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, October 4, 2013

Solid Banana Server

A month or so ago, I posted about the Pierced Banana Server. Here is its brethren, the Solid Banana Server. It too, will run you over $1000. 

Lancaster by Gorham (10 1/4  inches)



Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Butter Pick Knife

Another odd piece, the Butter Pick Knife, seems to be a combination between a butter pick with the tines on the side of the blade and a flat blade butter spreader. They tend to be longer than Butter Spreaders. However, their unique design makes them hard to miss.


Chantilly by Gorham

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Evangeline by Alvin (7 1/8 inches)

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New Standish by Durgin  (6 3/4 inches)

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Lancaster by Gorham  (6 1/4 inches)

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Butter Pick Knife

Another odd piece, the Butter Pick Knife, seems to be a combination between a butter pick with the tines on the side of the blade and a flat blade butter spreader. They tend to be longer than Butter Spreaders. However, their unique design makes them hard to miss.


Chantilly by Gorham


Evangeline by Alvin (7 1/8 inches)



New Standish by Durgin  (6 3/4 inches)



Lancaster by Gorham  (6 1/4 inches)

Monday, September 30, 2013

Cupid by Albert Coles and Co.

Albert Coles and Co. introduced their Cupid pattern in 1870 (not be confused with the Cupid patterns of Shiebler and Dominick and Haff). The pattern is very distinct image of cupid carrying a horn. The terminal is longer than most patterns and slopes gently into the stem. There is an empty medallion area suitable for engraving. The pattern is quite lovely, especially when one considers it is 143 years old.

Master Salt Spoon (3 1/2 inches)

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Flat Handle Master Butter Knife (7 inches)

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