Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2015-02-22

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, February 27, 2015

Alhambra by Whiting

Whiting introduced their Alhambra pattern in 1880. Given "Alhambra" is the palace and fortress complex located in Granada, Andalusia, Spain, one is not surprised to find the design of this pattern to have Moorish tones.

Pastry Fork (6 1/8 inches)

Oyster Ladle (11 3/8 inches)

Flat Handle Crumber (10 3/8 inches)

Olive Fork (9 3/8 inches)

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

John Hancock by Lunt

Lunt introduced John Hancock in 1911. It was designed by George C. Lunt who also designed Chatelaine (aka Enid) in 1894. To be named for such a distinguished gentleman, the pattern has feminine features such as a ribbon at the case of the terminal. Beading is draped across the top of the terminal below a shell and cornice design that reminds me of the features one would see above the mantle of a very fancy colonial home.

Teaspoon (5 3/4 inches)

Bon Bon Tongs (3 5/8 inches)

Baby Fork (3 1/2 inches)

Monday, February 23, 2015

Old Dominion by Lunt

Lunt introduced Old Dominion in 1898. At first glance it looks like a modest pattern but when you pay more attention to the detail of the edging around the stem and terminal and the detail on the serving pieces, it is truly a lovely pattern hidden behind such a provincial name.

Fork (7 inches)

Bon Bon Spoon (4 1/2 inches)

Seafood Fork (6 inches)