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?
Showing posts with label Albert Coles and Co.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Albert Coles and Co.. Show all posts

Friday, October 23, 2020

Stag by Albert Coles

 Albert Coles' Stag pattern dates back to 1865. 


Gravy Ladle (7 3/8 inches)

Albert Coles Stag (Coin) Solid Gravy Ladle

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

Palace by Albert Coles

 Not Sterling but Coin silver, Albert Coles Palace pattern dates back to 1851. 

Teaspoon (6 1/8 inches)

Albert Coles Palace (Coin) Teaspoon

Friday, February 7, 2020

Mille Fleurs by International

Introduced in 1904, International's Mille Fleurs pattern is multi motif. Note the unique designs on each piece.

Orange Spoon (5 7/8 inches)

International Silver Mille Fleurs (Sterling, 1904) Orange Spoon

Short Handle Olive Fork (6 inches)
International Silver Mille Fleurs (Sterling, 1904) Pierced Bowl Short Handle Olive Spoon

Old French Hollow Knife (9 inches)

International Silver Mille Fleurs (Sterling, 1904) Old French Hollow Knife

Butter Spreader (5 5/8 inches)

International Silver Mille Fleurs (Sterling, 1904) Flat Handle Butter Spreader

Monday, January 13, 2020

Kenilworth by Albert Coles

Albert Coles' Kenilworth pattern dates back to 1850. This is when I pause to think - this pattern introduced 169 years ago.

Table Serving Spoon (8 3/8 inches)

Albert Coles Kenilworth (Sterling, 1850) Tablespoon (Serving Spoon)

Master Butter Knife (6 3/4 inches)

Albert Coles Kenilworth (Sterling, 1850) Flat Handle Bright Cut Master Butter

Youth Tee Fork (6 3/4 inches)

Albert Coles Kenilworth (Sterling, 1850) Solid Youth Tea Fork

Friday, April 4, 2014

Imperial by Gorham

Gorham introduced their Imperial pattern in 1891. If you look closely you can see the same basic lines in this design as those in Gorham's Chantilly, King George, and Poppy to name a few. The design is simple with just a plain terminal and stem edged with a double line. An embellishment separates the terminal from the stem.


Salad Fork (6 inches)


Gorham Silver Imperial (Sterling, 1891) Individual Salad/Pastry Fork

Flat Handled Butter Spreader (5 3/8  inches)


Gorham Silver Imperial (Sterling, 1891) Flat Handle Butter Spreader

Bouillon Soup Spoon (5 3/8  inches)

Gorham Silver Imperial (Sterling, 1891) Round Bowl Soup Spoon (Bouillon)


Small Sugar Sifter (5 3/4  inches)


Gorham Silver Imperial (Sterling, 1891) Small Sugar Sifter

Monday, September 30, 2013

Cupid by Albert Coles and Co.

Albert Coles and Co. introduced their Cupid pattern in 1870 (not be confused with the Cupid patterns of Shiebler and Dominick and Haff). The pattern is very distinct image of cupid carrying a horn. The terminal is longer than most patterns and slopes gently into the stem. There is an empty medallion area suitable for engraving. The pattern is quite lovely, especially when one considers it is 143 years old.

Master Salt Spoon (3 1/2 inches)

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Flat Handle Master Butter Knife (7 inches)

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