Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2015-09-13

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, September 18, 2015

Corn Butterer Part 2

The Corn Butterer is an odd piece I have posted on earlier. They are a piece you see in listings of most patterns but rarely see in stores or for sale.

Grande Baroque by Wallace (5 3/8 inches)

Old Master by Towle (5 1/8 inches)

Chantilly by Gorham (5 1/4 inches)

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

La Comtesse By Reed and Barton

August Miller designed La Comtesse for Reed and Barton and the pattern was introduced in 1897.

Orange Spoon (5 3/4 inches)

Pie Fork (6 inches)

Orange Knife (7 1/2 inches)

Macaroni Serving Spoon (9 1/2 inches)

Monday, September 14, 2015

Chrysanthemum by Durgin

Durgin's Chrysanthemum pattern introduced in 1893 is, in my humble opinion, one of the finest examples of the art reached by the silver makers of the Victorian period. Some will consider this too ornate, but the detail in the design is what makes it so spectacular. George A. Muller designed this pattern for Durgin. The heavy floral pattern is in deep relief over each piece, with an opening left on the terminal suitable for engraving. The design even flows onto the bowls and tines of some pieces.

Gravy Ladle (7 7/8 inches)

Berry Fork (4 7/8 inches)

Ice Cream Fork (5 5/8 inches)

Individual Fish Knife (7 5/8 inches