Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2015-04-05

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, April 10, 2015

Humbolt by Woods and Hughes

Wood and Hughes introduced Humbolt in 1880.

Fork (7 5/8 inches)

Old Style Pickle Fork (6 1/4 inches)

Monday, April 6, 2015

La Parisienne by Reed and Barton

1902 designed by Ernest Myers designed La Parisienne for Reed and Barton and it was introduced in 1902. He was also the designer of Reed and Barton's Francis I, often referred to as their flagship pattern.

Personally I think the detailing on the stem of these pieces is the most beautiful of all the patterns I have seen. The design is stunning with a multi motif pattern (each piece is adorned with different flowers).

Fork (7 7/8 inches)

Demitasse Spoon (4 1/4 inches)

Medium Cold Meat Serving Fork (8 inches)

Old French Hollow Knife with Bolster (9 inches)