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, February 14, 2014

Classic Rose by Reed and Barton

I shy away from more modern patterns, however I realize that folks will find these patterns as well in their Grandmother's or Aunt's silver chests. This pattern is Classic Rose by Reed and Barton designed by Theodore E. Cayer and introduced in 1954. From what I can find the pattern was discontinued in 2005.

It is a very simple modern pattern with a flat plain square ended terminal. The only design element is a single rose in the middle of the handle, the single stem of which goes down the side of the stem to the top of the shoulder. A simple double ban separates the stem from the shoulder.

Butter Spreader (6 3/8 inches)



Jelly Server (6 3/8  inches)




Salad Serving Fork (9 inches)

 


Cake Breaker  (10 7/8 inches)








Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Lotus by Blackinton

Blackinton introduced Lotus in 1910. The pattern is very similar in style to Blackinton's Daisy except this pattern is more elegant. The reed and cat tail design on the stem is splendid as it rises to delicately wrap the terminal which is tipped with a lotus blossom. This pattern is a work of art.


Strawberry Fork  (4 3/4)
Strawberry Fork

Short Handled Olive Spoon (6 1/4 inches)
Pierced Bowl Short Handle Olive Spoon

Mustard Spoon (5 inches)
Mustard Spoon

Monday, February 10, 2014

Daisy by Blackinton

Thomas C. Heath and Charles H. Such designed Daisy for Blackinton in 1904. Each piece has details of Daisy blossoms, stems, and leaves on them. This is a prime example of sterling design in its prime. 

Tomato Server  (7 3/8 inches)
Tomato Server, Solid Piece

Short Handled Pickle Fork  (6 inches)
Short Handle Pickle/olive Fork

Cheese Knife  (7 3/4 inches)
Cheese Knife With Stainless Blade

Small Fish Serving Fork  (7 3/4 inches)
Small Solid Fish Serving Fork