They just don't make patterns more intriguing than this. Reed and Barton is said to have based this design on Shakespeare's Sonnet 154 about disarming cupid. The handle is graced with Venus, the goddess of love, and her son Cupid, with a background of vines and flowers. It was first introduced in 1899 during the Art Nouveau movement. It was discontinued in 1928, only to be reintroduced in 1970.
I found a quote describing it that said: "It was design genius on the part of Reed and Barton to so perfectly capture the story of disarming Cupid in sterling silver. While we are not sure who the voluptuous figure of Cupid’s conqueror in the Love Disarmed pattern was intended to be, we surmise it is either Venus, Diana, or a nymph. Most likely she is hiding Cupid’s quiver of arrows with her left arm while she holds his bow away from him with her right…"
I found a quote describing it that said: "It was design genius on the part of Reed and Barton to so perfectly capture the story of disarming Cupid in sterling silver. While we are not sure who the voluptuous figure of Cupid’s conqueror in the Love Disarmed pattern was intended to be, we surmise it is either Venus, Diana, or a nymph. Most likely she is hiding Cupid’s quiver of arrows with her left arm while she holds his bow away from him with her right…"
Cheese Scoop (6 1/4 inches)
Oyster Fork (5 5/8 inches)
Large Solid Cold Meat Serving Fork (10 3/8 inches)
Orange Spoon (5 1/2 inches)
Large Solid Fish Serving Knife (13 14/ inches)
Baby Food Pusher
An entire table set with Love Disarmed is a little TOO MUCH. I would recommend mixing it with other art nouveau patterns, such as R & B's Les Six Fleurs, Alvin's Old Orange Blossom or Bridal Rose, Wallace's Irian, Whiting's Lily, and International's Frontenac
ReplyDeleteWell, it's perfect for the midnight buffet at an upscale "gentlemen's club," but would you really want to bring it out when your minister comes over for Sunday lunch?
ReplyDeletePersonally I think this is a work of art. I always mix my sterling so I agree with your suggestion and the art nouveau patterns are my favorite. As for the minister at Sunday lunch. I would set the table with Love Disarmed and watch for his comment, but that would only be entertaining should it be an uptight southern baptist. I was last in an Episcopalian church and the priest would enjoy the pattern, so that would not be an issue at the table.
ReplyDeleteProbably not an issue today, but it easily could have been when it first came out over a century ago. . . . If sterling flatware is going to be used as much as it was fifty years ago, mix and match might be its future. Someone should push the fact that silver is also much more sanitary than stainless steel because it doesn't host bacteria nearly as readily. . . .Also, most folks aren't aware of the tremendous variety of patterns available. Many small-town stores used to carry only a half-dozen or so popular patterns. The retailers would steer brides into choosing one of them because it was already in stock. Today many patterns are available via the internet
DeleteThis by far is among my top 5 favorite patterns.
ReplyDeleteI want this please send adress and how much ?
ReplyDeleteI do not have these pieces for sale. I only blog about the patterns. I would suggest you go to antiquecupboard.com or replacements.com and shop there. I have found they are both excellent sources for new and used sterling flatware.
ReplyDelete