Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2012-04-29

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, May 4, 2012

Pie Knife

The Pie Knife is an odd piece. It is different from the Pie Server, but not shaped like a traditional knife.

Strasbourg by Gorham (9 1/4 inches)

Versailles by Gorham (9 1/4 inches)

Frontenac by International (9 inches)

Lily of the Valley by Whiting (9 1/8 inches)

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Five O'Clock Spoons

The Five O'Clock Spoon is longer than the Four O'Clock Spoon at 4 3/4 to 5 3/8, but shorter in length at 5 to 5 5/8 inches than the regular teaspoon, usually 5 7/8 to slightly over 6 inches. Although, this spoon can also to be used when coffee is served in the late afternoon, it has an identity crisis. You will see Five O'Clock spoons referred to as "Youth Five O'Clock spoons" which I think indicates their shorter size fitting into a youth's place setting. Also, they are called "Five O'Clock Souvenir spoons". The souvenir spoons usually have some type of design engraved on them - a city, world's fair, a state, etc. These are examples of true Five O'Clock Spoons.

Mythologique by Gorham (5 inches)

Montclair by Gorham (5 1/2 inches)

Misc Floral Pattern (Golden Rod) by Baker Manchester (5 inches)

ALS5 Lily by Alvin (5 5/8 inches)

Love Disarmed by Reed & Barton (5 5/8 inches)

Monday, April 30, 2012

Berain by Wallace

Berain was introduced by Wallace in 1907. The pattern is an elaborate design that looks like it is etched in the silver. The decoration continues onto the bowls of the spoons and the shoulders of the forks. It is truly exquisite.

Five O'clock Teaspoon (5 1/2 inches)

Sugar Spoon (6 1/8 inches)

Small Fish Fork (6 1/4 inches)

Gravy Ladle (7 1/2 inches)