Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: Charles Grosjean

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 Charles Grosjean. Show all posts

Friday, July 18, 2014

Wave Edge by Tiffany

Wave Edge was introduced by Tiffany in 1884 and is another pattern designed by Charles Grosjean. He also designed one of Tiffany's mixed metal pattern, Chrysanthemum (1880), and Lap over Edge in (1880 ) one of Tiffany's more detailed and complex patterns.

Sugar Sifter (7 inches)

Fish Fork (6 1/2 inches)

Large Ice Cream Slicer ( 11 3/8 inches)

Fruit/ Orange Spoon ( 6 1/8 inches)

Monday, January 21, 2013

Chrysanthemum by Tiffany

There are many Chrysanthemum patterns in sterling silver. I mentioned several in an earlier post on Chrysanthemum patterns. Tiffany's Chrysanthemum was designed by Charles Grosjean in 1880. Grosjean is also known for his design of the well known "Lap over Edge" mixed metal patterns for Tiffany.

On the very tip of the terminal of this pattern, you will find a Chrysanthemum flower open with the petals hanging down. The stem and terminal are covered with a design of petals and leaves. There is an open space on the terminal for engraving. This is a truly beautiful pattern and timeless given it is 133 years old.

Ice Cream Spoon (5 7/8 inches)

Place Salad Fork (6 5/8 inches)

Individual Salt Spoon (2 1/4 inches)

Large Ice Cream Server (11 inches)

Friday, August 20, 2010

Lap Over Edge by Tiffany (Mixed Metals)

This pattern by Tiffany is offered in different forms. This particular design is "mixed metals". Lap Over Edge is one of Tiffany's most detailed and complex patterns. The motiffs are three dimensional and of natural designs, representing flora and fauna. This is one of their Japanese patterns. The details and enhancements are true art. These pieces are now valued by collectors with some individual pieces costing as much as $7k.

The pattern was designed by Charles Grosjean and introduced in 1880. It became inactive in 1904.

Teaspoon (with gold ivy leaves with berries) (6 inches)