Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar

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?

Monday, March 15, 2021

Dowery by Dowery

Dowery's pattern of the same name ("Dowery") was introduced in 1934.

Luncheon Fork (7 inches)

Teaspoon (6 inches)

Friday, March 12, 2021

Bird aka JSK2 by JB and SM Knowles

Knowles' Bird (aka JSK2) pattern is one of an intricate design of leaves, birds, and scroll work - definitely a lovely pattern. It dates back to 1800.

Pastry Server (8 3/4 inches)

Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Greenwich by Fessenden

Fessenden's Greenwich pattern dates back to 1900.

Teaspoon (5 3/4 inches)

Friday, March 5, 2021

Laureate by Whiting

A newer pattern, Whiting's Laureate dates back to only 1968. The lines are simple.

Gravy Ladle (6 7/8 inches)

Lemon Fork (5 5/8 inches)

Pie Server (11 inches)

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Greta by Olrla Vagn Mogensen

Mogensen, like Georg Jensen, is a Danish company. The design of their Greta pattern is similar to the lines of some of Jensen's pattern.

Ice Cream Slicer (10 3/4 inches)

Monday, March 1, 2021

Elmwood by Gorham

Another older, Gorham's Elmwood pattern dates back 1894.

Teaspoon (5 7/8 inches)

Friday, February 26, 2021

Tea Infuser Part 2

I have posted on the Tea Infuser, also referred to as the "Tea Ball Spoon" in an earlier post. This piece is used as we today use a tea bag. For those who still prefer to use loose tea, this is you utensil for a cup of hot tea.

Chantilly by Gorham

Wave Edge by Tiffany

Wreath by Gorham

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Priscilla by Campbell Metcalf

Campbell Metcalf's Priscilla pattern dates back to 1892. The design is a combination of beads, scrolls, and flowers.

Olive Fork (6 inches)

Monday, February 22, 2021

Ice Cream Scoop Part 2

More examples of the Ice Cream Scoop.

Rose Point by Wallace (8 1/4 inches)

Stradivari by Wallace (8 1/8 inches)

King Richard by Towle (8 inches)

Sculptured Rose by Towle (8 7/8 inches)

Friday, February 19, 2021

Herring Serving Fork 2

Here are more examples of the Herring Serving Fork that is found in few patterns, most by Georg Jensen. This makes sense since Jensen is a Norwegian Company and Herring is a very popular dish in that country.

Acorn by Georg Jensen (with black horn) (6 1/4 inches)

Cactus by Georg Jensen (with black horn) 6 5/8 inches

Cactus by Georg Jensen (with natural horn) 6 5/8 inches

Beaded by Georg Jensen (with stainless tines) 6 1/4 inches