Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: Orchid

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 Orchid. Show all posts

Monday, March 29, 2021

Orchid by Gorham

In 1894 Gorham released their Orchid pattern. It has the distinct design of an orchid etched on the terminal.

Five O'Clock Teaspoon (5 5/8 inches)

Monday, April 22, 2013

Orchid by Watson

Orchid was designed in 1903 by Eustace Crees and Charles S. Court for Watson. These two designers also collaborated on the patterns Olympia and Altair for Watson. The design of the pieces in this pattern has the heavy embellishment of an orchid bloom on the terminal with crossed vines training gracefully down the stem and crossing one last time at the top of the shoulder.

Bon Bon Scoop (4 7/8 inches)

Confection Spoon (6 3/4 inches)
Confection Scoop

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

Large Solid Cold Meat Serving Fork

Short Handle Olive Spoon (5 7/8 inches)
Pierced Bowl Short Handle Olive Spoon in the Orchid (sterling, 1903, No Monograms) pattern by Watson Silver

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Grape Shears and Poultry Shears

I touched on Grape Shears in an earlier post - a truly unique piece. However, there are also, Poultry Shears, which look much more utilitarian.. Here are some examples of each.

Grape Shears in Acorn by Georg Jensen

Grape Shears in Orchid by Watson

Grape Shears in Persian by Tiffany

Tiffany Persian grape shears

Poultry Shears in Chantilly by Gorham

Poultry Shears in Botticelli by Frank Whiting