Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2015-05-24

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?

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Rose by Kirk

Kirk's Rose pattern introduced in 1937 is an exquisite pattern in the Kirk tradition. The sharp detail of the roses in brought about in the style of the pattern.

Cream Soup Spoon (6 1/8 inches)

Fish Server (10 1/2 inches)

Drink Muddler (6 inches)

One Twist Tine Butter (6 1/8 inches)

Aspic Server

For those of you who never were served Aspic at your Grandmother's it is a gelatin dish containing meat, vegetables, or fruits (or any combination thereof) usually served on a cold plate to keep the gelatin from melting.

This dish came into vogue in America in the early 1900's. Often you will see the Aspic Server referenced as a typed of wide bladed knife - almost akin to a fish serving knife. I posted early on some of these examples. However upon some research, I found that a true Aspic Server was more of a sickle shape. Unfortunately, there are few examples I could find.

I did run across one, which ironically was in a fairly modern pattern that dates only back to the 1970's (go figure).

Rigato by Buccellati Aspic Server (10 3/8 inches)

Monday, May 25, 2015

Spartan by Baker-Manchester

Baker-Manchester introduced Spartan in 1914. It is described as an elegant pattern with a helmet design on the terminal. It truly is an inspiring design.

Sugar Sifter (5 1/4 inches)

Olive Fork (6 5/8 inches)