Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2013-06-30

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, July 5, 2013

Viking by Alvin

Alvin introduced their Viking pattern in 1906. It is a strong but elegant pattern with a shield at the base of the terminal suitable for engraving. It features bold lines from the terminal all the way down to the shoulder of each piece. The scroll work and embellishments on the top of the terminal ads heft to the design.

Bouillon Ladle (8 inches)

Gravy Ladle (7 1/4 inches)

Fork (6 7/8 inches)

Jelly Cake Server (8 3/4 inches)

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Japenese / Plantation / Audubon by Tiffany

It took me a while to get these patterns straight. Edward C. Moore designed Japanese for Tiffany and it was released in April of 1871 just ahead of the release of Gorham's Japanese pattern in August of that same year - no competition there!

In 1904 the pattern became inactive. In August 3, 1956, Tiffany reintroduced the same pattern under the name Plantation. Then on October 16, of that same year (1956) they renamed it Audubon. It is still in production today and remains one of Tiffany's most popular patterns.

And, the design has nothing to do with the great American naturalist, John James Audubon. The birds depicted in the designs in the pattern are both recognizable and non specific specimens. Examples of some included are the paradise fly catcher, green magpie, racket-tailed drongo, crested tit, and finch.

Double Lipped Punch Ladle (13 inches)

Salad Serving Spoon (9 inches)

Tomato Server (8 inches)

Gumbo Soup Spoon (7 inches)

Fork (7 1/4 inches)

Monday, July 1, 2013

Francis I by Reed and Barton

Ernest Myers designed Francis I for Reed and Barton who introduced it in 1907. It is a rich Renaissance- Baroque pattern of fruits and flowers. And, within the pattern itself, 15 different designs can be found on various pieces, making it a very elaborate pattern. It is said that Meyers used the work of Benvenuto Cellini, Court Artist of King Francis I of France for inspiration. The pieces themselves are heavy. The original pattern (referred to as the "Old" Version) introduced in 1907 has a Lion, an Eagle and the letter "R" stamped on the back of each piece. A "Newer" version was released in 1950 that simply has "Reed and Barton" stamped on the back. To many people, this is the most ornate pattern still being made today.

Salad Serving Set (9 1/2 inches)

Fruit/Orange Spoon (5 7/8 inches)

Master Salt Spoon (3 5/8 inches)

Lemon Fork ( 4 7/8 inches)