Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2011-01-16

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, January 21, 2011

Ice Scoops

The Ice Scoop is a piece that is found in many patterns. I touched on this in any earlier post on Ice Pieces. Here are some more examples:

Copenhagen by Manchester (9 3/4 inches)

Anthene/Crescendo by Amston (9 3/4 inches)

Decor by Gorham (9 3/4 inches)

Sixteen Ninety Eng by Towle (9 3/4 inches)

Contessina by Towle (9 3/4 inches)

Monticello by Lunt (9 3/4 inches)

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Grape Shears and Poultry Shears

I touched on Grape Shears in an earlier post - a truly unique piece. However, there are also, Poultry Shears, which look much more utilitarian.. Here are some examples of each.

Grape Shears in Acorn by Georg Jensen

Grape Shears in Orchid by Watson

Grape Shears in Persian by Tiffany

Tiffany Persian grape shears

Poultry Shears in Chantilly by Gorham

Poultry Shears in Botticelli by Frank Whiting

Monday, January 17, 2011

Empire by Towle

This elegant pattern by Towle dates back to 1894. Empire was designed by George P. Tilton, a well know designer who also designed Georgian. The forks in this pattern are particularly wonderful.

Salad Fork (6 inches)

Gravy Ladle (6 1/2 inches)

Pea Spoon (8 3/4 inches)