Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2013-04-07

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 12, 2013

American Beauty by Shiebler

George W. Shiebler introduced American Beauty in 1897. This pattern has a very clear motif of roses in bloom at the top and bottom of the terminal. The stem is decorated with rose buds, leaves, and vines. The detail in this design is unique in that the roses and other floral pieces are created in such a realistic way.

Large Jelly Spoon (6 1/2 inches)

Sugar Tongs(4 1/8 inches)

Pickle Fork (5 7/8 inches)

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Eton by Wallace

Wallace introduced Eton in 1903. This is an ornate pattern, more typical of the Edwardian Era. And, as far as I'm concerned this era was the golden age of sterling flatware. But, I digress. The design is so beautiful I am not even going to attempt to describe it.

Bon Bon Scoop (5 1/8 inches)

Large Chocolate Spoon (4 inches)

Small Berry Spoon (8 3/4 inches)

Butter Spreader (6 1/8 inches)

Monday, April 8, 2013

Hampton by Wallace

The pattern Hampton was designed by Henry L. Wallace and introduced in 1904. A simple but elegant pattern that reminds me of Chantilly by Gorham (just my opinion). Embellishments are on the tip on the terminal, a double line following from that to the top of the terminal and a simple embellishment on the shoulder.

Sugar Spoon (5 7/8 inches)

Steak Knife (8 3/8 inches)

Fork (7 1/8 inches)

Tomato Server