Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar: Steak Knife

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 Steak Knife. Show all posts

Monday, July 5, 2021

Diadem by Reed and Barton

A newer pattern, Diadem was introduced in 1967. Note the very simple design of the Bon Bon Spoon, usually one of the more ornate pieces in any pattern.

Individual Steak Knife (9 inches)

Cocktail Fork (5 1/2 inches)

Bon Bon Spoon (4 inches)

Friday, January 1, 2021

French Scroll by Alvin

Alvin's French Scroll pattern only dates back to 1953. While attractive, it is one of those patterns with a design that can easily be confused with many others.

Lemon Fork (4 /2)

Individual Steak Knife (8 3/4 inches)

Cream Soup Spoon (6 3/8 inches)

Sugar Tongs (1/4 inches)

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

Rose by Kirk Stieff

Kirk Stieff's Rose pattern dates back to 1937.

Fish Fork (6 1/2 inches)

Kirk Stieff Stieff Rose (Sterling, 1892, No Monograms) Individual Fish/Pastry Fork

Chocolate Spoon (4 3/4 inches)

Kirk Stieff Stieff Rose (Sterling, 1892, No Monograms) Individual Chocolate/Sherbet Spoon

Steak Knife (8 1/2 inches)

Kirk Stieff Stieff Rose (Sterling, 1892, No Monograms) Individual Steak Knife Hollow Handle,Full Repousse

Berry Spoon (8 inches)

Kirk Stieff Stieff Rose (Sterling, 1892, No Monograms) Small Chased Berry Spoon-3 Berries

Monday, May 11, 2020

Royal Dynasty by Steiff

Stieff's Royal Dynasty pattern was designed by Jose Barata y Barrera in 1966.

Serving Spoon (8 5/8 inches)

Kirk Stieff Royal Dynasty (Sterling, 1966) Solid Serving Spoon

Kirk Stieff Royal Dynasty (Sterling, 1966) Solid Serving Spoon

Individual Steak Knife (HH) (9 1/4 inches)

Kirk Stieff Royal Dynasty (Sterling, 1966) Individual Steak Knife Hollow Handle

Baby Fork (5 1/8 inches)

Kirk Stieff Royal Dynasty (Sterling, 1966) Baby Fork

Pie Server (10 5/8 inches)

Kirk Stieff Royal Dynasty (Sterling, 1966) Pie & Cake Server with Stainless Blade

Monday, April 30, 2018

Petite Fleur by Reed and Barton

Reed and Barton's Petit Fleur pattern was introduced in 1961. The name of the pattern is clearly revealed in the design. Like many patterns of its time, it is simple.

Sugar Spoon (6/14 inches)

Steak Knife (9 3/4 inches)

Bon Bon Spoon (4 7/8 inches)

Baby Fork ( 4 1/2 inches)

Friday, September 5, 2014

Romance of the Sea by Wallace

Romance of the Sea by Wallace is yet another pattern designed by William Warren (who also designed Rose Point, Sir Christopher, Grand Baroque and Orchid Elegance).This is another example of Warren's excellent work. He can bring the memory of the great art nouveau period to a sterling pattern even in the 1950's when most patterns are bland and trying to stay modest. The lovely wave motif on the tip of the terminal and the design on the shoulder of the pieces speak for themselves.

Cocktail Fork (7 1/4 inches)

Solid Jelly Server (6 1/2 inches)

Steak Knife ( 9 inches)

Sugar Tongs (4 inches)