Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2016-10-09

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, October 14, 2016

Lafayette by Towle

Towle introduced their Lafayette pattern in 1905. It joins the list of patterns baring the Lafayette named put out by many other companies, Baker Manchester (1898, Holmes and Edwards (1908), and Mount Vernon. Unlike the other Lafayette patterns which are fairly ornate, Baker Manchester's in very plain. It reminds me of a Colonial style pattern.

Ice Cream Fork (5 3/8 inches)

One Tine Butter Pick (5 3/8 inches)

Large Asparagus Serving Fork (10 3/4 inches)

Monday, October 10, 2016

Van Buren by Baker-Manchester

In 1916 Baker Manchester introduced their Van Buren Pattern. It is a simple pattern with a double edge design and a petite design on the tip of the terminal.

Small Nut Serving Spoon (6 3/8 inches)

Cream Ladle (6 1/2 inches)

Medium Cold Meat Serving Fork (7 1/2 inches)