Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2011-08-21

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 26, 2011

Lobster Fork (Part 2)

Last year I had an earlier post on Lobster Forks. Here are some more examples. Few patterns have them.

Orange Blossom by Alvin (6 inches)
Lobster Fork Solid

Fleur De Lis by Alvin (6 1/4 inches)

Lobster Fork Solid

William Penn by Alvin (6 1/4 inches)
Lobster Fork Solid

Old Colonial by Towle (6 inches)

Florentine by Alvin (6 1/8 inches)

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Individual Salt Spoon

I posted on the Master Salt Spoons earlier. Here are the Individual Salt Spoons that would have been part of each place settings. They are the smallest piece of any pattern, measuring as small as 2 1/2 inches. They can be found in most patterns, especially the older ones. I think they are neat in that even in their size the intracity of the pattern in show in detail.

Imperial Chrysanthemum by Gorham (2 1/2 inches)
Individual Salt Spoon

Luxembourg by Gorham (2 3/4 inches)
Individual Salt Spoon

Madam Jumel by Whiting (2 3/8 inches)
Individual Salt Spoon

Bridal Bouquet by Alvin (2 3/4 inches)
Individual Salt Spoon

Repousse by Kirk Stieff (2 3/8 inches)
Individual Salt Spoon

Monday, August 22, 2011

Jack and Jill by Tiffany

Jack and Jill was one the "not-full-line" patterns designed by Tiffany. There is a line based on children's stories that are found on children's flatware pieces, such as the Junior spoon, Junior Fork, Junior Knife, and Food Pusher. There are two other patterns in the series Bo Peep and Red Riding Hood. These pieces are exceptionally rare.

Junior Spoon (6 1/2 inches)