Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: Alhambra

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 Alhambra. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Devonshire Cream Ladle

Unlike the other ladles, the Devonshire Cream Ladle has a cup instead of a bowl. It comes in two sizes - long and short. Devonshire cream is a super rich cream that is made by scalding cream. Sometimes it is referred to as "Clotted Cream". It is served with hot and cold dishes, both sweet and savory.

Alhambra by Whiting (7 1/4 inches)

Corinthian by Gorham (6 inches)

Birds Nest by Gorham (6 1/2 inches)

New Tipt by Gorham (5 1/2 inches) (Short Ladle)

Friday, February 27, 2015

Alhambra by Whiting

Whiting introduced their Alhambra pattern in 1880. Given "Alhambra" is the palace and fortress complex located in Granada, Andalusia, Spain, one is not surprised to find the design of this pattern to have Moorish tones.

Pastry Fork (6 1/8 inches)

Oyster Ladle (11 3/8 inches)

Flat Handle Crumber (10 3/8 inches)

Olive Fork (9 3/8 inches)

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Flat Handle Master Butter Knife

There are several types of butter knives or spreaders. These are examples of the flat handle Master Butter Knife which is found in every pattern. The basic silhouette is very similar among the patterns, however some are elaborate in their design.

Louis XV by Durgin (7 inches)