Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2010-12-19

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 24, 2010

Spinach Serving Fork (Part II)

A while back, I mentioned the Spinach Serving Fork, but I did not give many examples of the piece. Because of its length and design, it can be an odd piece - one perhaps that would not be easily recognized if you were to come upon it in the back of the silver drawer.

Bridal Rose by Alvin (7 1/2 inches)

Madam Jumel by Whiting (6 3/4 inches)

Decor by Gorham (7 3/8 inches)

Heraldic by Whiting (7 1/2 inches)

Burgundy by Reed and Barton (7 1/4 inches)

Georgian by Towle (7 1/4 inches)

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Marrow Scoop (Part II)

Marrow Scoops (or spoons). I mentioned this piece last year, but only showed one example. It is odd utensil that we don't have an everyday use for any more. The fatty marrow from cooked beef and lamb bones being seen as a fine delicacy. Hood comments that Tiffany only had this piece in possibly nine of their patterns. The thought being that servants would scoop the marrow from the bones for the diners.

Broom Corn by Tiffany (9 inches)

Old Colonial by Towle (5 1/2 inches)

Chrysanthemum by Tiffany (8 3/4 inches)

Monday, December 20, 2010

Holly by Tiffany

This festive pattern, Holly, by Tiffany was introduced in 1895. There is another pattern by Tiffany called Holly and Mistletoe. The difference is slight, Holly has berries on the stem. However, both patterns are described as "not-full-line" patterns, meaning they are generally just serving pieces. Holly consists of 16 pieces and Holly and Mistletoe, only 6. Pieces in both patterns are both hard to find and expensive.