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, December 29, 2017

Towle's 12 Days of Christmas Ornaments (Part 2)

Continuing from my last post here are the next 4 in Towle's Collection of Sterling Christmas Wreath Ornaments each representing the Twelve Days of Christmas.

Five Gold Rings (1995)



Six Geese a Laying (1996)



Seven Swans a Swimming (1997)



Eight Maids a Milking (1998)





Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Towle's 12 Days of Christmas Ornaments

In 1991 Towle started a collection of Sterling Christmas Wreath Ornaments. One was produced each year representing the Twelve Days of Christmas. Here are the first 4 of the collection (1991-1994)

Partridge in a Pear Tree (1991)



Two Turtle Doves (1992)



Three French Hens (1993)



Four Calling Birds (1994)

Friday, December 22, 2017

Flowers of Christmas Medallion by Towle

For Christmas, Towle has their Flowers of Christmas Medallion collection. A different Medallion (ornament) is released each year.

Hawthorne (1984)



Christmas Cactus (1990)






Mistletoe (1987)




Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Christmas Ornaments by Gorham

As I have in years past, here are some examples of Gorham's Sterling Christmas Ornaments. Gorham has several different sets including the Ball, the Snowflake, the Madonna, the Bell, and the snow flake. A different is produced every year, making them collectible.


1973 Sterling Snow Flake



Christmas Wreath 1989



Christmas Tree 2017



Monday, December 18, 2017

Colfax by Durgin-Gorham

Colfax was introduced by Gorham in 1922. If you notice you can see a design starting at the bottom of the terminal running down the stem.

Cream Soup Spoon (5 3/8 inches)



Tomato Server (8 1/8 inches)



Short Pickle Fork (5  5/8 inches)



Individual Fish Knife (7 3/4 inches)

Friday, December 15, 2017

Cottage by Gorham

Cottage by Gorham dates back to 1861. It is a simple pattern with nice lines.




Nut Pick (4 7/8 inches)



Pie Fork (5 1/2 inches)



Berry Spoon (8 1/2 inches)

Friday, December 8, 2017

Benjamin Franklin aka Ben Franklin by Towle

Benjamin Franklin aka Ben Franklin was introduced by Towle in 1904. It was designed by
George P. Tilton designed this pattern for Towle. Tilton also dsigned Glenmore (1880), Old English (1892) , Princess (1892), Empire (1894).

Orange Spoon (5 7/8 inches)



 Solid Serving Asparagus Fork (10 1/8 inches)



Cheese Scoop (7 3/8 inches)



Individual Fish Knife (8 1/4 inches)

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Betsy Patterson by Steiff

Steiff introduced Betsy Patterson in 1932. I can only assume this pattern was named for Elizabeth Patterson "Betsy" Bonaparte (1785 -1879). Betsy Patterson, the daughter of a Baltimore, Maryland merchant. More importantly, the first wife of Jérôme Bonaparte, Napoleon's youngest brother. 

Egg Spoon (6 inches)



Joint Roast Holder Fork (10 1/2 inches)



Tomato Server (7 1/2 inches)



Bon Bon Spoon (5 1/2 inches)

Monday, December 4, 2017

Blenheim by Mayer

Mayer introduced Blenheim in 1906. 

Strawberry Fork (4 7/8 inches)



Long Handle Olive Spoon (7 1/4 inches)



Lemon Fork (4 3/8 inches)



French Hollow Knife (9 1/2 inches)

Friday, December 1, 2017

Cordis by Tiffany

One of Tiffany's more simpler pattern. Cordis was introduced in 1958. It was designed by
Oscar Riedener.

Flat Handled Butter Spreader (6 inches)



Serving Fork (8 7/8 inches)



Two Tine Butter Pick (5 5/8 inches)


Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Delacourt by Lunt

Lunt introduced Delacourt in 1966. 

Sugar Shell (6 1/4 inches)



Cake Breaker (11 1/4 inches)



Buffet Spoon (8 inches)



Pie Server (10 3/4 inches)





Monday, November 27, 2017

Edgemont aka Late Georgian by Gorham

Gorham orginally introduced this pattern as Late Georgian in 1934. It is an Art Deco design. Then in 1987 Gorham reintroduced the same pattern as Edgemont


Salad Fork (6 5/8 inches)



Orange Knife (7 inches)



Sugar Tongs (3 3/4 inches)



Ice Tea Spoon (7 1/2 inches)




Friday, November 24, 2017

Contempora by Dominick and Haff

Contempora introduced in 1930 by Dominick and Haff. The pattern was designed by Eleicl Saarinen. The unique design is based on the art deco shape of the Chrysler Building in New York.

Grille Knife (8 1/2 inches)



Fruit/Orange Spoon (6 inches)



Bon Bon Spoon (5 inches)



Ice Cream Fork (5 3/8 inches)

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Alexander by Dominick and Haff

Alexandra was introduced by Dominick and Haff in 1903.


Fish Fork (6 1/4 inches)



Sugar Sifter (6 inches)





Long Handle Olive Fork (7 1/4 inches)