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 Knife. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Knife. Show all posts

Friday, November 9, 2018

Jefferson by Gorham


Gorham introduced their Jefferson pattern with the wreath motif on the terminal in 1907.


Hollow Knife with Bolster 9 7/8 inches


Tomato Server (7 1/2 inches)





Pierced Bowl Short Handle Olive Spoon  (5 3/4 inches)




Soup Spoon (Bouillon)  5 3/8 inches



Monday, August 6, 2018

Silver Masterpiece by International

Silver Masterpiece by International was introduced in 1970.  The 'flat' pieces in this pattern (ie not Hollow Handle) is open - there are open or cut out parts in the design of the temple.


Bottle Opener (6 1/2 inches)



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



Hollow Handle Knife (9 1/4 inches)






Casserole Spoon (8 7/8 inches)








Friday, July 20, 2018

Evening Rose by Lunt

Lunt introduced their Evening Rose pattern in 1952.


Cocktail/Seafood Fork  (5 5/8 inches)



Round Bowl Soup Spoon (Cream Soup) (6 3/8)




Modern Hollow Knife (9 inches)





2-Piece Steak Carving Set




Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Empire by Reed and Barton

Reed and Barton's 1892 Empire pattern is a lovely example of Victorian sterling.

Table Serving Spoon (8 3/8 inches)



Fork (7 3/8 inches)



Old French Hollow Knife ( 3/4 inches)




Friday, September 29, 2017

Sheath of Wheat by Durgin

An old pattern dating back to 1887, Durgin's Sheaf of Wheat  was formerly known as "Tip of Sheaf".


Cream Soup Spoon (5 7/8 inches)



Individual Fish Knife (8 1/4 inches)



Salad Fork (7 1/4 inches)

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Orange Blossom New and Old Orange Blossom by Alvin

I found this fascinating. There are often popular names used in sterling flatware patterns. Different companies will release patterns with the same name, each being unique. For example there are 5 patterns named "Rose" alone. And over 200 with the word "Rose" in the name. Each being distinct from the others. There are 6 different patterns named "Orange Blossom" alone with totally different designs.


There also some patterns, companies have introduced twice, with different manufacturing markings, but the design itself it the same or the difference so minuscule, the common eye cannot tell the difference.  



Orange Blossom by Alvin is unique in that the "Old Orange Blossom" was introduced in 1905. Then in 1920, "Orange Blossom New" was introduced. However the patterns are entirely different. 


Old Orange Blossom (1905) (Knife 9 3/4 inches)



Orange Blossom New (1920)  (Knife 9 3/4 inches)

Friday, June 2, 2017

Brunswick by Watson

I could not find a year of introduction for Watson's Brunswick pattern. I will continue looking. It is a lovely pattern nonetheless.


Old Style Pickle Fork (5 1/4  inches)

P0000264967S0003T2.jpg (600×119)



Butter Knife (6 1/2  inches)

P0000264967S0001T2.jpg (600×103)

Sugar Shell (5 1/2 inches)

P0000264967S0007T2.jpg (600×167)






Friday, April 14, 2017

Dorechester - New by International

In 1941 International Silver introduced their 2nd Dorchester pattern, Dorchester - New, a totally different pattern from Dorchester -Old.

French Hollow Knife (9 inches)



Sugar Spoon (5 3/4 inches)





Medium Cold meat Serving Fork (8 3/4 inches)


Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Flanders New by Alvin

Alvin introduced Flanders New in 1923. 


Master Butter Knife (7 inches)





Ice Teaspoon  (7 3/4 inches)




Cocktail Fork (5 3/8 inches)



Olive Spoon ( 5 7/8 inches)

Friday, March 24, 2017

Bridal Wreath by Baker Manchester

Another "Bridal" pattern, Baker Manchester introduced Bridal Wreath in 1915.

Salad Fork (6 inches)



French Hollow Knife (9 inches)



Twisted Master Butter Knife (7 inches)










Friday, March 17, 2017

Dorian by Watson

Not to be confused with their Dorian Rose pattern, Watson introduced their Dorian pattern in 1904.

Butter Spreader (5 7/8 inches)



Salad Fork (6 3/8 inches)



Roast Carving Knife (13 5/8 inches)



Cream Ladle (5 3/8 inches)




Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Dorian Rose by Watson

Watson introduced Dorian Rose in 1937. It was  designed by Percy B Ball. Ball also designed Juliana for Watson in 1938.

Small Casserole Spoon (7 5/8 inches)



Small Cold Meat Serving Fork (7 3/4 inches)



Modern Knife (9 1/2 inches)



Monday, March 6, 2017

Hampshire by Durgin

Durgin introduced their Hampshire pattern in 1906.

Sugar Tongs (4 1/2 inches)



Cocktail Fork (5 1/2 inches)



French Hollow Knife (9 3/4 inches)





Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Tara by Reed and Barton

Reed and Barton introduced Tara in 1955. It was available until 2011. 

Fork (7 1/2 inches)



Tomato Server (8 1/8 inches)



Cake Knife (10 1/2 inches)



Lettuce Serving Spoon (8 3/8 inches)




Friday, February 3, 2017

Cheese Serving Knife Part 3 (2 posted 1/22/16)

Madame Royale, Cambridge, St Dunstan Dauphin,  Old Colonial,  Colonial, Strasbourg, 


American Garden by Tiffany (7 inches)








WEB3 by Webb

A pattern known only for its number, WEB3 is a pattern by Web. Although I do not know when it was introduced, I have read that the pattern is now discontinued.


Cake Break (10 1/4 inches)



Cake Server (9 3/4 inches)



Steak Carving Knife (10 1/8 inches)