Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: Essex

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 Essex. Show all posts

Monday, October 16, 2017

Essex by Durgin

Essex is a popular sterling pattern name. I posted on Essex by Knowles and Essex by Towle earlier. The following are examples of Essex by Durgin that dates back to 1911.

Bon Bon Tongs (3 3/4 inches)

Pastry Server (8 7/8 inches)

Lemon Fork (5 1/8 inches)

Friday, September 20, 2013

Essex by Towle

What a lovely solid looking pattern. Essex was introduced by Towle in 1890. The terminal has a motif of scrolls, the stem is slim and delicate, leading into a beautiful shoulder on the different pieces.

Sugar Spoon (5 7/8 inches)

Old Style Pickle Fork (5 7/8 inches)

Cream Ladle (5 inches)

Friday, September 13, 2013

Essex by JB and SM Knowles

An exquisite pattern by JB and SM Knowles, Essex was introduced in 1889. The design includes a heavy pattern of scrolls and floral motif.

Sorbet Spoon (5 1/2 inches)

Teaspoon (6 inches)

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Sorbet Spoons

Of all the frozen dessert spoons I have mentioned, the Sorbet Spoon has been neglected. We have the Ice Cream Spoon, Ice Cream Fork, Ice Cream Slicer, Ice Cream Servers, Sherbert Servers, and Sorbet Servers. The unique thing about this piece is the edge of the bowl which tends to be scalloped in most patterns.

Lily by Gorham (5 inches)

Essex by JB and SM Knowles (5 1/2 inches)

Chantilly by Gorham (5 5/8 inches)

Wave Edge by Tiffany (5 1/4 inches)