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?

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Zyphyr by Wood and Hughes

In 1870 Wood and Hughes introduced their Zyphyr pattern.

Master Salt Spoon (3 7/8 inches)
Wood & Hughes Zephyr (Sterling,1870) Master Salt Spoon

Old Style Pickle Fork (6 1/4 inches)

Wood & Hughes Zephyr (Sterling,1870) Old Style Pickle Fork

Ice Serving Tongs( 6 1/2 inches)
Wood & Hughes Zephyr (Sterling,1870) Large Ice Serving Tongs

Monday, November 4, 2019

Cashmere by Wood and Hughes

Wood and Hughes' Cashmere pattern was introduced in 1878. 

Large Soup Ladle (13 inches)

Wood & Hughes Cashmere (Sterling, 1878) Large Soup Ladle, Bright Cut Solid Piece

Berry Spoon ( 7 5/8 inches)
Wood & Hughes Cashmere (Sterling, 1878) Small Brtcut Berry/Casserole Spoon

Friday, November 1, 2019

Medallion (aka Warrior) by Wood and Hughes

Wood and Hugh's Medallion (aka Warrior) pattern dates back to 1870.

Table Serving Spoon (8 1/4 inches)
Wood & Hughes Medallion (Sterling,1870) Coin Silver Tablespoon (Serving Spoon)

Gravy Ladle (7 3/8 inches)
Wood & Hughes Medallion (Sterling,1870) Solid Gravy Ladle

Mustard Spoon (5 inches)

Wood & Hughes Medallion (Sterling,1870) Coin Mustard Spoon

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Louis XV by Wood and Hughes

Wood and Hughes introduced their Louis XV in 1880.

Sardine Fork (6 inches)
Wood & Hughes Louis XV (Sterling, 1880) Sardine Serving Fork Tined Large Bright Cut

Cheese Scoop (7 1/2 inches)
Wood & Hughes Louis XV (Sterling, 1880) Solid Cheese Scoop


Dinner Knife (HH) (7 1/ inches)
Wood & Hughes Louis XV (Sterling, 1880) Blunt Hollow Knife with Bolster

Monday, October 28, 2019

Kristine by Hans Hensan

Kristine is another Hans Hensan.

Dinner Knife (8 3/4 inches)
Hans Hansen Kristine (Sterling) Modern Hollow Knife


Friday, October 25, 2019

Koldring aka Arvesolv #5 by Hensan

Hans Hansan was a Danish silversmith. His patterns, mostly from the 1920s, are primarily Art Deco in design. He was from Koldridge, Denmark, so I can only assume that was the basis of this pattern's name.

Normally I stick to American Sterling, but I thought I would venture out in case someone found some of is pieces in their Grandmother's buffet.


This is his  Koldring aka Arvesolv #5 pattern. 

Roast Carving Fork (10 1/4 inches)
Hans Hansen Koldring (Sterling) Large Stainless-Prong Roast Carving Fork
Dinner Fork (7 inches)
Hans Hansen Koldring (Sterling) Fork


Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Oriental by Shielber

Shielber's Oriental pattern dates back to around 1860.

Fork (7 inches)
George W Shiebler Oriental (Sterling, 1855-1860) Fork

Tablespoon (8 1/4 inches)

George W Shiebler Oriental (Sterling, 1855-1860) Tablespoon (Serving Spoon)

Monday, October 21, 2019

Adam by Shreve

Shreve introduced their Adam pattern in 1909. It was designed by Joseph E. Birmingham.  He also designed Delores (1909) and Napoleonic (1905).

Small Steak Carving (8 1/4)

Shreve Silver Adam (Sterling, 1909, No Monograms ) Small Steak Carving Fork with Stainless Prongs

Ice Cream Fork (5 inches)

Shreve Silver Adam (Sterling, 1909, No Monograms ) Ice Cream Fork

French Hollow Knife (9 1/2 inches)

Shreve Silver Adam (Sterling, 1909, No Monograms ) New French Hollow Knife

Friday, October 18, 2019

Winchester by Shreve

Shreve introduced their Winchester pattern in 1910

Olive Spoon (6 1/8 inches)

Shreve Silver Winchester (Sterling,1910) Pierced Bowl Short Handle Olive Spoon

Cheese Scoop (8 1/4 inches)

Shreve Silver Winchester (Sterling,1910) Large Cheese Scoop, Solid Piece
Dinner Fork (7 3/ inches)

Shreve Silver Winchester (Sterling,1910) Fork

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Athenian by Reed and Barton

Reed and Baton introduced their Anthenian pattern in 1891.

Vegetable Serving Spoon (8 3/4 inches)

Reed & Barton Athenian (Sterling, 1891) Vegetable Serving Spoon (Solid)

Mustard Spoon (5 1/8 inches)

Reed & Barton Athenian (Sterling, 1891) Mustard Spoon