Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2010-12-12

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, December 17, 2010

Crumb Knives - Revisted (3) part 9/22

When I first looked at these Crumb Knives, I was amazed at how valuable they were. Now I am amazed at how elaborate some of them are.

Bird by Wendt (11 1/8 inches)

Chrysanthemum by Tiffany (13 3/4 inches)

Eglantine by Gorham

Grecian by Whiting (12 1/2 inches)

Hindostanee by Gorham (13 inches)

Imperial Queen by Whiting (10 3/4 inches)

Meadow by Gorham

Macaroni Knife

I have posted about the Macaroni Server and the Macaroni Fork, but this is the Macaroni Knife.

Eighteen Ten by International (8 1/4 inches)

Lady Hilton by Westmoreland (8 3/4 inches)

Mary Chilton by Towle (8 1/4 inches)

Mary II by Lunt (8 3/4 inches)

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Cherry Forks (Part II)

In an earlier post I discussed Cherry Forks. Here are some more beautiful examples.

Les Cinq Fleurs by Reed and Barton (3 3/4 inches)

Yetive by Mount Vernon (3 3/4 inches)

Hepplewhite (2 tine) by Reed and Barton (4 1/4 inches)

Monday, December 13, 2010

Ailanthus by Tiffany

The Ailanthus pattern was designed by Burnett Tiffany and introduced by The Tiffany Company in 1899. The pattern became inactive in 1908 and obsolete in 1934. It is the naturalism style. It has been referred to (incorrectly) as "Ailantus" and "Atlantas". It is a very ornate pattern with the design being on the front and back of the handle.

Fork (6 3/4 inches)

Flat handle master Butter Spreader (7 inches)

Pickle Fork (6 inches)

Fruit Fork (2 tine) (6 inches)

Ice Cream Slice (11 3/8 inches)

Saratoga Chip Server (9 inches)