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, April 27, 2012

Four O'Clock Spoon


The Four O'Clock Spoon runs in length from 4 3/4 to 5 3/8. It is shorter in length than the Five O'Clock spoon at 5 to 5 5/8 inches and much shorter than the place teaspoon, usually 5 7/8 to slightly over 6 inches. It is longer than the Demitasse spoon which is usually 3 3/4 inches to 4 1/2 inches. You may be able to tell a Demitasse from a Five O'Clock spoon, but without seeing all four laid out together, it could be confusing. I imagine many people are using Four O'clock spoons thinking they are place teaspoons. Oh, and to confuse matters there is the Desert spoon, but since it ranges from 6 7/8 to 8 inches, chances are it will not get confused in the mix.

This spoon is designed to be used when coffee (or tea) is served in the late afternoon. You will find them in many of the older patterns.  

Maryland by Gorham ( 4 7/8 inches)






Rosette by Gorham (5 inches)







Saint James by Tiffany (4 5/8 inches)






Charles II by Dominick and Haff (5 1/4 inches)







Lotus by Gorham (4 3/4 inches)




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1 comment:

  1. DoskogirlJuly 10, 2019 at 10:50 AM

    This is so interesting! I had never heard of a Four O'Clock Spoon. I am fascinated with history like this! I often use knife rests and salt cellars when setting my table. Now I'll add Four O'Clock Spoons on my list of interesting things to collect! Thank you for sharing!

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