Orange Blossom by Durgin

Durgin introduced their Orange Blossom pattern in 1898. This should not be confused with the Old Orange Blossom by Alvin.

Orange Spoon (5 1/2 inches)



Salad Fork (6 inches)



Terrapin Fork (5 1/4 inches)

Terrapin Forks Part 3

One of the more exotic pieces, the Terrapin Fork, like its mate the Terrapin Spoon, were designed for eating terrapin and terrapin soup, both luxuries in the Victorian and Edwardian times.

Avalon by International (5 3/8 inches)



Orange Blossom by Durgin (5 1/4 inches)




Marquise by Tiffany (5 5/8 inches)

Small Ice Cream Spoon (Part 2)

More examples of the Small Ice Cream Spoon that I posted on earlier.

Orange Blossom by Alvin (5 1/4 inches)

Chrysanthemum by Tiffany (5 1/2 inches)

Wave Edge by Tiffany (6 1/8 inches)


Imperial Queen by Whiting (5 1/4 inches)


Luxembourg by Gorham (5 3/4 inches)

Lobster Fork (Part 2)

Last year I had an earlier post  on Lobster Forks. Here are some more examples. Few patterns have them.


Orange Blossom by Alvin (6 inches)





Fleur De Lis by Alvin (6 1/4 inches)




William Penn by Alvin (6 1/4 inches)



Old Colonial by Towle (6 inches)



Florentine by Alvin (6 1/8 inches)

Toast Serving Fork (Revisted)

In an earlier post, I mentioned the Toast Fork. Here are some more examples of this piece.


Majestic by Alvin (7 1/2 inches)









Orange Blossom by Alvin (7 1/2 inches)



La Reine by Reed and Barton (7 1/4 inches)
 


Lucerne by Wallace (7 1/2 inches)



Luxembourg by Gorham (7 3/4 inches)



Rococco by Dominick and Haff (8 inches)

Sugar Shells

Among the basic serving pieces in a standard pattern there is a sugar spoon and the fancier Sugar Shell which gets its name (obviously) from the shape of the bowl. As with most sterling designs, the more distinctive and ornate the pattern, the more ornate the sugar shell. Here are some examples.


 Indian by Whiting







Lily of the Valley by Whiting





Alhambra by Whiting





Fiorito by Shiebler





Medallion-E by Shiebler





Orange Blossom Old by Alvin







Lily by Whiting 

Terrapin Fork (Part 2)

Earlier this year, I showed 2 examples of Terrapin Forks. I have found several more fine examples of this truly unique place piece. In a way, it resembles the "spork" design of an ice cream fork. However, usually the designs have more details.

Shown in Iris by Durgin (5 1/2 inches)

Shown in Lily by Gorham ( 5 3/4 inches)

Shown in Avalon by International (5 3/8 inches)

Shown in Orange Blossom by Durgin (5 1/4 inches)

Shown in Marquise by Tiffany (5 5/8 inches)

Tomato Server

Even the garden fresh tomato merits its own sterling server Tomato Server usually pierced to drain the juices. This is one of the more lovely pieces and is still available in most patterns.

(Shown in Old Colonial by Towle)

(Shown in Versailles by Gorham)

(Shown in Orange Blossom by Alvin)

Sardine Fork

Given that I have never served my guests sardines, I'm not sure I would have a use for a Sardine Fork, although I must admit it is an attractive piece. After some diligent searching I found a description of the need and use of this rather odd piece, and I quote, "The distribution of canned food forever changed cuisine in the U.S. The Midwest, for example, never received seafood until it got a shelf-life. Canned sardines were a huge hit in non-coastal areas and their novelty warranted a new utensil. Seven short tines were just right for stabbing the length of this long but little fish out of its oil." Further research shows perhaps they are more practical and for things other than sardines. They can be used for serving pickled vegetables, anchovies, and petits fours - now there's a variety for you.

Unlike most pieces that are simliar across sterling companies and patterns, this particular piece was all over the map. I found one by International with 6 tines, another with only 5 tines. Old master by Towle had a Sardine Server that was flat with no tines as did Grande Baroque- Continental by Wallace.

(Shown in Orange Blossom by Old Alvin 5 3/8 inches)