Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2010-06-06

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 11, 2010

Chow Chow Forks

Just like their companion, the Chow Chow Spoon (See May 28) , the Chow Chow Fork is designed to serve the relish. The forks are about the same size as the spoons and have 2 tines (at least the examples here do.) I could find references to this piece in a couple hundred patterns, but only 2 pictures.

Shown in Georgian by Towle (6 1/8 inches)

Shown in Old English by Towle (6 3/8 inches)

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Canape Fork

I could only find a picture of a Canape Fork in Buttercup (as shown) but I could fund references to Canape forks in many patterns (but no pictures). Then upon further research, I learned that in most patterns, the Canape Fork and the Cherry Fork are the same piece, long slender forks with 2 or 3 long tines. I guess it just depends on whether you are serving fruit or small cakes.

Shown in Buttercup by Gorham (8 3/4 inches)