Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2014-11-02

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, November 7, 2014

Lobster Forks Part 3

Several years ago I posted on Lobster Forks. I recently found two more examples of these pieces. They are not found in many patterns. I have seen examples of them in patterns by Durgin, Alvin, Tiffany, and Reed and Barton.

Old Newbury by Towle (6 1/4 inches)

Fleur De Lis by Alvin (6 1/4 inches)

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Cake Saw (Part 3)

Here we have the Cake Saw, a piece I posted on earlier. This is a large piece that takes its cake seriously. Do not confuse this with the Wedding Cake Knife which is actually longer (in most patterns).

English King by Tiffany ( 9 5/8 inches)

Mazarin by Dominick and Haff (9 3/8 inches)

Irian by Wallace (10 3/8 inches)

Hepplewhite Plain by Reed and Barton (10 inches)

Monday, November 3, 2014

Napoleonic by Shreve

Joseph E. Birmingham designed Napoleonic for Shreve and it was introduced in 1905. The design is that of the laurel wreath, often used by Napoleon as a simple for honor and victory. The simple motif of the wreath gracing the terminal is the only decoration on the piece.

Tea Fork (6 5/8 inches)