Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2010-02-14

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 19, 2010

Nut Picks

Nut Picks are not a hard piece to figure out. (Not to be confused with a letter opener.) They are used to separate the meat of the nut from the shell. Usually they are used as a place piece, so a full service of sterling would have a pick for every place setting.

Japanese by Tiffany (5 inches)

Louis XIV by Gorham (4 7/8 inches)

Carnation by Wallace (4 1/2 inches)

Rose by Wallace (4 1/2 inches)
Solid Nut Pick

Marquis by Frank Whiting (5 1/4 inches)

Oval Twist by Whiting (5 1/8 inches)

Armor by Whiting (5 1/2 inches)

Lotus by Gorham (4 3/4 inches)

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Cherry Forks

The Cherry Fork differs from the cocktail, strawberry, lobster, and pickle fork in that it is usually shorter and has 2 tines. In some patterns this fork is referred to as the Canape Fork.

(Shown in Vine by Tiffany 2 3/4 inches)

(Shown in Francis I by Reed and Barton 4 3/8 inches)

Monday, February 15, 2010

Sir Christopher by Wallace

This pattern was designed by William Warren, one of Wallace's top designers (he also designed Grand Baroque). Lifetime Sterling describes the pattern as, "Renowned royal architect Sir Christopher Wren was the inspiration for this ornate pattern introduced in 1936. The High English Renaissance styling and the concept of beauty as a whole is translated into the harmonious proportions in the center shell-symbolizing the sea-surrounded by an intertwining array of foliage, fruit, and flowers, typifying fertility. The sculptural grandeur and fine detailing is evident from every angle of this magnificent flatware ideal for traditional and formal settings and every dining occasion."

(Gravy Ladle 6 1/2 inches)

(Lemon Fork 5 1/2 inches)