Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: Flora

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 Flora. Show all posts

Friday, April 20, 2018

Flora by Reed and Barton

In 1890, Reed and Barton introduced their Flora pattern. The design is an intricate one of flowers and swirls decorating the handle from terminal to the shoulder of the piece.

Demitasse Spoon (3 7/8 inches)

Fork (7 1/8 inches)

Salad Serving Spoon (9 inches)

Cake Server (9 3/8 inches)

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Flora by Shiebler

Flora is another one of George W. Shiebler's patterns that is multi-motif, in that there are various designs on different pieces. In this pattern there are up to 15 different designs. The pattern was introduced sometime between 1887- 1890. Each different motif is a heavy design that is definite and clearly depicts whatever flower it is. Here are several examples.

Fruit Spoon (5 3/4 inches)

Demitasse Spoon (4 1/4 inches)

Teaspoon (5 1/2 inches)

Gravy Ladle (7 1/4 inches)

Friday, November 25, 2011

Pate Spreader (Part 2)

I posted about Pate Knives and Spreaders earlier. These are examples of the Pate Spreader, which has a wider blade than the knife.

Flora by Shielbler (4 1/2 inches)

Louis XV by Gorham (5 inches)

Twist by Whiting (4 1/4 inches)

Louis XV by Durgin (5 inches)

Monday, September 19, 2011

Sets of Silverware (Part 2)

Just as I stated in my earlier post on the prices of a set of sterling flatware, I am not qualified to appraise silver, these are just prices I came across at one time (and are just a snapshot - I am sure they vary day to day, vendor to vendor), but they give you some idea of the retail value of these sets.

La Scalla by Gorham (1964) ($3,500) 64 pieces