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, February 23, 2018

Sparta by Cohr

In the 1860's  goldsmith named Ditlev Madsen Cohr opened his workshop in Denmark making silver flatware. The business was passed down to his eldest son,  Carl Madsen Cohr. Brought the company into the 'modern' world with mechanical machinery. In the 1921's the company produced silverplated peices under the ATLA Silverplate name.
From then until 1981, the company was bought and sold several times. However, the last factory was closed in 1987. 
Danish silver has cleaner lines, some of the most well known are based on art deco designs with unique touches.
I could not find the introduction date when Cohr first sold their Sparta pattern. From the history of the company, I assume the pattern is at least 30 years old and more likely older. 
Individual Fish Knife (8 1/2 inches)

Large Serving Fork (8 5/8 inches)

Boullion Soup Spoon (5 5/8 inches)





Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Jubilee by Reed and Barton

Reed and Barton introduced their Julbilee in 1936. It was designed by Carl Conrad Braun
in the Art Deco style.


One Tine Butter Pick (6 3/8 inches)



Sugar Tongs (4 inches)


 


Small Steak Carving Knife (11 3/8 inches)




Monday, February 19, 2018

The Wave by Unger

Unger's The Wave pattern dates back to 1904. It is an example of the art deco design in sterling. And, personally, my favorite period of sterling design. The design is very intricate showing a lady grasping her arms around a wave. On the stem, there is a design of cat tails.

Teaspoon  (5 3/4 inches)



Fork (6 3/4 inches)