Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2014-09-07

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?

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Floral Series #4 by Watson

Watson's Floral Series #4, is just a bit different from the others. This one sports a more "open" design on the terminal. Besides the ones shown here, other designs in this series include Lily of the Valley, Carnation, Holly, Narcissus, and Water Lily.

Water Lily (Dessert Fork 6 3/4 inches)

Easter Lily (Demitasse Spoon 3 1/2 inches)

Rose (Demitasse Spoon 3 1/2 inches)

Daisy (Teaspoon 5 3/4 inches)

Floral Series #6 by Watson

I could find reference to many designs in Watson's Floral Series #6, including Apple Blossom,
Buttercup, Cala Lily,Chrysanthemum, Columbine,Daisy, Easter Lily, Forget Me Not, Fushia, Golden Rod, Iris,Jessamine, Morning Glory, Passion Flower,Pansy, Pond Lily,Sweet Clover, Sweet Pea, Water Lily, and Wild Rose. Like most of the Floral Series patterns, pieces are limited to teaspoons, Five O'Clock Spoons, Demitasse Spoons, Dessert Forks, Bon Bon Spoons, and Fruit/Orange Spoons. (And maybe a few other similar utensils.)

Five O'Clock Spoon

Teaspoon (5 7/8 inches)

Five O'Clock Spoon (5 1/2 inches)

Bon Bon Spoon (4 3/8 inches)

Friday, September 12, 2014

Royal Windsor by Towle

Towle introduced Royal Windsor in 1935. It was designed by Harold E. Nock who also designed Virginia Carvel, Rambler Rose , and Chased Diana for Towle. The pattern is interesting in that the stem opens up with a floral design that reaches a fan design at the tip of the terminal.

Fork (7 3/8 inches)

Cream Soup Spoon (6 3/8 inches)

Roast Carving Fork (10 inches)

Pie Server (10 3/8 inches)

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Pomona by Towle

Towle introduced Pomona, a multi-motif pattern in 1887. The terminal is decorated with a design of apples, pears, and grapes. The stem is a vine and leaves making its way down to the shoulder. Some of the serving pieces have elaborate etchings of fruit in the bowls and scoops.

Oyster Fork (6 1/8 inches)

Sugar Spoon (5 5/8 inches)

Master Butter Knife (7 1/4 inches)

Cheese Scoop (5 6/8 inches)

Monday, September 8, 2014

Saint Leon by Wallace

Saint Leon by Wallace (1890) is a lovely pattern with a flower and leaf motif in the design. It is beautiful detailed pattern.

Teaspoon (5 7/8 inches)

Ice Cream Spoon (5 inches)

Ice Cream Spoon Individual

Sugar Spoon (5 7/8 inches)

Oyster Fork