Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2011-07-31

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, August 5, 2011

Toast Server

The Toast Server is similar to some of the other servers (waffle, etc) except the spatula part is longer. The piece itself varies in length from 8 1/2 to as long as 11 1/4 inches. This piece is not found in all patterns.

Francis I by Reed and Barton (10 1/8 inches)

Solid Toast Server

Love Disarmed by Reed and Barton (11 1/4 inches)
Solid Toast Server

Paul Revere by Towle (9 inches)

Old Newbury By Towle (9 1/4 inches)

Les Cinq Fleurs By Reed and Barton (8 1/2 inches)
Solid Toast Server

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Fruit Serving Spoon

Different from the Berry Serving spoon that is found in most patterns, I could only find examples of the Fruit Serving spoon in patterns by Kirk Stieff and Schofield. That is not to say that other manufacturers did not include them in their patterns, I just have not run across them. The designs are very similar to the Berry serving spoon and I can see the two easily confused.

Baltimore Rose by Schofield (9 14/ inches)
Fruit Serving Spoon With Chased Bowl

Stieff Rose by Kirk Stieff (9 1/4 inches)

Chased Fruit Serving Spoon-4 Berries

Lady Claire by Kirk Stieff (9 1/4 inches)
Chased Fruit Serving Spoon-4 Berries

Princess by Kirk Stieff (9 1/4 inches)
Chased Fruit Serving Spoon-4 Berries

Monday, August 1, 2011

Yet More Roses Part 3

And, just when you thought you had seen all the "Rose" patterns . . . They never end. Here are some more examples of the most popular named pattern, variations on the Rose.

Sweetheart Rose by Lunt 1951 (Designed by Nord Bowlen)