Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: Asparagus Tongs

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 Asparagus Tongs. Show all posts

Monday, February 8, 2021

Villa Norfolk aka Norfolk by Gorham

Gorham's Villa Norfolk aka Norfolk was introduced in 1904.

Salad Fork (5 7/8 inches)

Asparagus Tongs (4 1/2 inches)

Demitasse Spoon (3 3/4 inches)

Cream Ladle (5 3/4 inches)

Monday, February 17, 2020

Bird by Wendt

Wendt's Bird pattern dates back to 1985. It is a multi motif pattern of different birds.

Salad Serving Spoon (11 1/2 inches)

John R Wendt Bird (Sterling, 1865) Salad Serving Spoon Solid Oversize Bright Cut

John R Wendt Bird (Sterling, 1865) Salad Serving Spoon Solid Oversize Bright Cut

Cheese Serving Knife (8 inches

John R Wendt Bird (Sterling, 1865) Cheese Serving Knife Bright Cut

Cracker Spoon (9 1/4 inches)
John R Wendt Bird (Sterling, 1865) Cracker Spoon

Asparagus Tongs (10 inches)
John R Wendt Bird (Sterling, 1865) Bright Cut Solid Yoked Asparagus Tongs

Friday, October 11, 2019

Athenian by Whiting

Whiting introduced their Athenian pattern in 1890.

Dinner Fork (7 1/2 inches)
Whiting Division Athenian (Sterling, 1890) Fork

Soup Ladle (11 1/2 inches)
Whiting Division Athenian (Sterling, 1890) Solid Soup Ladle

Asparagus Tongs (4 1/2 inches)

Whiting Division Athenian (Sterling, 1890) Solid Individual Asparagus Tongs

Sugar Spoon (6 inches)

Whiting Division Athenian (Sterling, 1890) Sugar Spoon

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Grande Imperiale By Buccellati

Grande Imperiale By Buccellati only dates back to 1970.

Cocktail/Seafood Fork (5 7/8 inches)

Large Solid Fish Serving Fork (9 3/8 inches)

Pierced Vegetable Serving Spoon (8 3/4 inches)

Solid Piece Asparagus Tongs (10 1/2 inches)

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Nathan Hale by Lunt

Not every hero gets a sterling pattern named after them. Nathan Hale by International was introduced in 1912. According to Wikipedia -

"Nathan Hale (June 6, 1755 – September 22, 1776) was an American soldier and spy for the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. He volunteered for an intelligence-gathering mission in New York City but was captured by the British and executed. Hale has long been considered an American hero and, in 1985, he was officially designated the state hero of Connecticut."

Now you know the rest of the story.

Strawberry Fork (4 3/4 inches)

Cucumber Server (5 7/8 inches)

Individual Asparagus Tongs

Relish Spoon (6 inches)

Monday, April 16, 2018

Empire by Buccellati

Buccellati's Empire pattern was introduced in 1970. For a relatively newer pattern, this design is more of an older one with detail. "Empire" is a popular name for sterling patterns. There are also Empire by Ercuis, Whiting's Empire (1892) , Durgin's Empire (1895) and, Empire by Towle (1894), Empire by Shreve or Durgin.

Sauce Ladle (with spout) (7 1/8 inches)