Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2014-12-07

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?

Friday, December 12, 2014

Oakland-Arkeba by Watson

Watson's Oakland-Arkeba, introduced in 1903, is a lovely pattern and swirls and scrolls. Watson's designs vary tremendously even within 4 or 5 years. Take this pattern with its elegant curves and raised motif as compared to Martha Hilton or Navarre, also by Watson that have the design carved into a plane flat surface. This shows the breadth of a company's work.

Almond Scoop (4 3/8 inches)

Five O'Clock Teaspoon (5 3/8 inches)

Cream Ladle (5 1/2 inches)

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Navarre by Watson

Navarre by Watson introduced in 1908 should not be confused with Lunt's Navarre pattern. This pattern is fairly simple, very much in the ilk of Watson's Martha Hilton but with more decor on the terminal.

Large Fish Serving Fork (9 3/8 inches)

Large Roast Carving Fork (10 7/8 inches)

Tomato Server (5 7/8 inches)

Monday, December 8, 2014

Foxhall by Watson

Foxhall introduced in 1942 by Watson is much more appealing than most post WWII patterns. The lines are elegant with a ribboned edge and a different motif at the top of the stem.

Cocktail Fork (5 5/8 inches)

Tomato Server (7 1/2 inches)

Butter Spreader (5 5/8 inches)