Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2012-05-13

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 18, 2012

Lobster Pick Part 2

Another sample of Lobster Picks, a simple tool with the elegance of each pattern.

St. Dunstan by Tiffany (5 3/4 inches)

Acorn by Georg Jensen (7 3/8 inches)

Renaissance by Tiffany (6 1/8 inches)

St. James by Tiffany (5 3/4 inches)

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Oyster Forks (Part 4)

As I have said before in my many posts on Oyster Forks, although they are small, to me these are beautiful delicate pieces in any pattern. And, personally as a lover of oysters, a most useful piece. And, unlike many "fork" place pieces in patterns, these tend to be a little "unique in each pattern. I have a friend who only collects sterling silver oyster forks.

Old Maryland by Stieff (5 3/4 inches)

Etruscan by Gorham (5 3/8 inches)

Old Colonial by Towle (6 1/4 inches)

Marlborough by Reed and Barton (5 1/2 inches)

Old Newbury by Towle (5 3/4 inches)

Monday, May 14, 2012

Raphael by Gorham

This very old pattern, Raphael, was introduced by Gorham in 1875. It is a "flat" but intricate design, with a large heart on the terminal suitable for engraving.

Sugar Spoon (6 1/8 inches)

Ice Cream Spade (8 1/2 inches)

Oyster Fork (6 1/4 inches)

Fish Fork (7 inches)

Ice Tong