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 28, 2014

Napkin Ring

In addition to the Napkin Clip, there is also the Napkin Ring that can be found in some patterns. Some of the patterns consider the Napkin Rings "Hollowware" and some consider them  flatware. It depends on the pattern.

Old Master by Towle  (2 inches)
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Classic Rose by Reed and Barton

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Audubon by Tiffany

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Sovereign by Gorham

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Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Napkin Clips

We often think of pieces of the sterling patterns being the utensils, the knives and forks, and serving pieces. However, there are many more pieces you may find in a pattern. I find that these are random depending on pattern. and, even more random depending on who bought the original set of sterling.

An example is the Napkin Clip shown here. All formal tables are set with linen or cotton napkins and traditionally they were held by either napkin clips or rings.

Medici by Gorham (1 7/8 inches)



Grand Baroque by Wallace ( 2 3/8 inches)


King Richard by Towle (1 5/8  inches)




Kirk Stieff Repousse (1 3/4 inches)


Monday, February 24, 2014

Radiant Rose by International

Radiant Rose is a lovely repousse style pattern International introduced in 1938. The design sports wide open rose blossoms and their leaves across the entire terminal and stem.

Small Carving Fork ( 9 inches)

Small Carving Fork W/sterling Guard



Small Casserole Spoon (8 1/2  inches)Small Solid Berry/casserole Spoon

Seafood Fork (5 1/2 inches)

Cocktail/seafood Fork

Hollow Handle Knife (9 1/8 inches)
New French Hollow Knife