Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2019-02-03

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 8, 2019

Botticelli By Oneida

Unlike Frank Whiting's 1949 pattern by the same name, Onieda's Botticelli pattern. The pattern was designed by Frank R. Perry and introduced in 1972. Perry was a prolific designer. His work for Onieda include Michelangelo (1970), Flower Lane (1956), First Frost (1965), Belle Rose (1963), and Du Maurier (1967).

Salad Fork (6 7/8 inches)

Pierced Tablespoon (8 1/4 inches)

Butter Spreader (6 1/2 inches)

Medium Solid Cold Meat Serving Fork (8 1/2 Inches)

Wednesday, February 6, 2019

Prince Albert by C.G. Hallberg

Another Prince Albert pattern. This was introduced by C.G. Hallberg. On first blush, this pattern looks fairly generic. However, closer inspection shows very elegant and unique lines.

Butter Spreader HH (6 3/4 inches)

Fish Fork (7 1/8 inches)

Monday, February 4, 2019

Prince Albert By George W. Shielber

I was able to find 6 different "Prince Albert" patterns. Here is an example of Shielber's 1855 version.

Dinner Fork