Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2012-09-23

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, September 28, 2012

Bon Bon Tongs (Part 2)

When I posted on these earlier, I mentioned, these are the smallest of the tongs.

Louvre by Wallace (3 1/8 inches)
Bon Bon Tongs

Florence by International (3 3/8 inches)
Bon Bon Tongs

Verona by Towle (3 7/8 inches)
Bon Bon Tongs

Repousse by Kirk Stieff (3 1/4 inches)
Bon Bon Tongs

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Demitasse Spoon

The smallest of all the place spoons, the Demitasse Spoon has perhaps served its better days. Few people even know what a demitasse is, they only know the "espresso" they order from Starbucks. And, the last time I was in Starbucks they did not offer me a sterling silver spoon to stir my espresso with.

Demitasse spoons were for (and still are for) times when we have the moment to sit and chat over a good cup of espresso. So those tee tiny little spoons you found at the bottom of your grandmother's silver chest were not part of a child's tea set, she used them when she served espresso to her guests. (Regular coffee would have been served with Four O'Clock or Five O'clock spoons.)

The pictures do not do the pieces justice. They are so much smaller, that it is amazing (at least to me) how the companies just miniaturized the details of the pattern.

Chantilly by Gorham (4 inches)

Etruscan by Gorham (4 1/4 inches)

Old Colonial by Towle (3 7/8 inches)

Louis XV by Durgin (4 inches)

Poppy by Gorham (3 3/4 inches)

Monday, September 24, 2012

Esplanade by Towle

In the world of Sterling flatware, Esplanade by Towle is a rather new pattern being introduced in 1952. And, you will note the pattern is a much simpler, less ornate design. However, unlike some other patterns of the 50's, this pattern did not try to take on a modern flare. It still maintains a feminine flourish, albeit a simple one. Note the simplicity and lack of detail on the Bob Bon Server. (FYI - it - the pattern - was discontinued in 1996)

Lemon Fork (5 1/8 inches)

Solid Jelly Server (7 1/8 inches)

Large Solid Jelly Server

Bon Bon Server (6 1/4 inches)

Bon Bon Spoon Solid

Sugar Spoon (5 7/8 inches)