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, November 30, 2012

Bouquet by Durgin

A repousse style design, Bouquet was introduced by Durgin in 1875. This is a highly decorated multimotif pattern.


Fork (7 3/4 inches)

Fork

Berry Spoon (9 3/8 inches)




Brightcut Solid Large Berry/casserole Spoon



Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Wedding Cake Knife

A standard piece found in most patterns, the Wedding Cake Knife is a very large piece designed to do just what its name says. I have seen it referred to as a Cake Saw, but that piece is much more ornate. Typically a wedding cake has a stainless blade and is much longer than the standard Cake Knife.

Repousse by Kirk Stieff 



Francis I by Reed and Barton  (12 inches)



Stradavira by Wallace (Small 12 1/4  inches)  (Large 16 3/8)



English King by Tiffany

Monday, November 26, 2012

Fontaine by International

Frederick W. Stark designed Fontaine for International and it was introduced in 1924. 


Individual Salad Fork  (6 1/4 inches)

Individual Salad Fork



Tomato Server (7 7/8 inches)

Tomato Server, Solid Piece

Small Sugar Tongs (4 1/4 inches)

Small Sugar Tongs

Carving Knife (Small 11 3/8 inches)
Small Carving Knife W/sterling Guard