Rococo by Shiebler

Although it was also introduced in 1888, Rococo by Shiebler should not be confused with Dominick and Haff's Rococo pattern. This older pattern (126 years as of the edition of this post) is truly "Rococo" in its style. Not only does it show the curls and frills of the period, the shape of the piece itself with the curved terminal and stem, that rather than follow the conventional line, follows the pattern for an asymmetrical look. A beautiful pattern, if you can find it. 


Teaspoon (6 1/8 inches)

Rochambeau by Watson

F. Russell Woodward designed Rochambeau for Watson and it was introduced in 1919. The design has a motif on the terminal, a triple lined edge that goes down the stem and leads into three leaves that open onto the shoulder of the piece. It is elegant in its simplicity.

Fork (7 3/4 inches)

Large Sardine Serving Fork (5 inches)


Sugar Spoon (5 1/2 inches)

St. Louis by Watson

St. Louis introduced in 1904 by Watson is another Rococo style pattern with the swirls on the edges. Other patterns of this style that come to mind include  Kings Court by Frank Whiting, Junior Rococo by Mauser-Wendell, and Louis XV by Whiting.

Berry Fork (4 7/8 inches)


Joint Roast Holder (9 1/2 inches)


Master Salt Spoon (3 inches)

Holly by Alvin

In honor of the Yuletide, Holly by Alvin. The pattern dates back to 1900. 


Teaspoon (5 5/8 inches)

Princess by Watson

Watson introduced its Princess pattern in 1908 and it should not be confused with the Princess Patterns by Shiebler, Stieff, or Towle that I have already posted on. These four patterns are so different. It is interesting to see how four designers with four companies had "Princess" in mind when they named each of these patterns. Although each is befitting of the name.

Small Chipped Beef Fork (5 3/4 inches)



Macaroni Server (7 inches)



One Tine Butter Pick



Bon Bon Scoop (4 1/4 Inches)

Bunkerhill by Watson

Bunker Hill, introduced by Watson in 1910, is a fairly simple pattern with a single line as an edge around the piece and a motif on the terminal that looks to me perhaps to be of fanned feathers and furled fronds, but I am just guessing having never a piece in person. 

Lettuce Serving Fork (8 1/4  inches)


Strawberry Fork (4 7/8 inches)



Individual Sat Spoon (2 1/4 inches)

D'Orleans by Towle

Harold E. Nock designed D'Orleans for Towle in 1923. Nock was also known for designing Candlelight, Royal Windsor, Virginia Carvel, Chased Diana, and Rambler Rose for Towle. This pattern should not be confused with Orleans by Watson. Although the names are close the designs are not. This pattern is fairly plain with the main decoration being a motif in the center of  the stem. The more one looks at the pattern the more one realizes there is to the design which more resembles a much older pattern.

Salad Fork (6/18 inches)




Tomato Server (7 3/4 inches)


Lemon Fork (5 1/2 inches)

Orleans by Watson

Orleans, introduced by Watson in 1915 is a unique pattern with a medieval design of leaves, shields, and fluer des lis. It has a wonderful shield in the terminal that is suitable for engraving.


Fork (7 inches)


Knife (9 1/8 inches)

Oakland-Arkeba by Watson

Watson's Oakland-Arkeba, introduced in 1903, is a lovely pattern and swirls and scrolls. Watson's designs vary tremendously even within 4 or 5 years. Take this pattern with its elegant curves and raised motif as compared to Martha Hilton or Navarre, also by Watson that have the design carved into a plane flat surface. This shows the breadth of a company's work.



Almond Scoop (4 3/8 inches)


Five O'Clock Teaspoon (5 3/8 inches) 


Cream Ladle (5 1/2 inches)

Navarre by Watson

Navarre by Watson introduced in 1908 should not be confused with Lunt's Navarre pattern. This pattern is fairly simple, very much in the ilk of Watson's Martha Hilton but with more decor on the terminal.



Large Fish Serving Fork (9 3/8 inches)


Large Roast Carving Fork (10 7/8 inches)



Tomato Server (5 7/8 inches)

Foxhall by Watson

Foxhall introduced in 1942 by Watson is much more appealing than most post WWII patterns. The lines are elegant with a ribboned edge and a different motif at the top of the stem.

Cocktail Fork (5 5/8 inches)

Tomato Server (7 1/2 inches)


Butter Spreader (5 5/8 inches)

Martha Hilton by Watson

Charles F. Simms designed Martha Hilton for Watson and it was introduced in 1914. For those who do not know the namesake of the pattern, she was the infamous maid who at 23 married the elder Governor Wentworth of New Hampshire in 1760. After 10 years of marriage Governor Wentworth died leaving his nephew as Governor and the bulk of his wealthy estate to his wife. The nephew challenged the will and lost. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow immortalized the story in 1863 with his poem Lady Wentworth. All this will get one a sterling pattern named for you.

The design has the lines of an old pattern with a rather plain stem with a simple double line around the stem and terminal. The terminal  has a flat end with a simple motif. There is a coordinating motif on the stem.

Fork (7 3/8 inches)




Knife (9 3/4 inches)

Lady Sterling by Weidlich

Weidlich introduced Lady Sterling in 1925. By design this pattern represents something much older. If you look back on some of the older patterns you will understand what I am referring to. There is no differential between the terminal and stem and the main design feature is in the middle of the  handle of the piece. The motif itself is ornate.
Butter Spreader (5 7/8 inches)

 

Pie Knife (9 5/8 inches)



Fish Serving Fork (8 1/2 inches)

Springfield by Unger

And in total juxtaposition to the art nouveau and heavily designed pieces Unger produced there is Springfield, a very simple plain pattern they introduced in 1900. This design is more in keeping with the colonial designs by other companies. 

The terminal is clean of decoration, the only design being a gently pointed terminal. Even the shoulders, stems and bowls that often display some flourish are blank.


Pierced Olive Spoon (6 inches)



Pie Server (10 5/8 inches)

Loves Dream by Unger

1904 must have been one on Unger's most prolific years. Another pattern they released was Loves Dream. The design shows cupid on the terminal. This is another example of Unger's Art Nouveau style. 

Food Pusher (4 1/8 inches)



Youth Tea Fork (6 inches)



Knife (7 1/4 inches)

Les Circes by Unger

Just look at the beauty of this Art Nouveau design by Unger. Les Circes, introduced by Unger in 1904 has the lovely image of a lady's face on the terminal with the tresses of her hair trailing down the stem. Once again Unger comes through with a sterling flatware pattern that is more a art than eating utensils, if you can find a piece.

Evangeline by Unger

The Unger pattern Evangeline introduced in 1904 has the design of a face and flowers. It is an example of the true art of Edwardian era sterling flatware.

Fork ( 6 7/8 inches)

Carollton by Watson

1914
Designer : Margaret Masson

Not to be confused with Kirk Stieff pattern of same name

Cheese Server (6 3/8 Inches)


Fork (8 inches)




Tomato Server (7 7/8 inches)



Small Steak Carving Knife (10 1/2 inches)

La Fantaisie by Unger

This is a unique pattern by Unger. La Fantaisie introduced in 1904 has a trio of blossoms on the tip of the terminal and the face of a woman at the bottom of the terminal, which is open and suitable for engraving. The stem is an elegant twist.

Fork (7 1/4 inches)



Large Casserole Spoon


Bon Bon Scoop (6 1/8 inches)



Pierced Olive Spoon (6 3/8 inches)

Poultry Shears Part 2

Poultry Shears were designed to cut up whole chickens after they were cooked. You will note, as opposed to the design of the Grape Shears, the Poultry Shears are much longer to better serve their mission. Also they are much less expensive, usually under $200 a pair. Here are some more examples of Poultry Shears.

Violet by Wallace (10 1/2 inches)


Athene by Amston (10 5/8 inches)




Sovereign-Old by Gorham (10 1/4 inches)


Georgian by Towle (10 1/2 inches)