Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2010-05-30

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, June 4, 2010

Cranberry Server

A serving piece with flat oval piece used with cranberry jelly that was made in molds (much like the canned kind we find now), the Cranberry Server allowed one to slice the cranberry mold and then serve the pieces.

Shown in Old Master by Towle

Shown in Old Colonial by Towle

Shown in Wild Rose -New by International

Shown in Rambler Rose by Towle

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Conch Spoons

I only found examples of Conch Spoons in Tiffany patterns. They are a serving spoon with a uniquely shaped bowl reminiscent of the inside of a shell.

Shown in Lap over Edge (Bugs and Leaves) by Tiffany (9 1/4 inches)

Shown in Olympian by Tiffany

Shown in Strawberry Vine by Tiffany (9 1/2 Inches)

Shown in Wave Edge by Tiffany (9 1/8 inches)

Monday, May 31, 2010

Radiant by Whiting

This pattern was introduced by the Whiting company in 1895. (Whiting has long since been purchased by Gorham). The pattern is exquisite in its detail, with deep lines in the design.

Oversized Salad serving Set

Asparagus Server (9 1/4 inches)

Large Individual Salad Fork (6 1/2 inches)

Master Salt Spoon (3 3/8 inches)

Small Berry/Casserole Spoon (8 1/2 inches)