Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2014-12-28

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, January 2, 2015

Imperial by Dominick and Haff

Another pattern by Gilbert L. Crowell Jr., Imperial was introduced by Dominick and Haff in 1909. Other patterns designed by Crowell include: Victoria, Gothic, Basket of Flowers, Cupid, Rococo and Grape.

Bon Bon Spoon (4 1/2 inches)

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Rococo by Shiebler

Although it was also introduced in 1888, Rococo by Shiebler should not be confused with Dominick and Haff's Rococo pattern. This older pattern (126 years as of the edition of this post) is truly "Rococo" in its style. Not only does it show the curls and frills of the period, the shape of the piece itself with the curved terminal and stem, that rather than follow the conventional line, follows the pattern for an asymmetrical look. A beautiful pattern, if you can find it.

Teaspoon (6 1/8 inches)

Monday, December 29, 2014

Rochambeau by Watson

F. Russell Woodward designed Rochambeau for Watson and it was introduced in 1919. The design has a motif on the terminal, a triple lined edge that goes down the stem and leads into three leaves that open onto the shoulder of the piece. It is elegant in its simplicity.

Fork (7 3/4 inches)

Large Sardine Serving Fork (5 inches)

Sugar Spoon (5 1/2 inches)