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?
Watson's Golden Lotus pattern is easily recognized by the gold tip on the terminal tip of each resembling a Lotus. Dinner Knife (8 3/4 inches) Salad Fork (6 1/2 inches)
I'm not sure when Watson's WTS30 pattern was introduced. It is a limited pattern, in that there were only few pieces in the pattern. Note the detail of the leaves on the shoulder of this piece. Demitasse Spoon
This a pattern only known by a number WTS57 by Watson. I am not sure if it is a full pattern or, what is called, a 'limited' pattern. (One that only has a few pieces in it, usually serving pieces or spoons with different designs on individual pieces.) This particular pattern has a very ornate design on the handle of fruits and palms. Both examples here are Cheese Serving Picks (7 7/8 inches)
Like many patterns by Durgin, you can find this one listed under the same name by Gorham since Gorham assumed Durgin. The Hunt Club pattern was designed by Barton P. Jenks and introduced in 1930 by Durgin. Jenks was also known for Watson's Marlborough (1918) pattern, Durgin's Lenox (1912) pattern, as well as Gorham's Lansdowne (1907) and Shamrock V (1931) patterns. If you look at these 5 patterns you will definitely see a familiar design that must have been Jenks' style.
Watson introduced their Laurel pattern in 1917. The pattern is simple with a ribbon of laurel leaves along the edge of each piece. Small Cold Meat Serving Fork (7 1/2 inches)