Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2013-10-13

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 18, 2013

Montezuma by Shiebler

Montezuma by Shiebler, introduced in 1879 is a pattern that shows its age (currently 134 years), not that that is a bad thing. The design on the terminal is one of flowers. A open oval sits at the top of the stem which is decorated with what could possibly described as leaves (I'm really not sure).

Teaspoon (8 inches)

Fork (6 inches)

Fork

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Valdres by Marthinsen

Marthisen is a Norwegian Silver company that dates back to 1883, and is now in it's third generation. It is known more for its holiday spoons than its sterling or silver plate patterns. However, I stumbled upon this lovely pattern of theirs. I cannot find a date that they introduced Valdres. One site I found mentioned 2001, which would make it a very modern pattern. If that is correct, this is one of the more beautiful modern patterns I have ever seen. If I can learn more about the pattern, I will post later.

Large Fish Server (10 inches)

Large Solid Bright Cut Fish Server

Large Sardine Serving Fork (4 7/8 inches)

Large Solid Tined Sardine Serving Fork

Large ice Serving Tongs (7 1/2 inches)

Iced Tea Spoon (7 3/4 inches)

Monday, October 14, 2013

Primrose by International

Primrose by International is known as a "Pierced" pattern (where part of the design actually is cut through the silver). This pattern was introduced in 1936. You can see motifs of primroses in the terminal and on the top of the stem. Out of the thousands of patterns out there, very few are of the "pierced" design.

Bon Bon Scoop (4 5/8 inches)

Salad Serving Spoon (9 1/4 inches)

Salad Serving Spoon, Solid Piece

Grille Fork (7 3/4 inches)

Grille Fork (Viande)

Butter Spreader (5 3/4 inches)

Flat Handle Butter Spreader