Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2013-04-28

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 3, 2013

Versailles by Wallace

Versailles by Wallace was introduced in 1914. This is a different pattern than the more well known Versailles pattern by Gorham. Whereas Gorham's pattern was designed by Anton Heller and depicts different scenes from the French palace, this design is much more simple. The terminal has a shield with a blank center that can be engraved. The stem is plain with simple thin lines down the sides. The end of the stem is decorated with a wreath.

Gravy Ladle
Gravy Ladle, Solid Piece

One Tine Butter Pick (5 3/4 inches)

Fork (7 1/8 inches)
Fork

Oyster Fork (5 1/2 inches)

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Jonquil by Durgin

Durgin introduced Jonquil in 1898. It has a very distinctive motif of a Jonquil on the terminal with the leaves and stems making their way down the stem. The shoulder of each piece is decorated with an embellishment of the stem design.

Terrapin Fork (5 1/4 inches)
Large Individual Terrapin Fork

Fruit Spoon (5 5/8 inches)

Fruit/orange Spoon

Salad Fork (6 inches)

Individual Salad Fork

Monday, April 29, 2013

Passaic by Unger

Unger introduced Passiac in 1900. A beautiful pattern of scrolls and flowers in the company's long tradition of excellent work and design. A true work of art.

Demitasse Spoon (4 1/8 inches)

Gravy Ladle (6 5/8 inches)

Large Lettuce Serving Fork (8 inches)

Sardine Serving Fork (5 3/8 inches)