Raphael by Alvin

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?

Monday, August 9, 2010

Raphael by Alvin

This glorious art nouveau pattern was introduced by Alvin in 1902. Alvin is now a sub-division of Gorham. (But do not confuse this pattern with Gorham's Raphael pattern, which is a totally different pattern.)

Alvin's Raphael is described as a lady draped in sheer cloth. Her long hair flows around her down the piece of silver. Different floral designs including orchids, iris, and other flowers make each piece a little unique. For example, on the tongs she is standing under a daffodil with orchids on the pinchers.