Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2013-07-21

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 26, 2013

Sandringham by Shiebler

George Shiebler introduced the pattern Sandringham in 1895. Most likely named for Sandringham Estate, the country home of the current Queen of England. The most interesting part of the design of this pattern is the three Prince of Wales Feathers at the top of terminal which were the motto of Edward, Prince of Wales (the current Queen Elizabeth's Uncle, whose abdication of the throne lead to her ascension upon the death of her father). But, I digress. It is a stately pattern.

Orange Spoon (6 inches)

Fruit/Orange Spoon

Oyster Fork (6 1/8 inches)

Flat Handle Butter Spreader (5 inches)

Dessert Spoon (7 1/8 inches)

Dessert/Oval Soup Spoon

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Sorbet Spoons

Of all the frozen dessert spoons I have mentioned, the Sorbet Spoon has been neglected. We have the Ice Cream Spoon, Ice Cream Fork, Ice Cream Slicer, Ice Cream Servers, Sherbert Servers, and Sorbet Servers. The unique thing about this piece is the edge of the bowl which tends to be scalloped in most patterns.

Lily by Gorham (5 inches)

Essex by JB and SM Knowles (5 1/2 inches)

Chantilly by Gorham (5 5/8 inches)

Wave Edge by Tiffany (5 1/4 inches)

Monday, July 22, 2013

Richelieu by Tiffany

Tiffany introduced the pattern Richelieu in 1892. It is in the Rococo Revival style. The pattern was designed by Paulding Farnham, who also designed their St. James , Colonial, Florentine, Marquise, and Renaissance patterns. Farnham was a significant designer at the house of Tiffany. The "Era of Paulding Farnham" followed the "Era of Edward C. Moore".

Pastry Fork (6 1/8 inches)

Ice Cream Fork (5 3/4 inches)

Ice Cream Server (11 1/2 inches)

Small Sugar Sifter (5 3/4 inches)
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