Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2016-11-13

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, November 18, 2016

Oxford by Reed and Barton

Reed and Barton introduced their Oxford pattern in 1928. Don't confuse this with Gorham's Oxford pattern of 1895.

Teaspoon (6 inches)

Lemon Fork (4 3/8 inches)

Small Sugar Tongs (4 1/4 inches)

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Juliana by Watson

Juliana was introduced in 1938 by Watson. The pattern was designed by Percy B. Ball. It is a simple design with a straight raised edge encircling the stem, topped with a bold element on the terminal that does not overwhelm it. Among several others, Ball also designed Dorian Rose for Watson in 1937.

Ice Cream Fork (5 5/8 inches)