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, September 6, 2013

Sucket Fork

I have found random references to a Sucket Fork, but can only find one example of this utensil. The piece's purpose is for eating "Sweet meats". 

Lap over Edge (Insect/Foliage Motif) by Tiffany





This piece below, which looks incredibly similar, in Persian also by Tiffany, is referred to as a "Combination Olive Fork and Spoon". 



Olive Combination Fork/spoon

And, even though both of these examples are by Tiffany, I could find no reference to either such a piece in Hood's book on Tiffany. 

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

San Lorenzo by Tiffany

A stately pattern, San Loranzo was introduced by Tiffany in 1916. It is one of their lesser known patterns. From the terminal to the shoulder  the stem is a straight line gently getting smaller as it reaches the shoulder. The stem has a simple rectangular border around it and the terminal features a nice blank crest suitable for monogramming. 

Grapefruit Spoon (5 3/4 inches)
Individual Grapefruit Spoon

Individual Salt Spoon  (2 1/4 inches)

Individual Salt Spoon


Individual Salad Fork (6 3/4 inches)

Monday, September 2, 2013

Florence by Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon introduced its Florence pattern in 1905. The design has a beaded edge around the terminal, simple lines down the stem, and a beaded edge as the stem joins the shoulder. The tip of the terminal has an embellishment that I can only describe as a "flouish of feathers". 

Salad Serving Spoon (8 3/4 inches)
Salad Serving Spoon, Solid Piece





Cream Soup Spoon (6 3/8 inches)

Round Bowl Soup Spoon (cream Soup) in the Florence (sterling, 1905) pattern by Mount Vernon Silver