Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: Baronial

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 Baronial. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Salad Serving Spoon Part 2 (1 posted 3/27/15)

More examples of the Salad Serving Spoon that I posted on earlier.

Rose by Kirk (8 5/8 inches)

Baronial by Gorham (9 inches)

Chantilly by Gorham (8 7/8 inches)

Buttercup by Gorham (8 3/4 inches)

Click to Enlarge

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Pastry Fork (Part 2)

Several years ago I posted on several Pastry Forks, one of my favorite place pieces in an extended place setting. Usually they are extremely ornate. Here are so more examples.

Baronial by Gorham (5 3/4 inches)

Rose by Wallace ( 6 inches)

Violet by Wallace (6 inches)

Les Six Fleurs by Reed and Barton (6 3/8 inches)

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Gorham's Description of Their Pattern, The Baronial

Several years ago I posted on Gorham's Baronial pattern. Recently I came across a copy of the Gorham Handbook : Sterling Silver Spoons and Forks which is a reproduction of the original such handbook distributed by the Gorham company in 1909. In it they give a description of many of their more popular (and their favorite) patterns.

Their description of "The Baronial" is:

"This pattern in point of design pure Renaissance; is strong and massive, and embodying all the characteristics of that period. Hence this design will be appreciated by those who seek a pattern especially designed to suit massive surroundings."

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Egg Spoon (Part 3)

I have posted on this unique piece several times before. This is one of those pieces I doubt many folks use any more although I think they are lovely pieces.

John Hancock by Lunt (5 inches)

Baronial by Gorham (4 5/8 inches)

Old Colonial by Towle (5 1/8 inches)

Faneuil by Tiffany (4 3/4 inches)

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Baronial by Frank Smith

Frank Smith introduced Baronial in 1920. It was designed by Aurthur J. Stone. It is an elegant pattern with an offset design. The serving pieces are particularly attractive.

Preserve Spoon (7 3/4 inches)

Salad Serving Fork (8 1/4 inches)

Lettuce Serving Fork (8 3/4 inches)

Friday, May 28, 2010

Chow Chow Spoons

Chow Chow is a relish used as a condiment. Although the origins are unknown, it has been used in the southern United States for over 200 years. Chow Chow is not pureed and is served in its chunky consistency. It is served cold with hot foods and usually spice to the main dish. Unlike British Piccalilli, which usually includes cauliflower and turmeric among its ingredients, and Chutney, which typically includes fruit, Chow Chow is made from green tomatoes, cabbage, mustard seed, and some type of hot pepper. And to no one's surprise, the silver companies saw a need for servings pieces. Featured here are Chow Chow spoons, which generally feature a long handle and elongated bowl to reach into the jar of Chow Chow..

Shown in Baronial by Frank Smith (6 inches)

Shown in Chippendale by Towle

Shown in King Richard by Towle

Shown in Old English by Towle