Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2014-03-09

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, March 14, 2014

Florentine by Alvin

There are several patterns named "Florentine". This is Alvin's Florentine pattern that was introduced in 1900. This is a beautiful pattern in the tradition of Alvin. The terminal is graced with scroll work then leaf work follows the edge to the top of the stem. The piercing and decorations on the tines and bowls of the serving pieces are just beautiful.

Sugar Spoon ( inches)

Olive Fork ( inches)

Small Sardine Serving Fork ( inches)
Small Solid Tined Sardine Serving Fork

Pierced Bon Bon Spoon ( inches)
Solid Bon Bon Spoon W/pierced Bowl

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Candle Snuffer

The Candle Snuffer is another piece that can be found in most patterns.

French Provencial by Towle (7 3/8 inches)

P0000106380S0244T2.jpg (600×164)

Melrose by Gorham (9 7/8 inches)

P0000031166S0172T2.jpg (600×98)

Clinton by Kirk Stieff (10 1/2 inches)

P0000047721S0033T2.jpg (600×117)

Chippendale by Lunt (9 1/4 inches)

P0000052692S0047T2.jpg (600×128)

Monday, March 10, 2014

Corn Butterer

The Corn Butterer is a unique piece that does exactly what it is called. The end that holds the butter is usually made of silver plate with the handle being made of sterling.

Repousse by Kirk Stieff ( 5 3/8 inches)

Tara by Reed and Barton ( 5 1/8 inches)

Love Disarmed by Reed and Barton ( 5 1/8 inches)

Joan of Arc by International (5 3/8 inches)