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 T. Clulee. Show all posts
Showing posts with label John T. Clulee. Show all posts

Friday, April 22, 2016

Winchester by International

John Clulee designed Winchester for International in 1902. Clulee also designed International's Warwick (1898), Jean d'Arc (1905), Frontenac (1903), Kenilworth (1887) and Stratford (1902) for International.

Cheese Scoop (6 1/8)





Ice Cream Spoon (5 7/8 inches)



Cucumber Server (6 1/2 inches)




Sardine Serving Fork (6 inches)



Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Warwick by International

John T. Clulee designed International's Warwick pattern in 1898. Clulee also designed Jeane d'Arc (1905), Frontenac (1903), Kenilworth (1887) and Stratford (1902) for International. It is a busy but not ornate design with attention paid to the shoulders of the pieces.

Fruit Spoon (5 7/8 inches)




Salad Serving Spoon (8 1/2 inches)


Chipped Beef Fork (6 1/8 inches)



Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Jeanne d'Arc by International

 International introduced Jeanne d'arc in 1905. The pattern was designed by John T. Clulee. He also designed Frontenac, Kenilworth, and Stratford. The terminal tip of this pattern has a fleur de lis motif which I assume is nod to the French.

Medium Cold Meat Serving Fork (8 7/8 inches)


Tea Fork (6 1/4 inches)


Old French Hollow Knife (9 7/8 inches)




Master Salt Spoon (3 3/8 inches)




Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Frontenac by International

Another pattern designed by John T. Clulee, Frontenac by International (1903) was, I think, Clulee's best work. Some sources I found show that the pattern was actually carried by International until 1974. The design  has very detailed lilies on the terminal and part the way down the stem, with a vine gently flowing along the sides between the two blossoms and then twisting from the second blossom down to the shoulder. On the serving piece there are more blossoms, vines, and additional detail. A truly exquisite pattern.

Berry Serving Spoon (9  inches)

Large Solid Berry/casserole Spoon

Cucumber Server (6 5/8 inches)

Large Cucumber Server

Fork (7 1/2 inches)

Fork

Fish Knife (7 5/8  inches)

Individual Solid Fish Knife

Friday, January 31, 2014

Kenilworth by International

John T. Clulee designed Kenilworth for International in 1887. Clulee also designed Stratford for International. A lovely pattern with a rich ornate design on the tip of the terminal that moves into a heavy bead like pattern down either side of the stem. There is a lovely touch at the base of the stem and the shoulders of each piece are edged with a heavy almost brocade like pattern. Altogether, a substantive, yet pretty pattern. One that has aged well.


Orange Spoon (5 3/4 inches)

International Silver Kenilworth (Sterling,1887, Orange Spoon

Strawberry Fork ( 4 5/8 inches)


International Silver Kenilworth (Sterling,1887, Strawberry Fork

Small Sugar Tongs (3 7/8 inches)


International Silver Kenilworth (Sterling,1887, Small Sugar Tongs

Knife 

International Silver Kenilworth (Sterling,1887, Blunt Hollow Knife

Friday, August 17, 2012

Stratford by International

Stratford by Internationl was designed by John T. Clulee and introduced in 1902, making it 110 years old. The Terminal is a more traditional design with a rose at the top and motifs of leaves coming down the sides. However, the bowls  and tines of the serving pieces are quite ornate and elegant with free flowing designs. 

International also makes a stainless pattern called "Stratford" but the designs are not common. 



Small Sugar Sifter (5 1/4 inches)


Solid Cold Meat Serving Fork (6 5/8 inches)



Lettuce Serving Fork (8 3/4 inches)



Fork (Luncheon size) (6 3/4 inches)