Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2014-05-04

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, May 9, 2014

Lion by Frank Smith

This is an interesting pattern. From what I can discern (and this is only what I can put together from bits and pieces) Frank Smith introduced his Lion Pattern in 1905. The Frank Company's molds and dies were eventually sold to the The Webster Company which in due time became a division of Reed and Barton. However in addition to the mark of the Frank Smith Company, you may find pieces of this pattern with manufacturing stamps of the Wallace or Towle companies on them. I do not know why.

All that said, it is easy to see that the pattern was named for its design of the lion's face on the top of the terminal with his paws grasping a shield that is suitable for monogramming.

Large Lettuce Fork

Baby fork

Seafood Fork

Dressing Spoon

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Champlain by Amston

Amston introduced Champlain in 1915. The design is age less in both boldness and beauty. The lines of the terminal are similar to those of Gorham's Chantilly, except Champlain's have much more festive tip on the terminal and on the top of the stem.

Fork (7 inches)

Gumbo Soup Spoon (6 1/4 inches)
Amston Champlain (Sterling, 1915) Round Bowl Soup Spoon (Gumbo)

Jelly Server (6 1/4 inches)
Amston Champlain (Sterling, 1915) Large Solid Jelly Server

Monday, May 5, 2014

Arcadia by Amston

Although Amston did not introduce Arcadia until 1949, it has the lines of an older more traditional pattern. It was designed by Isadore A. Lipman. The terminal is elongated with a roped edge of leaves.

Steak Carving Fork (9 1/4 inches)

Seafood Fork (5 1/2 inches)

Steak Carving Knife (10 1/8 inches)