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?

Friday, June 4, 2010

Cranberry Server

A serving piece with flat oval piece used with cranberry jelly that was made in molds (much like the canned kind we find now), the Cranberry Server allowed one to slice the cranberry mold and then serve the pieces.


Shown in Old Master by Towle


Shown in Old Colonial by Towle


Shown in Wild Rose -New by International


Shown in Rambler Rose by Towle

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Conch Spoons

I only found examples of Conch Spoons in Tiffany patterns. They are a serving spoon with a uniquely shaped bowl reminiscent of the inside of a shell.

Shown in Lap over Edge (Bugs and Leaves) by Tiffany (9 1/4 inches)





Shown in Strawberry Vine by Tiffany (9 1/2 Inches)


Shown in Wave Edge by Tiffany (9 1/8 inches)

Monday, May 31, 2010

Radiant by Whiting

This pattern was introduced by the Whiting company in 1895. (Whiting has long since been purchased by Gorham). The pattern is exquisite in its detail, with deep lines in the design.


Oversized Salad serving Set

Solid Oversized Serving Salad Set

Asparagus Server (9 1/4 inches)

Solid Asparagus Server

Large Individual Salad Fork (6 1/2 inches)

Large Individual Salad Fork


Master Salt Spoon (3 3/8 inches)

Master Salt Spoon

Small Solid Berry/casserole Spoon

Friday, May 28, 2010

Chow Chow Spoons

Chow Chow is a relish used as a condiment. Although the origins are unknown, it has been used in the southern United States for over 200 years. Chow Chow is not pureed and is served in its chunky consistency. It is served cold with hot foods and usually spice to the main dish. Unlike British Piccalilli, which usually includes cauliflower and turmeric among its ingredients, and Chutney, which typically includes fruit, Chow Chow is made from green tomatoes, cabbage, mustard seed, and some type of hot pepper. And to no one's surprise, the silver companies saw a need for servings pieces. Featured here are Chow Chow spoons, which generally feature a long handle and elongated bowl to reach into the jar of Chow Chow..

Shown in Baronial by Frank Smith (6 inches)


Shown in Chippendale by Towle




Shown in Old English by Towle



Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Buckwheat Cake Server

Actually after doing some research, the term "Buckwheat Cake" refers to Buckwheat pancakes, so the silver companies decided one needed a pancake or Buckwheat Cake Server as well as a Waffle Server (See December 26, 2009). This piece is very rare.


Shown in Beekman by Tiffany (9 1/4 inches)



Shown in Douvaine by Unger

eBay  Image 1 Unger Bros Sterling Silver DOUVAINE Buckwheat Server NR

Shown in Heritage by Reed and Barton

eBay  Image 1 Heritage sterling server buckwheat Reed and & Barton

Shown in Olive by Tiffany (8 1/2 inches)

tiffany buckwheat cake server


Monday, May 24, 2010

Hey, out there!

Gentle readers, I have been writing this blog for six months now, over 110 posts. I know from following Google Analytics that you are from 39 different countries and 48 of the 50 US states plus the District of Columbia, which is impressive and very flattering. But, I don't know who you are and why you visit. Finally after six months, I have one admitted follower, which I appreciate. For the rest of you, please take a moment and post a comment. Let me know your thoughts, certainly you have a view - your two cents (or euros). Of course, I know, be careful what you ask for!

Clematis by Gorham

This an old old Gorham pattern that dates back to 1885. (I found references to another "Clematis" patten by Shiebler I could never find any details.) This is a lovely pattern that seems to age well with its intricate carvings on the front and the back of the pieces.




Sugar Spoon (6 inches)

Sugar Spoon

Cut Pie Knife (9 3/8 inches)

Large Solid Bright Cut Pie Knife

Ice Cream Slicer (11 3/4 inches)

Ice Cream Slice

Salt Spoon (3 1/2 inches)

Salt Spoon




Friday, May 21, 2010

Macaroni Fork

Just a beautiful piece of sterling. This is a Macaroni Fork shown in Chrysanthemum by Tiffany (9 inches). It is delightful pieces like this that keep me interested in sterling silver. Some patterns would call this a Macaroni Server, but in this pattern, it is called a "fork". Whatever it is called, it is a gorgeous work of art.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Food Pusher

Food Pushers were designed for young eaters not quite nimble enough to use their knives. This would help them push their food onto their fork. You can find this piece in most patterns.

Shown in Chantilly by Gorham (4 1/4 inches)

Gorham Silver Chantilly (Sterling,1895,Lion-Anchr-G,Monograms) Solid Food Pusher

Shown in Repousse by Kirk Stieff (3 1/8 inches)

Kirk Stieff Repousse (Sterling, 1924, S.Kirk & Son, Inc.) Food Pusher Solid
Shown in Lily by Whiting (3 1/2 inches)

Whiting Division Lily (Sterling,1902,Lion-Pat.1902) Food Pusher Solid
Shown in Monticello by Lunt (4 1/8 inches)

Lunt Silver Monticello (Sterling,1908) Food Pusher Solid

Monday, May 17, 2010

Coburg by Wallace


This is an older regal English pattern that dates back to 1812. It was first produced by C.J. Vander. Wallace Silversmiths manufactured it between 2000 and 2009. It is now discontinued. The rich design is on the front and the back of each piece.





(Sugar Shell 5 1/4 inches)
Sugar Shell Spoon

(Place Fork 8 1/8 inches)

Fork

(Salad Fork 7 inches)

Individual Salad Fork


(Teaspoon 6 3/8 inches)



Teaspoon