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, February 28, 2020

H28 by Gorham


Gorham has a pattern that dates back to 1864 called "Bacchus".  The face on the tip of the terminal is Bacchuss, the Roman god of the grape harvest. Then there are the grapes on the stem that continue the theme. Their H28 pattern (shown below) looks very similar to the Bacchus pattern

Punch Ladle (14 1/2 inches)

Gorham Silver H28 (Sterling) Punch Ladle, Solid Piece

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

H239 by Gorham

Gorham's H239 pattern has an open design. It is described as "floral"

Strawberry Fork (5 1/8 inches)
Gorham Silver H239 (Sterling) Individual Berry Fork

Monday, February 24, 2020

Firelight by Gorham

A "newer" pattern Gorham's Firelight was introduced in 1959. The design on the top of the stem resembles a stylialized flame. The more modern sleek lines are those that were popular in the 50's. Also, note that the serving spoon has a plastic bowl, unlike the traditional wooden ones, another sign of the times.

Salad Serving Spoon (with plastic bowl) (12 3/8 inches)


Gorham Silver Firelight (Sterling, 1959) Salad Serving Spoon with Plastic Bowl

Master Butter Knife (7 1//4 inches)

Gorham Silver Firelight (Sterling, 1959) Hollow Handle Master Butter Knife

Pierced Table Serving Spoon (8 5/8 inches)

Gorham Silver Firelight (Sterling, 1959) Pierced Tablespoon (Serving Spoon)


Medium Cold Meat Serving Fork (8 1/2 inches)

Gorham Silver Firelight (Sterling, 1959) Medium Solid Cold Meat Serving Fork