Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2013-12-08

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, December 13, 2013

Knickerbocker Etched by Gorham

Gorham introduced Knickerbocker Etched pattern in 1870. It is was is known as a "Multi Motif" pattern, as in there are different designs on the pieces. There is also a pattern by Gorham called Knickerbocker Etched - Game, that instead of floral motifs has that of wild game on it.

Fork (7 1/8 inches)
Fork

Fish Serving Knife

Large Solid Fish Serving Knife

Tablespoon (8 5/8 inches)

Tablespoon (serving Spoon)

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Carmel by Wallace

Wallace introduce Carmel in 1912. Design has a midevil look to it at first glance. The edges have a hammered design. However, when I looked closer at the cross on the end of the terminal and on the top of shoulder I had a different thought. I am going to go out on a limb here, but the cross at the end of this pattern resembles the Apostles Cross and Carmel happens to be the name of a mountain in Israel. Take it as you will. I can find no history of this pattern or significance of the design.

Large Gravy Ladle (7 inches)
Large Gravy Ladle, Solid Piece

Small Sugar Tongs ( 3 7/8 inches)

Small Ice Cream Fork (5 3/8 inches)

Knife (9 5/8 inches)
Old French Hollow Knife With Bolster

Monday, December 9, 2013

Modern Victorian by Lunt

Lunt introduced Modern Victorian in 1931. It was designed by Frederick W. Koonz. Koonz also designed American Victorian and Charles II for Lunt. This pattern is along the lines of American Victorian but with a little more design to the terminal and shoulder of the pieces.

Seafood Fork (5 7/8 inches)

Cocktail/seafood Fork

Salad Fork (6 3/8 inches)

Individual Salad Fork

Nut Serving Spoon (4 7/8 inches)

Solid Nut Serving Spoon

Small Steak Carving Fork (8 7/8 inches)

Small Steak Carving Fork With Stainless Prongs