Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2011-06-05

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, June 10, 2011

Dressing Spoon

The Dressing Spoon, sometimes referred to as a Platter Spoon, differs from a regular Serving Spoon in that it is longer, up to 14 inches in some cases. Also, some of these have a "button" on the back which is to keep them from sliding into the food when resting on the side of the dish.

Trajan by Reed and Barton (12 3/8 inches)
Large Solid Dressing Spoon

Mayflower by Kirk Stieff (10 3/4 inches)
Dressing/gravy/platter Servin Spoon S

Imperial Chrysanthemum by Gorham (14 1/2 inches)
Gravy/dressing Spoon With Button

BMN2 by Bruckman and Sohne (10 1/4 inches)
Large Solid Dressing Spoon

La Splendide by Reed and Barton (12 7/8 inches)
Gravy/dressing Spoon With Button

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Cold Meat Serving Fork

A lovely serving piece, especially the design treatments to the tines in some patterns. The Cold Meat Serving Fork is a different piece from Chipped Beef Fork. Here are some examples of the piece.

Canterbury by Towle ( 8 5/8 inches)
Large Solid Cold Meat Serving Fork