Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2013-09-08

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 13, 2013

Essex by JB and SM Knowles

An exquisite pattern by JB and SM Knowles, Essex was introduced in 1889. The design includes a heavy pattern of scrolls and floral motif.

Sorbet Spoon (5 1/2 inches)

Teaspoon (6 inches)

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

New Tipt by Gorham

Gorham introduce New Tipt in 1870. The pattern has an interesting design with a motif rising from the base of the terminal up into an otherwise flat blank oval terminal. The stem is very slim.

Large Solid Pie Knife (8 5/8 inches)

Pierced Sugar Serving Ladle (5 3/4 inches)

Fork (6 7/8 inches)

Fork

Small Fish Serving Fork (8 3/8 inches)

Small Solid Fish Serving Fork

Monday, September 9, 2013

Number 2 by Duhme

Number 2 by Duhme is a unique pattern. It was introduced in 1885. Personally, I would think the odd design of the terminal which goes down a good third of the stem would be uncomfortable in one's hand.

Fork (6 3/4 inches)

Monogram Fork

Large Cheese Scoop

Large Cheese Scoop, Solid Piece

Gumbo Soup Spoon (6 5/8 inches)

Monogram Round Bowl Soup Spoon (Gumbo)