Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: John Hancock

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 John Hancock. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Egg Spoon (Part 3)

I have posted on this unique piece several times before. This is one of those pieces I doubt many folks use any more although I think they are lovely pieces.

John Hancock by Lunt (5 inches)

Baronial by Gorham (4 5/8 inches)

Old Colonial by Towle (5 1/8 inches)

Faneuil by Tiffany (4 3/4 inches)

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Joint Holder

A truly utilitarian piece, the Joint Holder was designed to hold the joint of a piece of meat with one hand while the other held the knife for carving. They are rather large pieces from 10 to 11 1/2 inches/

John Hancock by Lunt (10 3/8 inches)

Repousse by Kirk Stieff (10 3/8 inches)

Imperial Chrysanthemum by Gorham (11 inches)

Old Lace by Towle (11 1/4 inches)

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Sandwich Fork

Another serving piece, the Sandwich Fork is self explanatory.

John Hancock by Lunt (7 inches)

Mary Chilton by Towle (7 1/4 inches)

King Edward by Gorham

Lafayette by Towle

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

John Hancock by Lunt

Lunt introduced John Hancock in 1911. It was designed by George C. Lunt who also designed Chatelaine (aka Enid) in 1894. To be named for such a distinguished gentleman, the pattern has feminine features such as a ribbon at the case of the terminal. Beading is draped across the top of the terminal below a shell and cornice design that reminds me of the features one would see above the mantle of a very fancy colonial home.

Teaspoon (5 3/4 inches)

Bon Bon Tongs (3 5/8 inches)

Baby Fork (3 1/2 inches)