Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2016-10-23

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, October 26, 2016

Acanthus by International

International's Acanthus pattern has a fairly modern design considering it was introduced in 1917. Samuel Stohr is the designer. Stohr also designed Pansy (1909) for International which is a much more ornate pattern and Chesterfield (1914).

Jellycake Server (7 3/4 inches)

Fork (7 7/8 inches)

Five O'clock Spoon (5 3/8 inches)

Chesterfield by International

Also designed by Samuel Stohr, International introduced their Chesterfield pattern in 1914. (Don't confuse this with Gorham's Chesterfield pattern of 1908). Of course Stohr also designed Pansy and Acanthus for International.

Gumbo Soup Spoon

Tomato Server (7 1/4 inches)

Butter Spreader (5 5/8 inches)

Large Prong Carving Fork

International Silver Chesterfield (Sterling, 1914) Large Stainless-Prong Roast Carving Fork

Monday, October 24, 2016

Irene by International

Irene was introduced by International in 1902. I particularly like the detail of the design at the bottom of the stem. Even though we had entered the Edwardian Era by 1902, Sterling Flatware was still in its prime.

Hollow Handle Butter Spreader ( 6 1/4 inches)

Fork (7 inches)

Cucumber Server (6 inches)

Gumbo Soup Spoon (6 7/8 inches)