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, May 8, 2015

Revere by International

This Revere pattern by International dates back to 1898. There are also references to "Revere" patterns by Mount Vernon, Schofield, Shiebler, and Gorham however I could find no examples of these. Durgin also has a Revere pattern that I will post on on a later date. 

As for this pattern, it is an exquisite example of the Rococo style with a particular emphasis on special detailing on the bowls and tines of the pieces. Unlike most anything that bares the Revere moniker and refers to the austere Colonel days, this pattern does no such thing.


Cucumber Server (6 1/4 inches)


Old Style Pickle Fork (6 3/8 inches)


Flat Handle Butter Knife (7 1/4 inches)


Five O'Clock Teaspoon (5 3/8 inches)




Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Rigato by Buccellati

A newer pattern, Rigato was introduced by Bucellitia in 1970. The straight lines of the stem capped by a horizontal rectangular terminal make for a clean modern design. Note the unique take on the serving pieces.

Fork (7 1/4 inches)




Solid Asparagus Server (9 1/4 inches)



Pierced Vegetable Server (8 5/8 inches)



Cold Meat Serving Fork (10 7/8 inches)





Monday, May 4, 2015

Stanton Hall by Onieda

Although these days, Oneida is only known for fairly inexpensive stainless flatware, orginally the company produced some lovely sterling patterns. Here is one example, Stanton Hall they introduced in 1951. It was designed by Grosvenor N. Allen. Besides this pattern, Allen was also known for his work on Castle Rose by Royal Crest and Ribbon Rose by Hallmark.

Hollow Handle Knife (9 1/2 inches)



Lemon Fork (5 3/8 inches)











Cheese Server (5 3/4 inches)