Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2010-05-02

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, May 7, 2010

Intricate Bonbon piece

The Bonbon Spoon has been called "the most useless" piece of sliver. I personally think it is one of the most beautiful. To me, sterling silverware is about beauty, not necessarily its utilitarian purpose.

Here is another example - Lily of the Valley by Whiting

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Stuffing Spoon

These serving spoons, called Stuffing Spoons, were sometimes referred to as Platter Spoons and also Gravy Spoons. They are fairly large, varying in length from 11 to 13 inches. Some have a "button" on the back of the handle to keep the spoon in place as it rest on the edge of the platter or bowl. On early pieces, these buttons were very ornate, fashioned as an acorn for example, but as times changed and the art left the flatware business, so did they detail of the "buttons".

(Shown in Chantilly by Gorham 12 1/4 inches)

(Shown in Chrysanthemum by Durgin 11 1/2 inches)

(Shown in Fontainebleau by Gorham 10 1/2 inches)

(Shown in Repousse by Kirk 11 inches)

(Shown in Winthrop by Tiffany 13 inches)

Monday, May 3, 2010

Princess by Stieff

Introduced in 1915. From the 1920's catalog - "Inspired by the beauty of a bride's bouquet, a Stieff designer brought forth the "Princess" Pattern a tribute to the "Princess Royal" - the American Bride." A truly beautiful pattern.

(Pickle Fork 5 3/4 inches)

(French Hollow Knife with Bolster 8 7/8 inches)

(Fruit Serving Spoon 9 1/4 inches)