Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2010-12-26

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 31, 2010

Sardine Tong

In looking into Sardine pieces, I found this rare piece - a Sardine Tong - who knew? Here are so more examples of this quirky utensil.

Edgewood by International (5 3/4 inches)

Lafayette by Towle ( 5 3/8 inches)

Old Newbury By Towle (5 inches)

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

The Bird Fork (Part II)

I touched on the Bird Fork , or sometimes referred to as the "Game" fork last year. Here are some more examples of this piece that is a relic of past times.

Decor by Gorham (7 inches)

Flora by Reed and Barton (& 5/8 inches)

Chrysanthemum by Tiffany (7 1/4 inches)

Chantilly by Gorham
Individual 3 Stainless Prong Bird For

Marquis by Tiffany

Individual 3-Prong Silverplate Bird F

Virginiana by Gorham (7 inches)

Monday, December 27, 2010

Cambridge by Gorham

As I mentioned before, this pattern has two names. In Gorham, it is known as Cambridge and was introduced in 1899. However, the same pattern is known as English Rose by Durgin.

Three Tine Pickle Fork (5 7/8 inches)

Nut Spoon (4 1/2 inches)

Pate Knife (5 7/8 inches)

Jelly Trowel (8 inches)