Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2014-09-28

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, October 3, 2014

Floral Series #2 by Watson

The Floral Series #2 by Watson is yet another pattern in the series. And the designs in this pattern differ just a bit with more detail of the design on the stem. In addition to the examples shown here other designs include Forget Me Not, Narcissus, Water Lily and Apple Blossom.

Calla Lily (Dessert Fork)

Daisy (Teaspoon 5 3/4 inches)

Fushia (Teaspoon 5 3/4 inches)

Violet (Teaspoon 5 3/4 inches)

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Orchids by Towle

Orchids by Towle is an old pattern, introduced in 1887. Its design is multi motif in that there are different floral designs on different pieces. If you will note below you can see several examples of the various motifs found in the pattern. This is a gem of a pattern to be so old.
Large Jelly Spoon (7 1/8 inches)

Cocktail Fork (6 inches)

Cream Ladle (5 7/8 inches)

Five O'Clock Teaspoon (4 1/2 inches)

Large Pie Knife (9 inches)

Monday, September 29, 2014

Stuart by Whiting

Charles Osborne designed Stuart for Whiting and it was introduced in 1911. Osborne also designed Whiting's Arabesque pattern that was introduced in 1875. Although this pattern is somewhat similar to Wendt's pattern of the same name that was introduced in 1870, they should not be confused. Note the griffon in the terminal's design.

Large Sugar Sifter (6 inches)

Pastry Fork (6 3/8 inches)

Solid Pickle Serving Knife (7 inches)

Large Berry Spoon (9 1/4 inches)