Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: Botticelli

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 Botticelli. Show all posts

Friday, February 8, 2019

Botticelli By Oneida

Unlike Frank Whiting's 1949 pattern by the same name, Onieda's Botticelli pattern. The pattern was designed by Frank R. Perry and introduced in 1972. Perry was a prolific designer. His work for Onieda include Michelangelo (1970), Flower Lane (1956), First Frost (1965), Belle Rose (1963), and Du Maurier (1967).

Salad Fork (6 7/8 inches)

Pierced Tablespoon (8 1/4 inches)

Butter Spreader (6 1/2 inches)

Medium Solid Cold Meat Serving Fork (8 1/2 Inches)

Friday, June 28, 2013

Wired Cheese Cutter

The Wired Cheese Cutter on first glance may look like an odd piece to be in a silver pattern, but it has its place. It is well designed to slice through large hunks of cheese.

Lily Floral by Frank Whiting (8 1/2 inches)

Troubadour by Frank Whiting ( 8 1/8 inches)

Athene by Amston (8 1/2 inches)

Botticelli by Frank Whiting (8 1/2 inches)

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Botticelli by Frank Whiting

Botticelli was introduced by Frank Whiting in 1949. Although the lines are "fussy", one can tell that the styles by the 1940's had changed and the designs were becoming more reserved and less ornate. Compared to Frank Whiting's own Lily that was introduced as late as 1935, the style change is remarkable.

Pierced Casserole Spoon (8 7/8 inches)

Cocktail Seafood Fork (5 5/8 inches)

Salad Serving Fork (9 inches)

Gravy Ladle (6 1/2 inches)

Salad serving Fork ( inches)

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Grape Shears and Poultry Shears

I touched on Grape Shears in an earlier post - a truly unique piece. However, there are also, Poultry Shears, which look much more utilitarian.. Here are some examples of each.

Grape Shears in Acorn by Georg Jensen

Grape Shears in Orchid by Watson

Grape Shears in Persian by Tiffany

Tiffany Persian grape shears

Poultry Shears in Chantilly by Gorham

Poultry Shears in Botticelli by Frank Whiting

Friday, October 8, 2010

One Tine Butter Picks

An odd piece, but one with a mission, the Butter Pick was designed to pick up a cold pat of butter from a plate. The twist on the end gives it a truly unique look. Most are flat handled and usually can be found in most patterns.

Anthene/ Crescendo by Amstom (6 1/8 inches)