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, October 1, 2010

Corn Forks



Although Corn Forks are listed in some patterns, they are not popular pieces. They also are on the list of pieces easily "remade" or fashioned from another place piece. And, although these pieces are still sterling and the handle is still the original pattern, the piece is not genuine. So beware of Corn Forks baring lumps! I have had requests for information on the Corn Kernel Splitters, and while I can find references to them, I can find no pictures.

Corn Fork (Chippendale by Towle)
Corn Fork Hc


Corn Fork (Chantilly by Gorham)


Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Sugar Shells

Among the basic serving pieces in a standard pattern there is a sugar spoon and the fancier Sugar Shell which gets its name (obviously) from the shape of the bowl. As with most sterling designs, the more distinctive and ornate the pattern, the more ornate the sugar shell. Here are some examples.


 Indian by Whiting







Lily of the Valley by Whiting


Sugar Shell Spoon, Bright Cut


Alhambra by Whiting


Sugar Shell Spoon


Fiorito by Shiebler


Sugar Shell Spoon


Medallion-E by Shiebler


Sugar Shell Spoon in the Medallion-E (sterling,1890) pattern by George W Shiebler


Orange Blossom Old by Alvin


Sugar Shell Spoon




Lily by Whiting 
Sugar Shell Spoon



Monday, September 27, 2010

Pompadour by Whiting

I have seen references to this pattern being introduced in 1895 and 1989. Either year, Pompadour, is a lovely pattern with an ornate design. I personally own a piece of this and feel that photographs do not do it justice.

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Place Soup Spoon



Cold Meat Fork (7 1/2 inches)



Demitasse Spoon (3 7/8 inches)


Demitasse Spoon


Small Berry/Casserole Spoon (8 7/8 inches)


Small Solid Berry/casserole Spoon


Small Solid Fish Serving Knife (01 1/4 inches)
Small Solid Fish Serving Knife






Long Handle Olive Fork (8 7/8 inches)


Olive Fork Long Handle


Solid Waffle Server (8 1/8 inches)


Solid Waffle Server