Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2020-07-19

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, July 24, 2020

Tongs

Among-st the various sterling flatware patterns, there are 24 different types of Tongs. In all my research there are many of these I have never stumbled upon. Also, I am sure that a few of these are just different names for the same utensil. Any way, in the spirit of the Victorians and their fear of having a dish or food without a unique utensil designed for it, here is the list of Tongs.

Asparagus Serving Tong

Asparagus Tong - Individual

Bon Bon Tong

Caviar Tong

Chicken Tong

Ice Tong

Lemon Juicing Tong

Mechanical Asparagus Tong

Olive Tong

Oyster Tong

Pasta Serving Tongs

Pastry Tongs

Petit Four Tong

Pickle Tong

Salad Serving Tong

Salad Tong

Sandwich Tong

Sardine Tong

Scissor Tong

Serving Tong

Sugar Tong

Tete a Tete Tongs

Toast Tongs

Tongs

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

Laurel by Gorham

Gorham introduced their Laurel pattern in 1885.

Jelly Spoon (7 inches)

Dinner Fork (7 1/4 inches)

Pie Knife (9 1/4 inches)

Monday, July 20, 2020

Lady Washington by Gorham

Another one of Gorham's older patterns. Lady Washington pattern was introduced in 1876.

Individual Fish Fork (7 1/8 inches)

Teaspoon (5 3/4 inches)