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?

Monday, March 21, 2011

Dauphin by Durgin

Dauphin issued in 1897 by Durgin is an excellent example of the exquisite artistic work this company produced. Yes, it may be too ornate for some people, but there are plenty of simple patterns for them. I'll take the results of these artists' talents any day. This is what makes Durgin one of my favorite sterling companies.

Individual Fish Fork (7 3/8 inches)
Large Individual Solid Fish/salad For


Gumbo Soup Spoon (6 7/8 inches)


Round Bowl Soup Spoon (gumbo)


Sugar Spoon (6 1/4 inches)


Sugar Spoon


Fork (7 5/8 inches)


Fork


Flat Handle Butter Spreader (5 3/8 inches)


Flat Handle Butter Spreader


Large Sugar Sifter (5 7/8 inches)


Large Sugar Sifter


Cream Ladle (5 3/4 inches)


Cream Ladle, Solid Piece


Asparagus Serving Fork (9 3/4 inches)


Large Solid Asparagus Serving Fork
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5 comments:

  1. ElenaMarch 29, 2011 at 11:38 PM

    What beautiful pieces of silver. They look too beautiful to use.

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  2. AC WilliamsMarch 30, 2011 at 4:30 PM

    I agree, but if I had them I would (carefully) enjoy my meals with them. We must remember they were designed as utensils.

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  3. AnonymousAugust 20, 2012 at 4:30 AM

    I use sterling for every meal. It keeps them shiny when you use them frequently. Using them is the only way that I can justify buying them.
    I wish that I could find a couple more 7" forks.

    ReplyDelete
  4. AC WilliamsAugust 21, 2012 at 8:31 AM

    I grew up eating on sterling at every meal as well. When you say "7" inch, I assume you are referring to dinner forks vs luncheon. If so, I agree, I also have a hard time finding that size and often they are mislabeled out of ignorance - I hope (as opposed to trickery.)

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  5. F HodgesNovember 7, 2015 at 9:46 AM

    I have a four-piece place setting in this pattern. Aside from its beauty (especially that of the salad forks), what strikes me most is the extremely narrow shaft on each piece. One would think they would easily bend, but quite the opposite; they are very sturdy.

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