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?

Wednesday, July 21, 2021

Trianon by Knowles

Knowles' Trianon pattern dates back to 1889, another excellent example of Victorian design.

Sugar Spoon (5 7/8 inches)

Monday, July 19, 2021

Trellis by Vera Wang

Introduced by Vera Wang, a relative newcomer to the flatware market was first introduced in 2004.

Dinner Fork (8 1/2 inches)

Pierced Table Serving Spoon (8 3/4 inches)

Master Butter Knife - HH (6 3/4 inches)

Normandie by Wallace

Wallace's Normandie pattern was introduced in 1933. It was designed by William S.Warren who also designed Silver Swirl, Rose Point, Sir Christopher, Grand Baroque, and Romance of the Sea. The design includes roses and other small flowers.

Fruit/Orange Spoon (6 inches)

Dinner Knife (9 5/8 inches)

Dinner Fork (7 7/8 inches)

Friday, July 16, 2021

1909 by Mayer

1909 by Joseph Mayer ironically was introduced in 1906.

Fork (7 5/8 inches)

Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Nile by Wallace

Wallace's Nile pattern dates back to 1908.

Waffle Server (7 3/4 inches)

Bouillon Soup Spoon (5 1/4 inches)

Salad Fork (6 1/8 inches)

Butter Spreader (6 1/8 inches)

Monday, July 12, 2021

Emperor by Mauser

Masuer's Emperor pattern was introduced in 1896.

Five O'Clock Teaspoon (5 5/8 inches)

Friday, July 9, 2021

Luxembourg by Reed and Barton

A simpler design compared to Gorham's pattern of the same name, Reed and Barton's Luxembourg pattern was designed by Austin Jackson in 1890.

Fork (7 1/8 inches)

Orange Spoon (6 inches)

Sugar Spoon (6 1/8 inches)

Wednesday, July 7, 2021

Luxembourg by Gorham

Gorham's Luxembourg pattern dates back to 1893.

Berry Fork (4 1/4 inches)

Fork (7 1/4 inches)

Cracker Spoon (7 1/2 inches)

Lettuce Serving Fork

Monday, July 5, 2021

Diadem by Reed and Barton

A newer pattern, Diadem was introduced in 1967. Note the very simple design of the Bon Bon Spoon, usually one of the more ornate pieces in any pattern.

Individual Steak Knife (9 inches)

Cocktail Fork (5 1/2 inches)

Bon Bon Spoon (4 inches)

Copley by International

Reed and Barton's Copley pattern was introduced in 1910. This is an interesting pattern with a place appropriate for engraving on the terminal.

Ice Cream Fork (5 5/8 inches)