Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2010-05-16

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 21, 2010

Macaroni Fork

Just a beautiful piece of sterling. This is a Macaroni Fork shown in Chrysanthemum by Tiffany (9 inches). It is delightful pieces like this that keep me interested in sterling silver. Some patterns would call this a Macaroni Server, but in this pattern, it is called a "fork". Whatever it is called, it is a gorgeous work of art.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Food Pusher

Food Pushers were designed for young eaters not quite nimble enough to use their knives. This would help them push their food onto their fork. You can find this piece in most patterns.

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

Gorham Silver Chantilly (Sterling,1895,Lion-Anchr-G,Monograms) Solid Food Pusher

Shown in Repousse by Kirk Stieff (3 1/8 inches)

Kirk Stieff Repousse (Sterling, 1924, S.Kirk & Son, Inc.) Food Pusher Solid

Shown in Lily by Whiting (3 1/2 inches)

Whiting Division Lily (Sterling,1902,Lion-Pat.1902) Food Pusher Solid

Shown in Monticello by Lunt (4 1/8 inches)

Lunt Silver Monticello (Sterling,1908) Food Pusher Solid

Monday, May 17, 2010

Coburg by Wallace

This is an older regal English pattern that dates back to 1812. It was first produced by C.J. Vander. Wallace Silversmiths manufactured it between 2000 and 2009. It is now discontinued. The rich design is on the front and the back of each piece.

(Sugar Shell 5 1/4 inches)

(Place Fork 8 1/8 inches)

(Salad Fork 7 inches)

(Teaspoon 6 3/8 inches)