Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2011-11-20

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, November 25, 2011

Pate Spreader (Part 2)

I posted about Pate Knives and Spreaders earlier. These are examples of the Pate Spreader, which has a wider blade than the knife.

Flora by Shielbler (4 1/2 inches)

Louis XV by Gorham (5 inches)

Twist by Whiting (4 1/4 inches)

Louis XV by Durgin (5 inches)

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Spinach Serving Forks (Part III)

Spinach Serving Forks have been covered several times before. It is such an odd piece, but can be found in most patterns.

La Reine by Wallace (7 inches)

Camelia by Gorham (7 1/4 inches)

King George by Gorham (8 inches)

Champlain by Amston (7 inches)

Marlborough by Reed and Barton (7 1/4 inches)

Cloeta by International (6 7/8 inches)

Les Cinq de Fleurs by Reed and Barton (7 1/4 inches)

Lansdowne (7 3/4 inches)
Spinach Fork

Monday, November 21, 2011

Chambord by Reed and Barton

Chambord was introduced by Reed and Barton in 1908. It was designed by George L. Turner. A simple but elegant pattern with a unique small cross at the top of the shoulder and a broad terminal suitable for monogramming.

Fruit Spoon (5 3/4 inches)

Lemon Fork (4 1/2 inches)

Olive Fork (5 3/4 inches)

Sugar Spoon (6 inches)

Carving Knife (15 inches)