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, July 11, 2014

Crystal by Frank Smith

Frank Smith introduced Crystal in 1895, then (from what I glean reintroduced it in 1922). The pattern is a design of heavy scroll work, but in a masculine way. 

Strawberry Fork (4 3/4 inches)


Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Gothic by Shiebler

George W. Shiebler introduced Gothic sometime between 1890 and 1899. The pattern is a solid heavy design of scroll work. But its weight does not take away from its beauty. This is a lovely pattern. This pattern is vaguely similar but much more ornate than Dominick and Haff's Gothic patter.

Solid Nut Pick (4 7/8 inches)


George W Shiebler Gothic (Sterling,1890) Solid Nut Pick



Sardine Serving Fork (4 5/8 inches)


George W Shiebler Gothic (Sterling,1890) Small Solid Tined Sardine Serving Fork
Butter Spreader  (5 5/8 inches)


George W Shiebler Gothic (Sterling,1890) Flat Handle Butter Spreader

Oyster Fork (6 1/8  inches)
George W Shiebler Gothic (Sterling,1890) Oyster Fork

Monday, July 7, 2014

Helena by Blackinton

Helena by Blackinton was introduced in 1900. The terminal has a beaded aged with a "flourished" design on the tip. There is another design element that separates the terminal from the stem and the stem itself is contours and widens at the base for another design motif. The serving pieces are very beautifully detailed in their design.

Preserve Spoon  ( 7 3/4 inches)
Blackinton Helena (Sterling, 1900) Preserve Spoon

Small Meat Serving Fork ( 7 5/8  inches)

Blackinton Helena (Sterling, 1900) Small Solid Cold Meat Serving Fork
Short Handled Olive Spoon  (6 3/8 inches)

Blackinton Helena (Sterling, 1900) Pierced Bowl Short Handle Olive Spoon

Pierced Almond Spoon (4  3/4 inches)
Blackinton Helena (Sterling, 1900) Pierced Almond Spoon