Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2012-01-08

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, January 13, 2012

Almond Scoop (Part 3)

Once again, the lovely Almond Scoop. Posted on earlier, this is still an elegant piece ranging in size from 4 to over 6 inches. The examples shown here are some larger ones. The detail on some of them is quite ornate.

Geneva by Campbell-Metcalf (5 1/2 inches)

Victoria-Old by Watson (5 3/4 inches)

Douvaine by Unger (6 1/8 inches)

Cherub by Watson-Newall (6 1/2 inches)

Phoebe by Watson-Newell (6 inches)

Georgian by Towle (4 inches)

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Sauce Ladle

The Sauce Ladle is one of the smaller ladles. Most are under six inches in length.

Aeolian By Knowles (5 3/4 inches)

Arlington By Towle (5 3/4 inches)

Blackberry Vine By Tiffany (7 1/4 inches)

Daisy By Wood and Hughes (5 3/8 inches)

Empire By Towle(5 1/2 inches)

Monday, January 9, 2012

Le Marquise by Reed and Barton

La Marquise was introduced by Reed and Barton in 1895. The pattern was designed by Austin F. Jackson. The most unique mark of the pattern is the shield on the terminal that is very handy for engraving. The pieces themselves are heavy looking with a deep design of dots and swirls. The swirls and dots on the terminal continue down the stem. The Berry Spoon is particularly lovey with lilies and other flowers decorating the shoulder and edges of the bowl.

Oyster Fork (5 5/7 inches)

Ice Cream Spoon (5 3/4 inches)

Small Solid Berry Spoon (8 7/8 inches)

Tomato Server (7 3/4 inches)

Cream Dipper (5 /14 inches)

Salad Serving Fork (8 7/8 inches)