Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2010-10-24

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 29, 2010

Aspic Server

The Aspic Server designed for that Victorian jelly creation. A culinary dish, best left in that era. One of those mystery parts of meal that it was better not to ask what it contained. Unlike today's aspic that usually has a tomato base with vegetables in it, the Victorian version of the dish usually contained eggs, fish, various pieces of meats (tongue, etc. - need I go further?), and vegetables to add color. The name "aspic" came from the word for snake due to the colorful nature of the dish. The piece is designed to both slice the gelatin dish and then serve it.

Armor by Whiting (8 1/2 inches)

Hanover by Gorham (8 inches)

Honeysuckle by Whiting (8 5/8 inches)

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Scallop Bowl Potato Server

I found this piece referred to as the Scalloped Bowl Buffet Sever but more frequently as the Scalloped Potato Server. The more interesting thing was that I could only find pieces in patterns by Reed and Barton. I'm not sure if this is a Reed and Barton creation or not, I'll continue looking. Whatever the case, it is an example of taking an utilitarian serving piece and by adding elaborate decoration to the bowl's edge, creating a work of art.

Shown in Francis I by Reed and Barton (8 1/2 inches)

Shown in La Rocaille by Reed and Barton (9 inches)

Shown in Love Disarmed by Reed and Barton (8 7/8 inches)