Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2013-04-14

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?

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Flora by Shiebler

Flora is another one of George W. Shiebler's patterns that is multi-motif, in that there are various designs on different pieces. In this pattern there are up to 15 different designs. The pattern was introduced sometime between 1887- 1890. Each different motif is a heavy design that is definite and clearly depicts whatever flower it is. Here are several examples.

Fruit Spoon (5 3/4 inches)

Demitasse Spoon (4 1/4 inches)

Teaspoon (5 1/2 inches)

Gravy Ladle (7 1/4 inches)

Monday, April 15, 2013

Fiorito by Shiebler

Fiorito by Shiebler is a unique pattern introduced in 1902. The pieces are any of 10 floral motifs. Each individual motif is heavily designed on the terminal and the stems. I cannot identify the different floral designs.

Fork (7 5/8 inches)

Demitasse Spoon (4 1/2 inches)

Salad Fork (7 inches)

Butter Spreader (7 1/4 inches)