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 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)