Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2010-10-03

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 8, 2010

One Tine Butter Picks

An odd piece, but one with a mission, the Butter Pick was designed to pick up a cold pat of butter from a plate. The twist on the end gives it a truly unique look. Most are flat handled and usually can be found in most patterns.

Anthene/ Crescendo by Amstom (6 1/8 inches)

Botticelli by Whiting (6 3/8 inches)

Les Six Fleurs by Reed and Barton (6 1/4 inches)

Lily by Whiting (6 inches)

Louvre by Wallace (6 inches)

Strasbourg by Gorham

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Sugar Tong

For serving formal tea or coffee, sugar cubes are served with Sugar Tong. And, no, I cannot tell you why they are a "Tong" and not "Tongs". They are vary in length from 3 1/4 inches to 5 inches. Although the handles are beautiful and reflect the notes of the pattern, to me the true beauty of these pieces are in the unique features in the pinchers.

Chrysanthemum by Durgin
Large Sugar Tongs