Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2010-08-01

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, August 6, 2010

Stieff Rose by Stieff

Stieff Rose debuted in 1892, the first year Charles Stieff established his silver factory in Baltimore. Stieff Rose is very similar to a pattern made by then-rival Kirk, known as Repousse (which was introduced in 1828). Though very similar in design, the two patterns are different.The two companies merged in 1979, and the company is now known as Kirk Stieff.

Stieff Rose by Stieff (1892)

Repousse by Kirk (1828)

Dinner Fork (7 1/4 inches)

Regular Fork (6 7/8 inches)

Berry Spoon (8 1/8 inches)

Ice Cream Spoon (6 1/8 inches)

Roast Beef Serving Fork (7 inches)

Salad Fork (6 inches)

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Mayflower by Kirk

There are ten different "Mayflower" patterns by ten different silver companies. Kirk introduced their Mayflower pattern in 1846. Their 1938 catalog stated "The Kirk Mayflower is a beautiful hand engraved design, inspired to Kirk about 90 years ago by an original piece brought over in the "Mayflower" for which the pattern is named. It has been the choice of four or five generations of prominent families and is continually increasing in favor."

208 Piece S. Kirk & Sons Flatware Set, 'Mayflower' Pattern

(Fork 7 1/4 inches)

(Iced Tea Spoon 7 5/8 inches)

(Teaspoon )

(Hollow Butter Spreader)

Monday, August 2, 2010

Old Masters by Gorham

Most people don't realize but the original "Old Master" pattern was Gorham Old Masters in which different pieces depicted one of the Old Master Artists. The pattern was introduced in 1885 by Gorham. It was designed by Antoine Heller, a French born designer who first worked for Tiffany before Gorham hired him away to work for them.

This is a very unique pattern. Each piece is three dimensional, ornate, and heavy on details. Some of the artists on these pieces I was unable to identify.