Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: 2021-07-04

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, 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)