Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2015-03-15

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, March 20, 2015

Chase and Pierced Vine by CJ Vander

One source dated this pattern back to 1750. Whatever the date Chased and Pierced Vine by C. J. Vander is truly a unique pattern.

Pierced Tablespoon (9 inches)

Butter Knife (6 1/4 inches)

Fork (7 1/4 inches)

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Web Silver, Edward Web, Webster, Watson, and Wallace Companies Markings

In trying to identify different pieces of silver, these are the markings of some of the older companies. Often this is the first clue when trying to figure out the name of the pattern.

Web Silver

Edward Webb

Webster Markings

Watson Markings

Wallace

Monday, March 16, 2015

Duke of Windsor by Manchester

Manchester introduced Duke of Windsor in 1937. The pattern has more of a modern design with a "notched" indention between the terminal and stem. A simple motif adorns the terminal and another on the bottom of the stem.

Gravy Ladle (6 1/4 inches)

Cold Meat Serving Fork (7 1/4 inches)

Fruit Spoon (6 1/8 inches)