Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2020-02-02

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 7, 2020

Mille Fleurs by International

Introduced in 1904, International's Mille Fleurs pattern is multi motif. Note the unique designs on each piece.

Orange Spoon (5 7/8 inches)

International Silver Mille Fleurs (Sterling, 1904) Orange Spoon

International Silver Mille Fleurs (Sterling, 1904) Orange Spoon

Short Handle Olive Fork (6 inches)
International Silver Mille Fleurs (Sterling, 1904) Pierced Bowl Short Handle Olive Spoon

Old French Hollow Knife (9 inches)

International Silver Mille Fleurs (Sterling, 1904) Old French Hollow Knife

Butter Spreader (5 5/8 inches)

International Silver Mille Fleurs (Sterling, 1904) Flat Handle Butter Spreader

Wednesday, February 5, 2020

Milan by Gorham

George Wilkinson designed Milan for Gorham in 1885.

Tomato Server (8 1/8 inches)

Gorham Silver Milan (Sterling, 1885) Tomato Server, Solid Piece

Berry Spoon (8 7/8 inches)

Gorham Silver Milan (Sterling, 1885) Bright Cut Solid Large Berry/Casserole Spoon

Monday, February 3, 2020

Memory Lane by Lunt

Lunt introduced their Memory Lane pattern in 1949.

Fork (7 3/4 inches)

Lunt Silver Memory Lane (Sterling, 1949) Fork

Casserole Spoon (8 3/8 inches)

Lunt Silver Memory Lane (Sterling, 1949) Solid Smooth Casserole Spoon

Olive Fork (5 7//8 inches)

Lunt Silver Memory Lane (Sterling, 1949) Short Handle Pickle/Olive Fork