Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar

Iced Tea Spoon (Part 2)

2012-02-10T05:30:00.000-05:00

As I posted earlier, the Iced Tea Spoon, an iconic piece of every southern lady's table is very recognizable by its long stem.

Marechel by Durgin (7 1/2 inches)

Lily of the Valley by Whiting (8 1/2 inches)

Violet by Whiting (7 1/2 inches)

Cambridge by Alvin (7 1/2 inches)

Albemarle by Alvin (7 1/2 inches)

Rice Spoon

2012-02-08T05:30:00.000-05:00

Growing up in the South, we had rice at every meal and this piece was always on the table. The Rice Spoon is a large simple piece, but yet very useful. The ones we always had were sterling silver but of no particular known pattern and were 10 to 12 inches long and flat handled. (All the ones I inherited from different family members were the same.) So I was a little puzzled when, in doing research, all I could find was hollow handled pieces no longer than 10 inches. I did find that companies often call the piece a Rice/Potato Spoon.

Colonial Thread by Frank Smith (9 1/2 inches)

Frances I by Reed and Barton (10 inches)

Rhapsody New by International

Douvaine by Unger

2012-02-06T05:30:00.000-05:00

Unger introduced Douvaine in 1890. This is deeply embellished design in the lovely Unger style.

Sugar Shell (5 1/2 inches)

Olive Fork (6 1/8 inches)

Solid Berry Spoon (8 inches)

Cucumber Server (6 7/8 inches)

Large Tined Sardine Fork (5 7/8 inches)

Sugar Sifter (4 7/8 inches)

Old Style Pickle Fork (Part 2)

2012-02-03T05:30:00.000-05:00

Here are some more examples of the Old Style Pickle Fork. I have posted earlier on this piece.

Marlborough by Reed and Barton (5 1/2 inches)

Old Newberry by Towle (5 3/4 inches)

Lily of the Valley by Whiting (6 3/8 inches)

Old English by Towle (5 3/4 inches)

Canterbury by Towle (6 inches)

Revere by International (6 3/8 inches)

Cucumber Fork/Server

2012-02-01T05:30:00.000-05:00

Cucumber Servers are fairly common in patterns, especially the older ones. However, I stumbled upon what looked like a Cucumber Fork. Upon further research, I learned that in Tiffany patterns, the Cucumber Server has wide tines off the end like a fork unlike other patterns whose Cucumber Servers have a round flat surface with small teeth off the side. This is a unique feature of the Tiffany pieces.

Renaissance By Tiffany (7 3/8 inches)

Broom Corn by Tiffany (6 3/4 inches)

Dresden by Whiting

2012-01-30T05:30:00.000-05:00

An old pattern, Dresden was introduced by Whiting in 1896. I stumbled across this pattern and was intrigued by the detail in design. Small flowers and leaves decorate the terminal and stem. The shoulders of the serving forks are lovely. A beautiful pattern that gets more interesting the more one looks at it.

Ice Cream Spoon ( 5 3/8 inches)

Large Berry Spoon (8 5/8 inches)

Large Jelly Spoon (6 inches)

Sardine Server (6 inches)

Cold Meat Serving Fork (6 7/8 inches)

Ice Cream Fork (5 1/4 inches)

Nut Spoon (4 3/8 inches)

Ice Serving Spoons (Part 2)

2012-01-27T05:30:00.000-05:00

I posted on this piece earlier, but here are more examples of the Ice Serving Spoon.

Trajan by Reed and Barton (9 inches)

Repousse by Kirk Stieff (8 3/8 inches)

Lancaster by Gorham (8 3/4 inches)

Mayflower by Kirk Stieff

Apollo by Knowles and Mount Vernon (7 3/4 inches)

Fish Serving Set

2012-01-25T05:30:00.000-05:00

The Fish Serving Set is one of the larger serving sets found in the older patterns.The knives range from 9 to 12 inches in length, the forks range from 7 1/2 to 10 inches in length. As with most of the serving pieces, they are usually ornately decorated. Often the blade of the knife will have a waved edge.

Bridal Rose by Alvin

Repousse by Kirk Stieff

Baronial Old by Gorham

Imperial Chrysanthemum by Gorham

Frontenac by International

Broom Corn by Tiffany

2012-01-23T05:30:00.000-05:00

Broom Corn was designed John T. Curran and introduced by Tiffany in 1890. It is a substantial pattern (has heft) with a shield suitable for engraving on the top of the terminal and simple, yet elegant, lines that flow down the stem and gently entwine an inch or so prior to reaching the shoulder. (On a personal note, I was thrilled to receive a piece of this for Christmas.)

Grapefruit spoon (5 3/4 inches)

Large Jelly Spoon (7 1/8 inches)

Salad Set (10 inches)

Salad Fork (6 3/4 inches)

Saratoga Chip Server (9 inches)

Sugar Sifter Ladles

2012-01-20T05:30:00.000-05:00

This is a piece that is a mystery. In most patterns, there are large and small sugar sifters. However, I can only find two references for Sugar Sifter Ladles and both are different than the other Sugar Sifter pieces in their respective patterns. They do seem to have a more curved shape to the bowl than the other "sifters". So I present to you the two examples of the Sugar Sifter Ladle:

Blackberry Vine By Tiffany(7 1/4 inches)

Colonial By Gorham (5 3/4 inches)

Various Chocolate Pieces in a Pattern

2012-01-18T05:30:00.000-05:00

I have posted about Chocolate Spoons and Chocolate Muddlers previously. Oh, but should it be so simple. Upon further research, I have found that there can be more than one size of a Chocolate Spoon in a pattern. To complicate matters, they just don't have "Large" Chocolate spoons and "Small" Chocolate spoons. Some patterns have "Large" and "Small", some have "Long" and "Small", some have "Large" and "Long", or any combination of the above. (And some just have one size.) Of course don't forget the "Muddler" which is found in most of the older patterns. To bring clarity to this or maybe muddle the subject even more, here are some examples of the different Chocolate pieces in several patterns.

Lancaster by Gorham

Chocolate spoon (4 1/8 inches)

Long Chocolate spoon (4 3/4 inches)

Muddler (8 1/4 inches)

Violet by Watson

Large Chocolate spoon (4 1/8 inches)

Chocolate Muddler (8 inches)

Bridal Rose by Alvin

Large Chocolate spoon (4 3/4 inches)

Muddler (8 1/4 inches)

Georgian by Towle

Large Chocolate spoon (4 inches)

Muddler (8 1/4 inches)

New Vintage by Durgin

Long Chocolate spoon (5 1/4 inches)

Large Chocolate spoon (4 1/4 inches)

Fairfax by Durgin

Long Chocolate spoon (5 1/2 inches)

Pointed Chocolate spoon (4 1/2 inches)

Frontenac by International

Small Chocolate spoon ( 3 3/4 inches)

Chocolate spoon ( 4 3/4 inches)

Phoebe by Watson-Newell

2012-01-16T05:30:00.000-05:00

In the tradition of Watson-Newell, Phoebe, introduced in 1895 has the very detailed motif of a nearly nude woman on the terminal. There are small flowers and berries at the top of the stem and (what looks like) a small medallion just above the shoulder. The patina of the olde pieces really enhances the beauty of the design.

Olive Fork (5 3/8 inches)

Orange Spoon (5 3/4 inches)

Small Gravy Ladle (6 inches)

Fork (6 7/8 inches)

Almond Scoop (Part 3)

2012-01-13T05:30:00.000-05:00

Once again, the lovely Almond Scoop. Posted on earlier, this is still an elegant piece ranging in size from 4 to over 6 inches. The examples shown here are some larger ones. The detail on some of them is quite ornate.

Geneva by Campbell-Metcalf (5 1/2 inches)

Victoria-Old by Watson (5 3/4 inches)

Douvaine by Unger (6 1/8 inches)

Cherub by Watson-Newall (6 1/2 inches)

Phoebe by Watson-Newell (6 inches)

Georgian by Towle (4 inches)

Sauce Ladle

2012-01-11T05:30:00.000-05:00

The Sauce Ladle is one of the smaller ladles. Most are under six inches in length.

Aeolian By Knowles (5 3/4 inches)

Arlington By Towle (5 3/4 inches)

Blackberry Vine By Tiffany (7 1/4 inches)

Daisy By Wood and Hughes (5 3/8 inches)

Empire By Towle(5 1/2 inches)

Le Maquise by Reed and Barton

2012-01-09T05:30:00.000-05:00

La Marquise was introduced by Reed and Barton in 1895. The pattern was designed by Austin F. Jackson. The most unique mark of the pattern is the shield on the terminal that is very handy for engraving. The pieces themselves are heavy looking with a deep design of dots and swirls. The swirls and dots on the terminal continue down the stem. The Berry Spoon is particularly lovey with lilies and other flowers decorating the shoulder and edges of the bowl.

Oyster Fork (5 5/7 inches)

Ice Cream Spoon (5 3/4 inches)

Small Solid Berry Spoon (8 7/8 inches)

Tomato Server (7 3/4 inches)

Cream Dipper (5 /14 inches)

Salad Serving Fork (8 7/8 inches)

Jelly Cake Server (Part 2) (Pierced)

2012-01-06T05:30:00.000-05:00

I have posted earlier on the Jelly Cake Server. This is by far one of the more ornate and elegant pieces of a sterling flatware pattern. Here are some more examples.

Love Disarmed by Reed and Barton (10 inches)

Les Cinq Fleurs by Reed and Barton(9 5/8 inches)

La Parisienne by Reed and Barton (10 1/2 inches)

Abbottsford by International (8 1/8 inches)

Cloeta by International (8 inches)

Number 10 by Dominick and Haff (10 1/8 inches)

Cake Server

2012-01-04T05:30:00.000-05:00

The Cake Servers in some Reed and Barton patterns are particularly elegant. Below are some examples. Most patterns have a plain stainless blade, but not Reed and Barton.The pieces in these particular patterns are one piece of sterling silver.

Francis I by Reed and Barton (9 3/8 inches)

Burgandy by Reed and Barton (9 1/2 inches)

La Marquise by Reed and Barton (9 3/8 inches)

Trajan by Reed and Barton (9 3/8 inches)

Lenox by Durgin

2012-01-02T05:30:00.000-05:00

The pattern Lenox was introduced by Durgin in 1912. It was designed by Barton P. Jenks. The design is simple yet elegant.

Pastry Fork (6 1/8 inches)

Ice Cream Fork (5 1/2 inches)

Butter Spreader (5 1/2 inches)

Fork (7 1/4 inches)

Bon Bon Spoon (4 7/8 inches)

Orange Spoons (Part 2)

2011-12-30T05:30:00.000-05:00

More lovely Orange Spoons with the sharp tip on the bowl to pierce the pulp. The earlier post showed additional examples. Sometimes this piece is referred to as the Citrus Spoon.

Virginiana by Gorham (5 3/4 inches)

Rococo by Dominick and Haff (5 1/2 inches)

Louvre by Wallace (5 3/4 inches)

Elegante by Reed and Barton (5 3/4 inches)

No. 10 by Dominick and Haff (5 5/8 inches)

Pie and Cake Server

2011-12-28T05:30:00.000-05:00

Back to "Servers", the Pie and Cake Server is an utilitarian piece with a stainless blade and a hollow handle.There is also a piece called a Pie Server that is very similar. Most patterns have both pieces. Here are examples of two the different pieces, shown Prince Eugene by Alvin.

The Pie Server

The Pie and Cake Server

Here are some more examples of the Pie and Cake Server

Francis I by Reed and Barton (10 3/8 inches)

Burgandy by Reed and Barton (10 3/8 inches)

Parthenon by Reed and Barton (11 1/4 inches)

Waltz of the Spring by Wallace (11 inches)

Du Barry by International (11 inches)

Wreath by Gorham

2011-12-26T05:30:00.000-05:00

Cirtus/Orange Spoon (5 3/4 inches)

Large Cream Ladle (5 inches)

Ice Cream Spoon (5 inches)

Butter Spreader (5 3/4 inches)

Pate Spreader

2011-12-23T05:30:00.000-05:00

To complicate things - the Pate Spreader actually looks more like a knife than the Pate Knife, which I posted on earlier. These pieces are found in many of the older patterns but can easily be confused with the butter knife.

Chrysanthemum by Tiffany (5 inches)

Whittier by Tiffany (6 1/4 inches)

Olympian byTiffany

Marquis by Frank Whiting (5 1/4 inches)

Versailles by Gorham (4 5/8 inches)

Jelly Cake Server

2011-12-21T05:30:00.000-05:00

When I first posted on the Jelly Cake Server, I was under the impression that this was a server that could be used to serve cake or jelly. I was wrong. There separate servers for Jelly (See Jelly Servers) and a separate Cake Server. The Jelly Cake Server is its own piece and what a lovely piece it is. It has the shape of the pie server with ornate decorations on the blade. Here are some examples.

Lily by Whiting (9 inches)

Louvre by Wallace (7 7/8 inches)

No. 10 by Dominick and Haff (10 1/4 inches)

Frontenac by International (8 1/8 inches)

Cloeta by International (8 inches)

Lily by Gorham (9 1/2 inches)

Poinsettia by Wallace

2011-12-19T05:30:00.000-05:00

Another holiday themed pattern, Poinsettia was designed by Wallace. Although the pattern has been discontinued, I could not find the date it was originally introduced. Also, all the pieces I found were hollow handle and were serving pieces.

Gravy Ladle (8 1/4 inches)

Cake Slicer (12 7/8 inches)

Ice Cream Scoop (8 3/4 inches)

Casserole Spoon (10 3/8 inches)

Pickle Knife

2011-12-16T05:30:00.000-05:00

Of all the "Pickle Pieces" the Victorians justified, this is one that I don't see that often. Like other knives, the Pickle Knife can easily be confused with a butter knife.

Faneuil by Tiffany

Lily of the Valley by Whiting (6 5/8 inches)

Etruscan by Gorham (7 3/4 inches)

Vine-Gourd by Tiffany (7 1/8 inches)

Saratoga Chip Server (Part 3)

2011-12-14T05:30:00.000-05:00

The Saratoga Chip Server is a curious piece that I have posted on earlier. Developed to serve the "new fangled" snack potato chips, the piece is actually a lovely ornate piece that is only found in the older patterns. Here are some more examples.

La Comtesse by Reed and Barton (9 5/8 inches)

Avalon by International (9 inches)

Meadow by Gorham (8 3/4 inches)

Duke of York by Whiting (8 3/4 inches)

Warwick by International (7 1/2 inches)

Holly by Frank Whiting

2011-12-12T05:30:00.000-05:00

This lovely holiday pattern, Holly by Frank Whiting was introduced in 1907.

Demitasse Spoon (4 1/4 inches)

Solid Bon Bon Spoon (4 3/4 inches)

Large Punch Ladle

2011-12-09T05:30:00.000-05:00

The Large Punch Ladle is a very recognizable piece of any pattern. It is also one of the larger pieces. Some are flat handled (as shown here) and some are hollow handled and most patterns have examples of both.

Canterbury by Towle (14 5/8 inches)

Francis I by Reed and Barton (16 inches)

Classic Rose by Reed and Barton (15 3/8 inches)

Imperial Queen by Whiting (13 1/2 inches)

New Standish by Durgin (13 1/8 inches)

Kidney Bowl Serving Pieces

2011-12-07T05:30:00.000-05:00

As I have discussed before, most patterns have a Casserole Spoon that is often referred to as a Berry Spoon. These pieces are some of the most ornate serving pieces in a pattern with elaborate designs of fruit and flowers on the bowl. Some companies will have more than one type of "casserole" piece in a pattern. Tiffany is one of these companies. Many of their patterns have a Kidney Bowl Casserole Serving piece. Here are some examples of those pieces.

English King by Tiffany (9 1/4 inches)

Atlantis by Tiffany (9 1/2 inches)

Renaissance by Tiffany (9 3/4 inches)

Blackberry by Tiffany (9 1/2 inches)

Strawberry by Tiffany (9 1/2 inches)

Royal Oak by Gorham

2011-12-05T05:30:00.000-05:00

Gorham introduced Royal Oak in 1904. This is a beautiful old pattern with deep detailing that truly lives up to its name. Acorns adorn the terminal and the back of the shoulders of the serving pieces are decorated with oak leaves and more acorns. Due to the depth of the detail, older pieces really show the beauty of the pattern.

Large Sugar Sifter (6 3/4 inches)

Cream Ladle (5 7/8 inches)

Oversize Solide Salad Serving Spoon (10 1/4 inches)

Pie Server (9 inches)

Asparagus Server (9 inches)

Beef Fork (7 1/2 inches)

Sardine Fork (9 inches)

Medicine Spoon - Part 2

2011-12-02T05:30:00.000-05:00

When I started looking for Medicine Spoons, I thought I would find small spoons that one would use for a child. I was wrong. There were a few that I showed in an earlier post. For the most part what I found, with the exception of the Tiffany patterns, were partially covered spoons. But each example was unique in its own way. I continue my search for more examples.

Irian by Wallace (3 3/8 inches)

WSC7 pattern by Webster (4 3/4 inches)

Cheese Pick

2011-11-30T14:26:00.000-05:00

The Cheese Pick is an unusual piece found in most of the older sterling patterns. Samples here very in length from 6 inches to 7 7/8 inches. All have teeth on the end of the slightly curved blade at the end. The number of teeth varying from two to four. Most are flat handled, however two examples here are hollow handled.

King George By Gorham (7 3/4 inches)

Imperial Chrysanthemum by Gorham (6 1/8 inches)

Luxembourg by Gorham (6 1/8 inches)

Mary Warren by Manchester (6 inches)

Frontenac by International (7 3/4 inches)

Royal Oak by Gorham (7 7/8 inches)

New Vintage by Durgin

2011-11-28T05:30:00.000-05:00

New Vintage was introduced by Durgin in 1904. It is a fairly straightforward pattern with a scallop shell adorning the top of the terminal and a bunch of grapes draped beneath it surrounded on the sides by (what looks to me like) acanthus leaves wrapped around the edges. The stem is simple but elegant and the serving pieces I found were not particularly fancy.

Salad Fork (6 1/4 inches)

Fruit Spoon (5 3/4 inches)

Old Style Pickle Fork (6 1/8 inches)

Large Short Handle Chocolate Spoon ( inches)

Pate Spreader (Part 2)

2011-11-25T05:30:00.000-05:00

I posted about Pate Knives and Spreaders earlier. These are examples of the Pate Spreader, which has a wider blade than the knife.

Flora by Shielbler (4 1/2 inches)

Louis XV by Gorham (5 inches)

Twist by Whiting (4 1/4 inches)

Louis XV by Durgin (5 inches)

Spinach Serving Forks (Part III)

2011-11-23T05:30:00.000-05:00

Spinach Serving Forks have been covered several times before. It is such an odd piece, but can be found in most patterns.

La Reine by Wallace (7 inches)

Camelia by Gorham (7 1/4 inches)

King George by Gorham (8 inches)

Champlain by Amston (7 inches)

Marlborough by Reed and Barton (7 1/4 inches)

Cloeta by International (6 7/8 inches)

Les Cinq de Fleurs by Reed and Barton (7 1/4 inches)

Lansdowne (7 3/4 inches)

Chamboard by Reed and Barton

2011-11-21T05:53:00.000-05:00

Chamboard was introduced by Reed and Barton in 1908. It was designed by George L. Turner. A simple but elegant pattern with a unique small cross at the top of the shoulder and a broad terminal suitable for monogramming.

Fruit Spoon (5 3/4 inches)

Lemon Fork (4 1/2 inches)

Olive Fork (5 3/4 inches)

Sugar Spoon (6 inches)

Carving Knife (15 inches)

Sugar Sifter (Part 2)

2011-11-18T05:30:00.000-05:00

I have posted before about these beautiful pieces. The Sugar Sifter is a piece found in the older patterns that is no longer used.

Pomona By Towle (6 1/8 inches)

Arlington by Towle (6 7/8 inches)

BMS17 by Baker Manchester (6 1/4 inches)

Canterbury by Towle (5 1/4 inches)

Strasbourg by Gorham (5 1/2 inches)

Lily by Whiting (5 1/2 inches)

Monticello by Lunt (5 3/8 inches)

Imperial Queen by Whiting (5 1/2 inches)

Solid Nut Spoon

2011-11-16T05:30:00.000-05:00

The Solid Nut Server is the same size as the regular sized Pierced Nut Server. Although some of the solid bowls have some beautiful detailing, as a whole the pieces lack the elaborate decoration of its fancy cousin the pierced cousin. Patterns generally have a either pierced style or a solid design., but not both.

Hibiscus by Whiting (4 1/8 inches)

Renaissance by Dominick and Haff (4 3/4 inches)

Roanoke by Baker Manchester (5 3/4 inches)

Corsage by Stieff ( 5 3/8 inches)

Decor by Gorham (4 3/4 inches)

Duke of York by Whiting (4 1/2 inches)

Roses and Scrolls by Whiting

2011-11-14T05:30:00.000-05:00

A lovely old pattern, Roses and Scrolls, was introduced in 1890. A design of roses are on the handle trailing down the stem. The design does not have a terminal. The decorations on the bowls of the spoons and the shoulders of the forks are just gorgeous. Also, the pattern lends itself to an old patina, like it was designed to age well. There was a reference that the pattern was also known as La Francais, but I could find no reference to La Francais.

Gravy Ladle (6 3/4 inches)

Demitasse Spoon (3 7/8 inches)

Large Solid Berry Spoon (8 3/4 inches)

Large Solid Fish Serving Fork ( 9 1/4 inches)

Macaroni Server (9 1/2 inches)

Large Confection spoon

2011-11-11T05:30:00.000-05:00

The Confection Spoon is a fairly small serving piece, usually shorter than 6 inches long. Most patterns have pierced bowls, but it comes in both pierced and non-pierced bowls. However at least one pattern, Old Colonial shown below , has both a pierced and a non-pierced piece.

Versailles by Gorham (5 14/ inches)

Luxembourg by Gorham (5 1/2 inches)

Cambridge by Gorham (5 3/4 inches)

Heraldic by Whiting (5 inches)

Old Colonial (Pierced) by Towle (6 1/4 inches)

Old Colonial (Not Pierced) by Towle (5 5/8 inches)

Prong Roast Carving Fork

2011-11-09T05:30:00.000-05:00

I found one of these among the items I inherited from a favorite aunt of mine and did not have a clue what it was. It was not with her silverware, so I wondered if it was some type of torture device. Upon research, I learned it was a harmless Prong Roast Carving Fork.

Trajan by Reed and Barton (10 3/8 inches)

Rococo by Dominick and Haff (12 3/8 inches)

Adolphus by Mount Vernon

Berain by Wallace (10 3/4 inches)

Stradivari by Wallace (10 1/2)

Violet by Wallace

Yetive by Mount Vernon

2011-11-07T05:30:00.000-05:00

Yetive by Mount Vernon was introduced in 1896. An elaborate pattern with a flower on the terminal with leaves, stems and more flowers trailing down the stem.

Fork (7 inches)

Salad Serving Fork (8 3/4 inches)

Hollow Handle Knife (10 1/8 inches)

Cold Meat Fork (8 1/2 inches)

Cocktail Fork (5 3/4 inches)

Pierced Waffle Server

2011-11-04T05:30:00.000-04:00

As I mentioned earlier, there are two types of Waffle Servers, here is the Pierced Waffle Server. (The other being the Solid Waffle Server).

Raleigh by Alvin (8 3/4 inches)

Alexandra by Dominick and Haff (8 1/8 inches)

Bel Chateau by Lunt (9 3/4 inches)

Yetive by Mount Vernon (7 3/8 inches)

Love Disarmed by Reed and Barton (11 inches)

Chrysanthemum by Tiffany (8 /34 inches)

Flat Handle Master Butter Knife

2011-11-02T05:30:00.000-04:00

There are several types of butter knives or spreaders. These are examples of the flat handle Master Butter Knife which is found in every pattern. The basic silhouette is very similar among the patterns, however some are elaborate in their design.

Louis XV by Durgin (7 inches)

English Rose by Durgin (6 3/4 inches)

Madame Royale by Durgin (7 inches)

Alhambra by Whiting (7 inches)

Lucerne by Wallace (7 inches)

St. James by Tiffany (7 1/8 inches)

Angelo by Wood and Hughes

2011-10-31T05:30:00.000-04:00

Angelo was designed by Charles F. Richers and introduced in 1874 by Wood and Hughes. The terminal is flat and wide with an intricate design in it that continues down the stem. The bowls of the serving spoons and butter knives have designs on the blades.

Gravy Ladle (7 3/4 inches)

Master Butter (7 inches)

Berry Spoon (7 1/8 inches)

Three Tine Pie Fork (6 inches)

Sugar Sifter (8 1/4 inches)

Pierced Nut Spoon

2011-10-28T05:35:00.000-04:00

The regular sized Pierced Nut Spoon can easily by confused with the Pierced Bonbon Scoop. It is smaller than the Master Nut Server, but just as ornate.

Mythologique by Gorham (4 5/8 inches)

Apollo by Knowles and Mount Vernon (4 5/8 inches)

Abbottsford by International (5 1/4 inches)

H45 by Gorham (4 3/4 inches)

Hyperion by Whiting

Master Pierced Nut Server

2011-10-26T05:30:00.000-04:00

A Nut server or Nut Scoop comes in two sizes the regular Nut spoon is 4 to 5 inches long, while the Master Nut Server, or Master Nut spoon, shown here is much bigger, 7 to 9 inches long. It is an ornate piece with a pierced bowl.

Virginiana by Gorham (9 1/8 inches)

Avalon by International (7 inches)

Old Newberry by Towle (8 inches)

Lily by Whiting (9 inches)

Imperial Queen by Whiting (9 inches)

Dawn by Unger

2011-10-24T05:30:00.000-04:00

Issued in 1904, Dawn by Unger is another example of the exquisite work put out by this company. Pieces from this pattern are exceedingly rare. The design has the face of a lady on the terminal with locks of her hair flowing down the stem.

Fork (6 5/8 inches)

Cocktail Spoon

2011-10-21T05:30:00.000-04:00

I am not quite sure how the Cocktail Spoon is used, but I did two quite distinct designs. The second design I found frequently used in stainless more modern patterns, although Ivy by Gorham dates back to 1865.

Richelieu by Tiffany (6 3/4 inches)

Chrysanthemum by Tiffany (7 1/2 inches)

Sculpture by Reed and Barton (5 3/4 inches)

Ivy by Gorham (5 1/8 inches)

Relish Fork

2011-10-19T05:30:00.000-04:00

An odd and rare piece, the Relish Fork is a serving piece with three splayed tines. The Chantilly piece was so different, I checked several sources to make sure it was accurate and all the sources I checked were the same. There were references to this piece in many Gorham patterns, but I could not find any examples, other than Chantilly.

Mayflower by Kirk Stieff (7 inches)

Bead by Whiting (6 3/4 inches)

Repousse By Kirk (7 1/2 inches)

Calvert by Kirk Stieff (7 1/2 inches)

Chantilly by Gorham (5 1/4 inches)

Birds Nest by Gorham

2011-10-17T05:30:00.000-04:00

A very unique pattern introduced by Gorham in 1865, Birds Nest is more a work of art than an eating utensil.

Ice Serving Spoon Large (9 inches)

Large Cut Pie Knife (10 1/2 inches)

Long Cream Ladle (6 1/2 inches)

Pierced Nut Serving Spoon (4 1/2 inches)

Preserve Spoon (9 1/8 inches)

Solid Pudding Serving Spoon (10 3/4)

Old Style Salad Fork

2011-10-14T05:30:00.000-04:00

I honestly cannot tell any difference, short of the name, between the Old Style Salad Fork and the regular Salad Fork. Some of the old style have three tines, some have four. The length is comparable. They are not found in many patterns. Old Newberry by Towle actually has two sizes of the Old Style Salad fork (go figure). Whatever the case, here are some examples.

Old Colonial by Towle (6 3/8 inches)

Old English by Towle ( 6 1/8)

Old Newberry by Towle (7 inches) and small size (6 1/4 inches)

San Lorenzo by Tiffany (6 7/8 inches)

Versailles by Gorham (6 3/4 inches)

Pea Server (Part 3)

2011-10-12T05:30:00.000-04:00

Although I have posted two other times on this piece, the Pea Server is unique in that the design of the bowl itself is a little different in each pattern, making it a very interesting piece. Also, it is found in most sterling patterns.

Stieff Rose by Kirk Stieff (8 inches)

Repousse by Kirk Steiff (9 1/8 inches)

Morning Glory by Alvin (9 inches)

Birds Nest by Gorham

Chrysanthemum by Tiffany

Dirkson-Filegree by Dirkson (7 1/4 inches)

Blossom by Dominick and Haff

2011-10-10T05:30:00.000-04:00

Blossom was introduced by Dominick and Haff in 1905. A beautiful ornate pattern with a flower motif on the terminal, flowers and leaves on the stem, and various floral decorations on the shoulders on the different pieces. Some of the serving pieces are particularly lovely. The lettuce fork is one of my favorites.

Dinner Fork ( 7/12 inches)

Salad Fork (5 /34 inches)

Gravy Ladle (6 inhces)

Cold Meat Fork (7 1/4 inches)

Asparagus Fork (9 inches)

Lettuce Fork (8 1/2 inches)

Oyster Fork (5 1/2 inches)

Jelly Trowel Revisted (Part 2)

2011-10-07T05:30:00.000-04:00

I first mentioned this piece in an earlier post. (Another "jelly" utensil)

Apollo by Knowles and Mount Vernon (7 3/8 inches)

Baltimore Rose by Schofield (6 7/8 inches)

Nuremburg by Alvin (7 1/4 inches)

Old Colonial by Towle (7 1/2 inches)

Trianon Pierced by Dominck and Haff 8( inches)

Old Style Salad Fork

2011-10-05T05:30:00.000-04:00

The Old Style Salad Fork differs from the regular salad fork in that the shoulders are wider and the styles are a little more decorative. This piece is not found in every pattern.

Old Newberry by Towle (7 inches)

Old Colonial by Towle (6 3/8 inches)

Versailles by Gorham (6 1/4 inches)

Regent by Durgin

2011-10-03T05:30:00.000-04:00

Regent, an extremely elegant pattern issued by Durgin in 1901.

Serving Spoon ( 9 5/8 inches)

Asparagus Server (10 inches)

Small Ice Cream Spoon (Part 2)

2011-09-30T05:30:00.000-04:00

More examples of the Small Ice Cream Spoon that I posted on earlier.

Orange Blossom by Alvin (5 1/4 inches)

Chrysanthemum by Tiffany (5 1/2 inches)

Wave Edge by Tiffany (6 1/8 inches)

Imperial Queen by Whiting (5 1/4 inches)

Luxembourg by Gorham (5 3/4 inches)

Mustard Spoon (Part 2)

2011-09-28T05:30:00.000-04:00

More Mustard Spoons to follow up on an earlier post. Small but elegant pieces.

Virginiana by Gorham (4 1/2 inches)

Stratford by International (4 5/8 inches)

Lancaster by Gorham (4 1/2 inches)

Warwick by International (4 5/8 inches)

Raleigh by Alvin (5 inches)

Pomona by Towle (5 1/4 inches)

Louvre by Wallace

Orchids by Towle (5 3/8 inches)

Florence by International (4 5/8 inches)

Fleury by Gorham

2011-09-26T05:30:00.000-04:00

Fleury by Gorham was designed by William C. Codman and issued in 1909.

Demitasse Spoon (4 1/8 inches)

Small Berry Spoon (7 3/4 inches)

Cream Ladle (5 3/4 inches)

Salad Serving Fork (8 1/2 inches)

Small Sugar Tongs (4 1/8 inches)

Pickle Forks (Three Tine)

2011-09-23T05:30:00.000-04:00

I posted on Two Tine Pickle Forks earlier. Here is its cousin, the Three Tine Pickle Fork.

Rustic by Towle (6 inches)

Chippendale Old by Alvin (6 inches)

Bridal Bouquet by Alvin

Della Robbia by Alvin (5 5/8 inches)

Lily of the Valley by Whiting (6 3/8 inches)

Cucumber Server (Part 3)

2011-09-21T05:30:00.000-04:00

I posted earlier on this beautiful serving piece. Here are more Cucumber Servers.

Douvaine by Unger (6 7/8 inches)

Edgewood by International

La Marquise by Reed and Barton (6 1/4 inches)

Layfayette by Mount Vernon (6 1/4 inches)

Lancaster by Gorham (5 3/4 inches)

Paris by Gorham (7 1/8 inches)

Rose by Wallace (6 3/8 inches)

Chantilly by Gorham (6 1/8 inches)

Buttercup by Gorham (5 3/4 inches)

Sets of Silverware (Part 2)

2011-09-19T06:26:00.000-04:00

Just as I stated in my earlier post on the prices of a set of sterling flatware, I am not qualified to appraise silver, these are just prices I came across at one time (and are just a snapshot - I am sure they vary day to day, vendor to vendor), but they give you some idea of the retail value of these sets.

Violet by Wallace (1904) ($2,800) 55 pieces

La Scalla by Gorham (1964) ($3,500) 64 pieces

Chantilly by Gorham (1895) ($3,600) 82 pieces

Acanthus by George Jenson (1917) ($8,900)

Broom Corn by Tiffany (1890) ($45,000)

Chrysanthemum by Tiffany (1880) ($25,000)

Flora by Shielber (1890) ($22,000)

Love Disarmed by Reed and Barton (1899) ($6,500)

Mayonnaise Ladle

2011-09-16T02:30:00.000-04:00

A year or two ago, I posted a list of the different types of ladles one can find in sterling patterns. This is the Mayonnaise ladle which tend to be 4 1/2 to be 5 1/2 inches long (with one or two being 7 or 8 inches).

Buttercup by Gorham (5 1/2 inches)

Charles II by Dominick and Haff (5 1/8 inches)

Douvaine by Unger (4 3/4 inches)

Madame Jumel by Gorham (5 1/4 inches)

Fleury by Gorham (5 inches)

Oval Twist by Whiting (5 inches)

Escargot Fork

2011-09-14T05:47:00.001-04:00

Escargot Forks are few and far between in patterns. I could only find several examples and only photographs of these two.

Trajan by Reed and Barton (5 1/2 inches)

Sulgrave by Mount Vernon (3 7/8 inches)

Iris by Durgin

2011-09-12T02:34:00.000-04:00

Iris by Durgin/Gorham is a fabulous pattern (in my humble opinion) with the rich ornate motif of irises on the terminal with the long intertwined leaves making up the stem. The pattern was introduced in 1900 by Durgin which was later bought by Gorham. An interesting feature is the serving pieces. You will not find them in this pattern. The serving pieces for this "Iris" pattern are included in the New Art pattern by Durgin, which also has pieces listed as "Narcissus", "Orange Blossom", and "Lily".

Teaspoon (5 3/4 inches)

Fork (8 inches)

Salad Fork (6 1/4 inches)

Cold Meat (9 1/8 inches)

Berry Spoon (9 1/2 inches)

Ice Spoon (9 1/4 inches)

Gravy Ladle (8 inches)

Lettuce Serving Spoon

2011-09-09T05:21:00.001-04:00

An elegant piece, the Lettuce Spoon has a long thin stem and often has lovely decoration on the bowl. Not found in every pattern.

Cordova by Towle (7 3/4 inches)

Buttercup by Gorham (10 1/2 inches)

Empire by Towle (9 inches)

New Vintage by Durgin (8 1/2 inches)

Canterbury by Towle

Cloeta by International (8 1/4 inches)

Tomato Server (Part 3)

2011-09-07T05:48:00.005-04:00

I have posted earlier on the Tomato Server. One of the elegant serving pieces that can be found in most patterns. It can be pierced or solid.

Nuremburg by Alvin (7 1/2 inches)English King by Tiffany (7 3/4 inches)

Richlelieu by Tiffany (7 3/4 inches)

Adam by Whiting

Ailanthus by Tiffany (7 3/4 inches)

Broom Corn by Tiffany (8 inches)

Carnation by Wallace (7 7/8 inches)

Pompadour by Durgin

2011-09-05T05:02:00.000-04:00

I have already covered Pompadour by Whiting, this is Pompadour by Durgin, which was introduced in 1890.

Salad Fork (6 1/2 inches)

Old Style Ice Cream Spoon

2011-09-02T04:40:00.001-04:00

The Old Style Ice Cream Spoon is just a different style.

Versailles By Gorham (5 7/8 inches)

Atlantis by Tiffany (5 1/1 inches)

Broom Corn by Tiffany (5 5/8 inches)

Hindostanee by Gorham (4 7/8 inches)

Honey Spoon

2011-08-31T04:00:00.001-04:00

Sometimes referred to as a Honey Serving spoon the Honey Spoon is used for serving honey at the table.

Carmel by Wallace (5 1/2 inches)

Imperial Chrysanthemum by Durgin (6 inches)

Wave Edge by Tiffany

Florentine by Alvin (6 1/2 inches)

Versailles by Gorham

2011-08-29T04:37:00.000-04:00

Designed by Anton Heller and introduced by Gorham in 1885. The design of each terminal of the pieces of the Versailles pattern is said to be inspired by a scene from the palace at Versailles. Some of the designs come from the windows, some from the statutes, the artwork, etc. Very typical for the intricacy and incredible art of Heller designs. After Olympian, maybe one of his finest work, probably the most popular of the Heller patterns sold by Gorham.

Fish Fork (6 5/8 inches)

Short Handle Chocolate Spoon (4 5/8 inches)

Fruit/orange Spoon (5 7/8 inches)

Ice Cream Spoon (4 7/8 inches)

Large Solid Shell Berry Serving Spoon (9 1/8 inches)

Sugar Shell (6 1/8 inches)

Medium Solid Meat Serving Fork (8 1/4 inches)

Lobster Fork (Part 2)

2011-08-26T04:29:00.001-04:00

Last year I had an earlier post on Lobster Forks. Here are some more examples. Few patterns have them.

Orange Blossom by Alvin (6 inches)

Fleur De Lis by Alvin (6 1/4 inches)

William Penn by Alvin (6 1/4 inches)

Old Colonial by Towle (6 inches)

Florentine by Alvin (6 1/8 inches)

Individual Salt Spoon

2011-08-24T03:50:00.001-04:00

I posted on the Master Salt Spoons earlier. Here are the Individual Salt Spoons that would have been part of each place settings. They are the smallest piece of any pattern, measuring as small as 2 1/2 inches. They can be found in most patterns, especially the older ones. I think they are neat in that even in their size the intracity of the pattern in show in detail.

Imperial Chrysanthemum by Gorham (2 1/2 inches)

Luxembourg by Gorham (2 3/4 inches)

Madame Jumel by Whiting (2 3/8 inches)

Bridal Bouquet by Alvin (2 3/4 inches)

Repousse by Kirk Stieff (2 3/8 inches)

Jack and Jill by Tiffany

2011-08-22T04:07:00.000-04:00

Jack and Jill was one the "not-full-line" patterns designed by Tiffany. There is a line based on children's stories that are found on children's flatware pieces, such as the Junior spoon, Junior Fork, Junior Knife, and Food Pusher. There are two other patterns in the series Bo Peep and Red Riding Hood. These pieces are exceptionally rare.

Junior Spoon (6 1/2 inches)

Medicine Spoon

2011-08-19T04:00:00.001-04:00

The Medicine Spoon is unique with its "hooded" scoop like shape (with the exception of the Tiffany design). These pieces are rarely seen.

Lucerne by Wallace (5 7/8 inches)

Venetia by Saart Brothers (5 3/8 inches)

Chrysanthemum by Tiffany (5 5/8 inches)

Bridal Flower by Watson

2011-08-15T03:40:00.000-04:00

Bridal Flower was introduced by Watson in 1910.

Sugar Shell (5 1/2 inches)

Fork (7 1/8 inches)

Preserve Spoon (6 inches)

Ice Cream Fork (5 1/2 inches)

Salad Fork (6 inches)

Butter Spreader (5 1/2 inches)