Wm K. Vanderbilt by Tiffany

This is a private one-of-a-kind silver pattern that was designed for William K. Vanderbilt by Tiffany in 1884. One description I found stated that the flat pieces have an Olympian woman and a stag while the hollow handles have an Olympian man and a lion. Another catalog said the forks and spoons were decorated with the Vanderbilt Coat of Arms on the front. The back of the pieces had Vanderbilt's monogram (WKV) "entwined" with a stag's head. The knives have a scene of Hercules and a lion on the front with his monogram above a lion on the back.

The Sothebys Catalog stated that "This pattern, one of only about ten private few patterns produced by Tiffany in the 19th century, was made for William Kissim Vanderbilt and his redoubtable wife, Alva."

In 2005 Sixty-five pieces of the set (13 dinner knives, 13 dinner forks, 13 dessert knives, 13 dessert forks, and 13 dessert spoons), sold for $42,000 (est. $25,000/35,000).

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Cheese Scoop

The Cheese Scoop is a delightful piece that can be found in two sizes - large and small. The larger used for scooping cheese from large chunks or pieces when being served - the smaller for serving soft cheeses such as cottage cheese or ricotta.

(Florentine by Tiffany 7 1/4 inches)

(Shown in Sandringham by Shiebler)

(Shown in Vine by Tiffany 6 inches also made in 7 1/4 inch size)

(Shown in Dauphin by Durgin 7 inches also made in 8 1/4 inches)

Chocolate Muddlers

I have already discussed Chocolate Spoons, but a Chocolate Muddler is a bit different. Where a spoon is shorter, anywhere from 4 to 5 1/2 inches long, a muddler is longer, as long as 8 3/4 inches. The muddler is more for "agitating" the chocolate before it is served.

(Shown in Irian by Wallace 7 3/4 inches)

(Shown in Georgian by Towle 8 1/4 inches)

(Shown in Rose by Kirk Stieff 6 inches)

(Shown in Eton by Wallace 8 inches)

Bridal Bouquet by Alvin

1930 -1940 The original catalog described the pattern as "All the beauty and charm of flowers, from the delicate beauty of the forget-me-not in the shank of the handle to the wild rose of late summer and the autumn's chrysanthemum are brought out in high relief giving it a special kind of loveliness not found in any other pattern."

(Salad Fork 6 1/2 inches)

(Master Butter Knife)

(2 piece Child Fork and Spoon)

(Fruit Orange Spoon)

Bar Spoon

The Bar Spoon - I assuming its name says it all.

(Shown in Chrysanthemum by Tiffany 9 1/2 inches)

(Shown in Royal Danish by International 12 1/2 inches)

Fruit Knife

The Fruit Knife, like other knives, came in solid and hollow handle. Both are shown here. It interesting, like with the spoons, some patterns differentiate between different fruit. For example here in Imperial Queen by Whiting there is a Fruit Knife and an Orange Knife, which are clearly two different pieces of silver.

(Fruit knife shown in Louis XV by Whiting 6 inches)

(Fruit Knife shown in Imperial Queen by Whiting 6 inches)

(Orange Knife shown in Imperial Queen by Whiting 6 1/2 inches)

(Fruit Knife shown in Blackberry Vine by Tiffany 7 3/4 inches serrated)

(Fruit Knife shown in Blossom by Dominick and Haff 6 3/4 inche serrated)

Georgian by Towle

Georgian was introduced in 1889 and is still in production. It was originally called "Grecian", probably because of the Greek column design that is the base feature of the pattern. Roses are used throughout the pattern and a floral swag can be seen elegantly draped across the top of the column, as if in celebration. The detail in Georgian is unique and displayed on both sides of the handle.

(Individual Steak Knife 8 1/2 inches)

(Butter Spreader 6 1/8 inches)

(Lemon Fork 5 1/8 inches)

(Teaspoon 5 6/8 inches)

(Oyster Fork 6 inches)

Nut Picks

Nut Picks are not a hard piece to figure out. (Not to be confused with a letter opener.) They are used to separate the meat of the nut from the shell. Usually they are used as a place piece, so a full service of sterling would have a pick for every place setting.

Japanese by Tiffany (5 inches)

Louis XIV by Gorham (4 7/8 inches)

Carnation by Wallace (4 1/2 inches)


Rose by Wallace (4 1/2 inches)


Marquis by Frank Whiting (5 1/4 inches)



Oval Twist by Whiting (5 1/8 inches)



Armor by Whiting (5 1/2 inches)



Lotus by Gorham (4 3/4 inches)

Cherry Forks

The Cherry Fork differs from the cocktail, strawberry, lobster, and pickle fork in that it is usually shorter and has 2 tines. In some patterns this fork is referred to as the Canape Fork.

(Shown in Vine by Tiffany 2 3/4 inches)

(Shown in Francis I by Reed and Barton 4 3/8 inches)

Sir Christopher by Wallace

This pattern was designed by William Warren, one of Wallace's top designers (he also designed Grand Baroque). Lifetime Sterling describes the pattern as, "Renowned royal architect Sir Christopher Wren was the inspiration for this ornate pattern introduced in 1936. The High English Renaissance styling and the concept of beauty as a whole is translated into the harmonious proportions in the center shell-symbolizing the sea-surrounded by an intertwining array of foliage, fruit, and flowers, typifying fertility. The sculptural grandeur and fine detailing is evident from every angle of this magnificent flatware ideal for traditional and formal settings and every dining occasion."

(Gravy Ladle 6 1/2 inches)

(Lemon Fork 5 1/2 inches)