Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2014-10-05

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 10, 2014

Floral Series #5 by Watson

Watson's Floral Series #5 is a very detailed open design from the terminal all the way to the shoulder of each piece. Other designs within this pattern include: Apple Blossom, Buttercup, Clover, Columbine, Hops, Iris, Lily of the Valley, Morning Glory, Narcissus,Passion Flower, Pond Lily, Poppy, Snow Drop, Sweet Clover, Sweet Pea, Water Lily, and Wild Rose.

Daisy (Teaspoon 5 7/8 inches)

Carnation (Teaspoon 5 7/8 inches)

Violet (Dessert Fork 6 3/8 inches)

Chrysanthemum (Dessert Fork 6 3/8 inches)

Rose (Dessert Fork 6 3/8 inches)

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Sappho by Wallace

Sappho by Wallace (1895) is a lovely but unusual pattern. The strong motif on the terminal is repeated on the shoulders of the spoons and forks. The design is unique but makes a pretty piece.

Small Chipped Beef Fork (6 1/4 inches)

Cake Saw (10 1/4 inches)

Cake Saw With Silverplate Blade

Salad Fork (5 7/8 inches)

Large Berry Spoon (9 inches)

Monday, October 6, 2014

Romaine (aka Monique) by Reed and Barton

George L. Turner designed Romaine (which is also known as Monique) for Reed and Barton in 1933. Turner was also the designer of Reed and Barton's 1908 pattern Chambord. Romaine/Monique is a beautiful pattern with a design of leaves all about the terminal, the stem and the shoulder. The terminal has a nice open space for engraving.

Lemon Fork (5 inches)

Hollow Handle Butter Spreader (6 1/2 inches)

Salad Fork (6 1/4 inches)

Iced Teaspoon (7 5/8 inches)