Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2013-11-24

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?

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Plymouth Patterns

There are several patterns with the "Plymouth" name. All the design are simple in the style of the colonial era. Here are some examples.

Manchester's Plymouth (1933)
Individual Salad Fork

Watson's Plymouth (1905)

Pierced Nut Serving Spoon

Gorham's Plymouth (1911)

Small Tomato Server, Solid Piece

Gorham's New Plymouth (1900)

Teaspoon

Monday, November 25, 2013

John Winthrop by International and Governor Winthrop by Frank Whiting

Bit of history - the "Winthrop Fleet" is said to be the name of the ship carrying first load of settlers to the new world (as in men and women to establish a working colony). Therefore the "Winthrop" name takes an important place in the annals of our colonial history. As we approach our traditional Thanksgiving holiday, I thought I would pay homage to Winthrop. There are several "Winthrop" patterns. I posted on Winthrop by Tiffany earlier. As with most patterns, Tiffany's pattern is more ornate and sophisticated than the other patterns that are more in keeping with the austere colonial designs.

You may find pieces in some of these fairly plain patterns and not appreciate how old they are or maybe even that they are sterling. Don't let a plain design fool you.

John Winthrop by International (1911)

Jelly Cake Server (8 1/8 inches)

Jelly/cake Server

Teaspoon ( 5 7/8 inches)

Governor Winthrop by Frank Whiting

Fork (7 inches)
Fork

Sugar Shell (5 5/8 inches)

Sugar Shell Spoon