Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2010-05-23

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 28, 2010

Chow Chow Spoons

Chow Chow is a relish used as a condiment. Although the origins are unknown, it has been used in the southern United States for over 200 years. Chow Chow is not pureed and is served in its chunky consistency. It is served cold with hot foods and usually spice to the main dish. Unlike British Piccalilli, which usually includes cauliflower and turmeric among its ingredients, and Chutney, which typically includes fruit, Chow Chow is made from green tomatoes, cabbage, mustard seed, and some type of hot pepper. And to no one's surprise, the silver companies saw a need for servings pieces. Featured here are Chow Chow spoons, which generally feature a long handle and elongated bowl to reach into the jar of Chow Chow..

Shown in Baronial by Frank Smith (6 inches)

Shown in Chippendale by Towle

Shown in King Richard by Towle

Shown in Old English by Towle

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Buckwheat Cake Server

Actually after doing some research, the term "Buckwheat Cake" refers to Buckwheat pancakes, so the silver companies decided one needed a pancake or Buckwheat Cake Server as well as a Waffle Server (See December 26, 2009). This piece is very rare.

Shown in Beekman by Tiffany (9 1/4 inches)

Shown in Douvaine by Unger

eBay Image 1 Unger Bros Sterling Silver DOUVAINE Buckwheat Server NR

Shown in Heritage by Reed and Barton

eBay Image 1 Heritage sterling server buckwheat Reed and & Barton

Shown in Olive by Tiffany (8 1/2 inches)

Monday, May 24, 2010

Hey, out there!

Gentle readers, I have been writing this blog for six months now, over 110 posts. I know from following Google Analytics that you are from 39 different countries and 48 of the 50 US states plus the District of Columbia, which is impressive and very flattering. But, I don't know who you are and why you visit. Finally after six months, I have one admitted follower, which I appreciate. For the rest of you, please take a moment and post a comment. Let me know your thoughts, certainly you have a view - your two cents (or euros). Of course, I know, be careful what you ask for!

Clematis by Gorham

This an old old Gorham pattern that dates back to 1885. (I found references to another "Clematis" patten by Shiebler I could never find any details.) This is a lovely pattern that seems to age well with its intricate carvings on the front and the back of the pieces.

Sugar Spoon (6 inches)

Cut Pie Knife (9 3/8 inches)

Ice Cream Slicer (11 3/4 inches)

Salt Spoon (3 1/2 inches)