Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: Cordova

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 Cordova. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Asparagus Serving Fork Part 2

These are more examples of the Asparagus Serving Fork, (which I have posted on earlier) and which differs from the Asparagus Server. It is a truly beautiful piece in any pattern.

Lancaster by Gorham (9 1/8 inches)

Cordova by Towle (9 1/2 inches)

Virginia Carvel by Towle (8 5/8 inches)

Old English by Towle (9 1/2 inches)

Monday, August 4, 2014

Cordova by Towle

Towle introduced their Cordova pattern in 1902. It is a fairly modest design of a beaded edge with the terminal tipped with a fan that is knotted in a unique fashion. However, the beauty in the design is the exquisite fret work in the tines of the forks and serving pieces.

Salad Fork (5 3/4 inches)

Large Sardine Serving Fork (4 3/4 inches)

Cucumber Server (6 1/8 inches)

Flat Handle Butter Spreader (6 inches)

Friday, June 29, 2012

Cucumber Server (Part 4)

More Cucumber Servers. Like the earlier posts of this piece, some have teeth, some don't. Either way, it is a lovely piece.

Imperial Chrysanthemum by Gorham (6 1/8 inches)
Large Cucumber Server

Canterbury by Towle (7 5/8 inches)
Large Cucumber Server

Cordova by Towle (6 1/8 inches)

Large Cucumber Server

Lily by Whiting (6 inches)
Large Cucumber Server

Wild Rose by International (6 3/8 inches)
Large Cucumber Server

La Marquise by Reed and Barton ( 6 1/4 inches)
Small Cucumber/tomato Server

Friday, April 15, 2011

Lettuce Serving Fork

An interesting serving piece, the Lettuce Serving Fork has the general same form in most patterns.

Renaissance by Dominick and Haff (8 3/8 inches)
Large Lettuce Serving Fork

Mazarin by Dominick and Haff ( 9 3/8 inches)

Lettuce Fork

Watteau by Durgin (9 7/8 inches)
Large Lettuce Serving Fork

Lily of the Valley by Whiting (9 3/8 inches)
Small Twist Handle Lettuce Serving Fo

Luxembourg by Gorham (11 1/4 inches)
Large Lettuce Serving Fork

Waverly by Wallace (8 3/4 inches)
Large Lettuce Serving Fork

Heraldic by Whiting (9 1/8 inches)
Large Lettuce Serving Fork

Cordova by Towle (7 3/4 inches)
Large Lettuce Serving Fork

Friday, March 18, 2011

Master Salt Spoon

Larger than individual salt spoons, but still miniature pieces. The Master Salt Spoon is usually four inches or less in length.

Watteau by Durgin (4 inches)