Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2014-05-11

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 16, 2014

Heritage by Reed and Barton

Another non fussy pattern by Reed and Barton. Heritage was introduced in 1924. The stem is edged with a stately double line which is wrapped at the terminal with leaves. There is an embellishment at the tip of the terminal and another design half way down the stem.

Flat Handled Master Butter Knife (7 inches)

Flat Handle Master Butter Knife

Fork (7 3/4 inches)

Fork

Dessert Fork (6 1/4 inches)

Cream Soup Spoon (5 7/8 inches)

Round Bowl Soup Spoon (Cream Soup)

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Cameo by International

There is a newer pattern named "Cameo" by Reed and Barton that was introduced in 1959. However, I could not find out much about it. This is Cameo by international that was introduced in 1939. The design is a simple motif of flowers and leaves in the middle of the piece and some decoration at the bottom of the stem. It is not a fussy design, not is it heavy.

Knife (9 1/2 inches)

New French Hollow Knife

Fork (7 1/4 inches)

Fork

Pierced Table Serving Spoon (8 3/8 inches)

Pierced Tablespoon (Serving Spoon)

Monday, May 12, 2014

Earle by Frank Smith

An older pattern by Frank Smith, Earle was introduced in 1890. It is a busy pattern with an open shield on the terminal suitable for monograms. An acanthus leaf attached to the bottom of the shield. The stem is neatly wrapped in a design that resembles ribbon.

Fruit Orange Spoon ( 5 3/4 inches)

Fruit/Orange Spoon

Bon Bon Tongs (3 inches)

Bon Bon Spoon (4 1/2

Bon Bon Spoon Solid