Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2012-02-26

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, March 2, 2012

Cream Soup Spoon

The Cream Soup spoon differs from the Gumbo Soup spoon in that the bowl is more round. The length of the stem is about the same. (Keep in mind there are 4 different styles of soup spoons - 5 if you are counting the Continental Size.)

Buttercup by Gorham (6 1/4 inches)

Old Colonel by Towle (6 inches)

Violet by Wallace (5 7/8 inches)

Versailles by Gorham (6 3/8 inches)

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Moustache Spoon

I just stumbled upon this piece. I think its use speaks for itself, given the Victorian men's style of facial hair. Here is the Moustache Spoon.

Baltimore Rose by Schofield

Milano by Buccellati (5 1/4 inches)

Monday, February 27, 2012

Albemarle by Gorham

Albemarle was introduced by Gorham in 1894 and designed by William C. Codman. There is another "Albemarle" pattern by Alvin which is totally different.

Short Olive Spoon (5 5/8 inches)

Ice Cream Fork (5 1/4 inches)

Large Berry Spoon (9 inches)

Medium Chipped Beef Fork (6 1/2 inches)