Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2016-09-04

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, September 7, 2016

Poppy by Gorham

Gorham introduced their multi motif Poppy pattern in 1902. I was surprised when I realized that in the years I have been writing this blog, I have not posted this pattern, since it was one of the first examples I added to my collection.

Tomato Server (6 1/4 inches)

Two Tine Butter Pick (5 7/8 inches)

Fruit/Orange Spoon (5 3/4 inches)

Small Sugar Sifter (5 3/8 inches)

Monday, September 5, 2016

Josephine by Alvin

Alvin introduced their Josephine pattern in 1910. It is a fairly simple pattern with a double edge and simple motif on the tip of the terminal. There are several other patterns of the same name including Josephine by Frank Whiting and Josephine by Mount Vernon.

Large Sugar Tongs (5 1/2 inches)

Individual Pie Fork (6 inches)

Strawberry Fork (5 1/2 inches)

Flat Handled Butter Spreader (5 7/8 inches)