Pearl by Frank Whiting

Whiting's Pearl pattern dates back to 1888. This is the newest addition to my collection. The pattern is elegant in its simplicity.

Pie Fork

Elaine by Lunt

Lunt's Elaine pattern dates all the way back to 1893. It is Rococo in design. Note the decorative elements on the edge of the pie knife and the wave in the stems of each piece.

Oval Soup Spoon (7 inches)

Large Pie Knife (8 1/4 inches)

Tea (Youth) Fork (6 1/8 inches)

Fish Place Knife 2

Here are some more examples of the Fish Place Knife. I posted on this earlier.

Melrose by Gorham (8 3/8 inches)

Repousse by Kirk (8 inches)

Pointed Antique by  Reed and Barton (7 3/4 inches)

Newport Scroll by Gorham (8 3/4 inches)

Martha Washington by Dominick and Haff

 In 1928 Dominick and Haff introduced Martha Washington. 

Pastry Server ( 8 7/8 inches)

Dinner Fork (8 inches)

Sugar Shell (6 1/2 inches)

Cheese Server (6 inches)

1700 and Counting

Today's post is my 1700th on this blog. The earliest post that I can pull up was dated November 25, 2009. I had no idea I had been blogging on this subject for 11 years. Since then I have changed jobs multiple times, moved 3 times (2 states), one daughter got married, we now have 2 granddaughters, and all along I have managed to build a wonderful collection of different sterling silver flatware piece.

For birthdays, Christmas, and other gift giving occasions I have received many lovely pieces from friends and family. And, although they do not share my passion, they proudly tell stories about how or where they found the piece. So now they are always on the lookout in antique stores, estate sales, the random auction, and flea market for a unique old piece, usually monogrammed. 

They are amused when they learn that their find was some obscure utensil developed by the Victorians to serve and enjoy some specific fruit, meat, soup, or dish. They find there is jam spoon AND a jelly spoon (one never serves jam with a jelly spoon). And 3 different soup spoons (cream, gumbo, and bouillon)? Seriously? And, we will not even get into the Horseradish or Marrow scoops, the terrapin pieces, or even the different place pieces for various types of seafood. (I have always said the Victorians never met a food they did not develop a specific silver piece with which to eat it and/or serve it.) 

There are 56 unique place pieces for each place setting. Of course they are never on the table at the same time. Luckily the Victorians and Edwardians had knowledgeable staff who ensured each course was served with correct piece.

All this has been a labor of love. And, as far as I can see, I am nowhere done as there are stills 100's patterns I have yet to identify. 

But, what has motivated me the most has been you, my loyal readers. Given I am recognizing this anniversary of my blog, I would appreciate each of you posting a comment as to why you read the blog, what you find most interesting, and what, if anything you have learned.

But most of all, thank you for joining me on this fabulous ride.

Ann Currie

La Salle by Dominick and Haff

 Another pattern by Dominick and Haff, La Salle was introduced in 1928.

Sugar Tongs (4 3/8 inches)

Sugar Spoon (6 1/4 inches)

Lemon Fork (4 3/8 inches)

Preserve Spoon (7 7/8 inches)

Ice Serving Spoon 2

I posted on Ice Serving Spoons earlier. Here are some more examples.

Chantilly by Gorham (8 3/4 inches)

English King by Tiffany (9 inches)

Mount Vernon by Lunt (8 inches)

Bridal Rose by Alvin (7 5/8 inches)

Century by Dominick and Haff

 Dominick and Haff introduced their  Century pattern, appropriately, in 1900.

Large Sardine Fork (5 3/4 inches)

Long Handler Chocolate Muddlr (7 inches)

Fish Fork (7 inches)

Fruit Knife (6 5/8 inches)

Drury Lane by Towle

 If I remember correctly, the Muffin Man lived on Drury Lane. Not sure if Towle's pattern by the same name was introduced in 1939.

Dinner Fork (8 inches)

Bon Bon Spoon (4 /78 inches)

Sugar Tongs (4 inches)

Dorothy Bradford by Towle

 Towle's Dorothy Bradford pattern dates back to 1913. I'm not sure who this pattern was named for. There were several well known "Dorothy Bradford's".  There was Dorothy Elizabeth Bradford, the British Painter (1897-1986). And also there was Dorothy Bradford who came to America on the Mayflower and was the wife of William Bradford, who served as the governor of Plymouth Colony. Your pick!

Dinner Fork (7 1/4 inches)

Butter Spreader (5 3/8 inches)

Sugar Spoon (5 3/8 inches)