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, August 28, 2020

McKinley by Fessenden

Fessenden's McKinley pattern dates back to 1890. This is a lovely example of Victorian sterling with its ornate design.

Small Cold Meat Serving Fork (7 5/8 inches)

Fessenden Mckinley (Sterling, 1890) Small Solid Cold Meat Serving Fork

Preserve Spoon (5 7/8 inches)

Fessenden Mckinley (Sterling, 1890) Preserve Spoon
Lettuce Serving Fork (8 pieces)

Fessenden Mckinley (Sterling, 1890) Large Lettuce Serving Fork


Wednesday, August 26, 2020

HMD2 by Hamilton and Diesinger

Hamilton and Diesinger intruduced their HMD2 pattern in 1897.

Vegetable Serving Spoon (9 inches)
Hamilton & Diesinger HMD2 (STERLING) Vegetable Serving Spoon (Solid)

Master Butter Knife (7 5/8 inches)

Hamilton & Diesinger HMD2 (STERLING) Flat Handle Master Butter Knife

Small Cold Meat Serving Fork (8 inches)
Hamilton & Diesinger HMD2 (STERLING) Small Solid Cold Meat Serving Fork


Berry Serving Scoop (8 1/4 inches)

Hamilton & Diesinger HMD2 (STERLING) Solid Berry Serving Scoop