D'Orleans (1932), Candlelight (1934), Royal Windsor (1935), Virginia Carvel (1919), Rambler Rose (1937), Chased Diana (1925), Lady Constance, and Lady Mary.

Orange Spoon (5 7/8 inches)

Tomato Server (7 3/8 inches)

Dinner Knife (HH) (9 1/2 inches)

Monday, January 4, 2021

Confection Spoon 4

Back in 2019, I posted on Confection Spoons. Here are a few more examples of this utensil.

Strasbourg by Gorham (5 3/8 inches)

Versailles by Gorham (5 1/4 inches)

Potomac by Saart Brothers (6 3/8 inches)

Friday, January 1, 2021

French Scroll by Alvin

Alvin's French Scroll pattern only dates back to 1953. While attractive, it is one of those patterns with a design that can easily be confused with many others.

Lemon Fork (4 /2)

Individual Steak Knife (8 3/4 inches)

Cream Soup Spoon (6 3/8 inches)

Sugar Tongs (1/4 inches)

Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Touraine by Gorham

In 1917 Gorham introduced their Touraine pattern.

Bouillon Spoon (5 inches)

Luncheon Fork (7 inches)

Monday, December 28, 2020

Virginia 19 Engraved by Dominick and Haff

Dominick and Haff's Virginia 19 Engraved pattern was introduced in 1912. It is an engraved variation of their Virginia pattern that is fairly simple.

Steel Rod Sharpener Knife (13 1/2 inches)

Friday, December 25, 2020

Songs Of Christmas by Wallace Part 2

As I posted last year, Wallace introduces an ornament depicting a Christmas Carol called Songs of Christmas. Here

2010 Carol of the Bells

2008 I'll be Home for Christmas

2011 Winter Wonderland

2006 Let it Snow

Monday, December 21, 2020

Gorham's Sterling Star Ornaments

Every year the sterling companies produce several annual Sterling Ornaments each. I posted on this last year. Each design is unique. The star in the center of the ornament is surrounded by the design of a Gorham sterling pattern.

Buttercup (1998)