Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: Charles Osborne

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 Osborne. Show all posts

Friday, January 31, 2020

Keystone by Whiting

Charles Osborne designed the Keystone pattern for Whiting in 1888. Other patterns designed by Osborne include Stuart in 1911 and Arabesque in 1875.

Ice Cream Spoon (6 inches)

Whiting Division Keystone (Sterling, 1888) Ice Cream Spoon Individual

Whiting Division Keystone (Sterling, 1888) Ice Cream Spoon Individual

Sugar Tongs (5 inches)

Whiting Division Keystone (Sterling, 1888) Large Sugar Tongs

Tea Knife (7 1/8 inches)

Whiting Division Keystone (Sterling, 1888) Solid Tea/Child Knife

Monday, September 29, 2014

Stuart by Whiting

Charles Osborne designed Stuart for Whiting and it was introduced in 1911. Osborne also designed Whiting's Arabesque pattern that was introduced in 1875. Although this pattern is somewhat similar to Wendt's pattern of the same name that was introduced in 1870, they should not be confused. Note the griffon in the terminal's design.

Large Sugar Sifter (6 inches)

Pastry Fork (6 3/8 inches)

Solid Pickle Serving Knife (7 inches)

Large Berry Spoon (9 1/4 inches)

Monday, June 4, 2012

Arabesque by Whiting

Arabesque was issued by Whiting in 1875 and was designed by Charles Osborne. The pattern has an elaborate design of a griffon carved on the terminal around a blank medallion suitable for engraving. The stem in straight lines met two thirds of the way down with a square followed by a graceful design that flows onto the shoulder of the piece. Some of the shoulders and bowls have elaborate carvings on them

Ice Cream Spoon (5 1/2 inches)

Pastry Fork (6 1/2 inches)

Vegetable Serving Spoon (9 1/8 inches)

Solid Berry Casserole Spoon (9 1/4 inches)

Large Sugar Sifter (6 inches)