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?
Blackinton's Scroll and Bead pattern dates back to 1940. Like the name says it is of the "Bead" design with small dots surrounding the stem. Jelly Server (6 3/8 inches)
Blackinton introduced their Flowered Antique pattern in 1940. It was designed by Charles A. Joslin. The pattern is fairly simple accept for the unique treatment given to the top of the stem.
Helena by Blackinton was introduced in 1900. The terminal has a beaded aged with a "flourished" design on the tip. There is another design element that separates the terminal from the stem and the stem itself is contours and widens at the base for another design motif. The serving pieces are very beautifully detailed in their design. Preserve Spoon ( 7 3/4 inches)
Small Meat Serving Fork ( 7 5/8 inches) Short Handled Olive Spoon (6 3/8 inches)
Once again Thistle is a Blackinton pattern that I cannot find the date when it was introduced. Each piece is decorated with a very ornate and distinctive pattern of the thistle bush, leaves, and flower. It is well carried out and a lovely pattern.
I could not find the year Blackinton introduced Sweetbrier. The design of the pattern has several leaves in the terminal and several blossoms and leaves on the top of the stem and then again at the bottom of the stem. It is a beautiful pattern that carries the theme well.