Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2010-03-14

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?

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Jelly Trowel

I have found a few references to Jelly Trowels, but they are few and far between. I have been unsuccessful in finding a reliable source that would explain its use. However, an elderly lady told me that it was used to serve a dessert made of whipped jelly made in copper molds and served chilled. Having no other story to go on, I'll add that two cents worth. They are interesting pieces.

(Jelly Trowel shown in unknown pattern by Dominick and Half)

Monday, March 15, 2010

Richelieu by Tuttle

This pattern was introduced in 1935 by International which was later bought by Tuttle, so your older pieces may have the International silver marks on them, while the newer pieces will say Tuttle. This design represents the abundant style reminiscent of French and Italian furnishings. You can see an acanthus leaf in the heavy detail. These elements were a liberation from the years of the plain art deco patterns of the 1920s. The pattern was discontinued in 1996.

(Flat Handle Butter Spreader 6 inches)

(Casserole Spoon 11 inches)
Casserole Spoon With Stainless Shell

(Pierced Tablespoon 8 1/2 inches)
Pierced Tablespoon (serving Spoon)