Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2012-03-18

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 23, 2012

Ice Serving Tongs

When I started looking at Ice Serving Tongs, I found that they were referred to as "Large" and "Small". However, there was little difference in the sizes and what was small in one pattern (6 3/4 inches) maybe be larger than what was called large in another (5 3/4 inches). Safe to say there is no standard. However, you will find some with "claws" which tend to be more ornate. I posted earlier about Ice Serving Pieces and about Various Tongs earlier also.

English King by Tiffany (5 3/4 inches)

1900 by Dominick and Haff (6 5/8 inches)

Cambridge by Gorham (6 3/4 inches)

Elyesee by Puiforcat (5 3/4 inches)

Imperial Chrysanthemum by Gorham (6 inches)

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Vegetable Serving Fork (Part 2)

A very ornate piece, the Vegetable Serving Fork, which I have posted on earlier, usually has an extended shoulder that forms a partial bowl with thick tines at the end.

Versailles by Gorham (8 3/4 inches)

Cambridge by Gorham (8 5/8 inches)

Fontainbleau by Gorham (9 inches)

Saratoga by Tiffany (8 1/8 inches) (Also called "King"or "Kings")

282X by George Shiebler (9 1/4 inches)

Monday, March 19, 2012

Murillo by Wood and Hughes

Murillo was introduced by Wood and Hughes in 1875 (137 years ago). A "flat" design that has a heart shaped blank shield on the terminal suitable for engraving. This is surrounded by small flowers, leaves and other tiny designs. The stem is decorated as a column with lines, bars, and other emblems. The overall design is a very stately, yet feminine.

Demitasse Spoon (4 3/8 inches)

Fork (7 inches)

Dessert Spoon (7 1/4 inches)

Master Butter Spreader (7 inches)