Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2012-04-08

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, April 13, 2012

Shell Fruit Serving Spoon

Sometimes referred to as a "Stewed Fruit Serving Spoon", I could only find examples of the Shell Fruit Serving Spoon in two patterns, both by Kirk Stieff.

Primrose by Kirk Stieff
Solid Shell Fruit Serving Spoon

Mayflower by Kirk Stieff (10 1/8 inches)

Solid Stewed Fruit Serving Spoon

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Nut Picks (Part 2)

This is a simple piece I mentioned earlier, found in most sets. The pieces can be as simple as the Hampton or Cottage examples here or as ornate as the one in the Lily pattern.

Hampton by Tiffany (4 1/2 inches)

Imperial Chrysanthemum by Gorham (4 3/4 inches)

Lily by Gorham (4 3/4 inches)

Trajan by Reed and Barton (4 1/8 inches)

Cottage by Gorham (4 7/8 inches)

Monday, April 9, 2012

Imperial Chrysanthemum by Gorham

This is one of Gorham's truly elegant patterns that is very feminine. Imperial Chrysanthemum was issued in 1894 and designed by William C. Codman. I am not even going to try to describe the pattern, except to say it is busy with the leaves and buds of the chrysanthemum. You can see the flower in full bloom on the shoulder of some of the serving pieces.

Large Sugar Sifter (7 inches)

Pierced Bon Bon Spoon (4 1/2 inches)

Saratoga Chips Server (8 5/8 inches)

Short Olive Spoon (5 3/4 inches)

Asparagus Fork (9 inches)