Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2010-06-13

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 18, 2010

Oyster Forks

Individual Oyster Forks are a beautiful place piece in any pattern. Here are a few particularly lovely examples.

Shown Chrysanthemum by Tiffany (6 inches)

Shown in Olympian by Tiffany (4 7/8 inches)

Shown in Vine-Squash by Tiffany (6 inches)

Oyster Fork in the Vine-Squash (sterling, 1872) pattern by Tiffany & Co Silver

Shown in Winthrop by Tiffany (6 1/8 inches)

Shown in Cat Tails by Durgin (5 5/8 inches)

Shown in Chrysanthemum by Durgin (5 1/2 inches)

Shown in Iris by Durgin (7 5/8 inches)

Shown in Madame Royale by Durgin (5 5/8 inches)

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Terrapin Fork (Part 2)

Earlier this year, I showed 2 examples of Terrapin Forks. I have found several more fine examples of this truly unique place piece. In a way, it resembles the "spork" design of an ice cream fork. However, usually the designs have more details.

Shown in Iris by Durgin (5 1/2 inches)

Shown in Lily by Gorham ( 5 3/4 inches)

Shown in Avalon by International (5 3/8 inches)

Shown in Orange Blossom by Durgin (5 1/4 inches)

Shown in Marquise by Tiffany (5 5/8 inches)

Monday, June 14, 2010

Rouen by Gorham

All I could learn about this pattern was that it was "scarce". It was discontinued in 1892 but I could not find out when it was introduced. Although, the photographs are poor and I have never seen a real piece, the pattern itself is attractive and leaves a nice space on the handle for engraving. I particularly like the treatment on the stem of each piece.

Fork 6 7/8 inches

Tablespoon 8 1/4 inches

Oyster Fork 5 3/4 inches

Master Butter Knife 7 1/2 inches