Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2013-12-15

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 20, 2013

Eglantine by Gorham

A truly beautiful floral pattern from Gorham. Eglantine was introduced in 1870. The detail of the flowers and leaves is truly artful. Especially on the knife, note the pattern is as if the vine was wrapped around the handle giving it a three dimensional quality. And, to think this pattern was designed 143 years ago.

Table Serving Spoon (8 7/8 inches)

Tablespoon (serving Spoon)

Cheese Knife (8 3/4 inches)

Hollow Handled Cheese Knife With Silverplate Blade

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Edgewood by International

International introduced Edgewood in 1909. And it is quite a lovely pattern with a very distinct design. It is a shame that most people today associate International with silverplate when their sterling was such beautiful work such as this. Note the very detailed leaves on the terminal and at the top of the stem. Vines trail down the stem to another leaf on the shoulder on the piece then a nice detail on some of the bowls of the pieces.

Lemon Fork (4 7/8 inches)

Large Fish Serving Fork (8 3/4 inches)

Large Solid Fish Serving Fork

Large Casserole Spoon (9 inches)

Large Solid Berry/casserole Spoon

Sandwich Tongs (5 5/8 inches)

Large Solid Sandwich Tongs

Monday, December 16, 2013

Angelo by Knowles and Mount Vernon

Angelo by Knowles and Mount Vernon (not to be confused with the Angelo pattern by Woods and Hughes) was introduced in 1910. The pattern has a heavy scroll type embellishment at the top of the terminal with a scroll pattern going down either side of the terminal. there is a suitable space for engraving on the terminal. There is additional scroll motif at the end of the stem.

Ice Cream Spoon (5 5/8 inches)

Large Fish Serving Knife (12 1/2 inches)

Butter Spreader (6 3/4 inches)