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?

Monday, November 9, 2015

Repousse by Kirk - Stieff

One of the most elegant patterns in sterling, the pattern that is the flagship of its style Repousse by Kirk Stieff was introduced in 1828. And while there are many that may bear the name and may be similar in design, this is  the original one.

Teaspoon (5 7/8 inches)




Large Berry Spoon (9 1/8 inches)




Small Steak Carving Fork (8 1/2 inches)



Oyster Fork (5 3/8 inches)

3 comments:

  1. Need to do a closer comparison of this and patterns that resemble it without using the repousse process. Wonder how different they really are.
    For the time being I have quit buying, since I supect it's hard to find bargains on-line before the holidays. January and February is probably a better time to buy,
    Interested in the chased patterns and I am considering expanding my collection into that category. I especially like Lunt's "Mary II" and Towle's "D'Orleans."

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  2. Just made my last investments for the year and must return to my SBA (silver buyers anonymous). Was able to snag a cake slicer and olive fork for $25 total (Alvin and Blackinton patterns), a beautiful egg spoon Lily of the Valley by Whiting) for $20, and a strawberry fork for $21 (unknown - I need to do some research). Also my daughter gave me my birthday present - 2 moths late of 2 Berain by Wallace Ice Cream forks which have beautiful detailing on the bowl. That brings me to 110 different patterns in my collection. Although I find that some folks will try to dump family silver this time of year to make money for the holidays.

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  3. Sounds as if you are getting some real deals.

    I have a 4-piece place setting in Whiting's "Lily of the Valley." tt's strange how the spoons and salad forks are tapered, while the knives and forks have blunt ends.

    I have about 17 casserole spoons in a number of patterns, including Whiting's "Heraldic" and "Hyperion." Would like a knife n "Hyperion," but I understand that hey are scarcer than hens' teeth. I like "Hyperion," but my wife does not. She thinks it looks like the lower half of a mermaid.

    You mentioned that you like Alvin's "Bridal Rose." I read somewhere (maybe on your blog?) that of the more than 2200 patterns of sterling flatware, nearly 300 of them incorporte roses, and that "Bridal Rose" has the largest. The entire terminus.of each piece is a rose.

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