Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2014-08-03

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, August 8, 2014

Florentine by Gorham

Gorham introduced its Florentine pattern in 1901. It was designed by William C. Codman. Codman designed many of Gorham's patterns including Etruscan, Fleury, Tuileries, Albemarle, New Queens, and Imperial Chrysanthemum. The design in this pattern is elaborate and full of many details. I think it is it his finest work.

Fish Fork (7 1/8 inches)

Flat Handled Butter Spreader ( 6 1/8 inches)

Ice Serving Spoon (9 inches)

Solid Vegetable Serving Spoon (9 1/2 inches)

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Demitasse Spoon (Part 2)

I always forget how small Demitasse Spoons are until I compare them to a standard teaspoon. Here are some more examples of Demitasse Spoons. I have posted on these earlier.

Bridal Rose by Alvin (4 1/8 inches)

Nuremburg by Alvin (4 1/8 inches)

King Edward by Whiting (4 inches)

WDS-10 by Whiting (4 1/8 inches)

Monday, August 4, 2014

Cordova by Towle

Towle introduced their Cordova pattern in 1902. It is a fairly modest design of a beaded edge with the terminal tipped with a fan that is knotted in a unique fashion. However, the beauty in the design is the exquisite fret work in the tines of the forks and serving pieces.

Salad Fork (5 3/4 inches)

Large Sardine Serving Fork (4 3/4 inches)

Cucumber Server (6 1/8 inches)

Flat Handle Butter Spreader (6 inches)