Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2011-12-11

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, December 16, 2011

Pickle Knife

Of all the "Pickle Pieces" the Victorians justified, this is one that I don't see that often. Like other knives, the Pickle Knife can easily be confused with a butter knife.

Faneuil by Tiffany

Lily of the Valley by Whiting (6 5/8 inches)

Etruscan by Gorham (7 3/4 inches)

Vine-Gourd by Tiffany (7 1/8 inches)

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Saratoga Chip Server (Part 3)

The Saratoga Chip Server is a curious piece that I have posted on earlier. Developed to serve the "new fangled" snack potato chips, the piece is actually a lovely ornate piece that is only found in the older patterns. Here are some more examples.

La Comtesse by Reed and Barton (9 5/8 inches)