Chow Chow Spoons

Chow Chow is a relish used as a condiment. Although the origins are unknown, it has been used in the southern United States for over 200 years. Chow Chow is not pureed and is served in its chunky consistency. It is served cold with hot foods and usually spice to the main dish. Unlike British Piccalilli, which usually includes cauliflower and turmeric among its ingredients, and Chutney, which typically includes fruit, Chow Chow is made from green tomatoes, cabbage, mustard seed, and some type of hot pepper. And to no one's surprise, the silver companies saw a need for servings pieces. Featured here are Chow Chow spoons, which generally feature a long handle and elongated bowl to reach into the jar of Chow Chow..

Shown in Baronial by Frank Smith (6 inches)

Shown in Chippendale by Towle

Shown in King Richard by Towle

Shown in Old English by Towle

Buckwheat Cake Server

Actually after doing some research, the term "Buckwheat Cake" refers to Buckwheat pancakes, so the silver companies decided one needed a pancake or Buckwheat Cake Server as well as a Waffle Server (See December 26, 2009). This piece is very rare.

Shown in Beekman by Tiffany (9 1/4 inches)

Shown in Douvaine by Unger

Shown in Heritage by Reed and Barton

Shown in Olive by Tiffany (8 1/2 inches)

Hey, out there!

Gentle readers, I have been writing this blog for six months now, over 110 posts. I know from following Google Analytics that you are from 39 different countries and 48 of the 50 US states plus the District of Columbia, which is impressive and very flattering. But, I don't know who you are and why you visit. Finally after six months, I have one admitted follower, which I appreciate. For the rest of you, please take a moment and post a comment. Let me know your thoughts, certainly you have a view - your two cents (or euros). Of course, I know, be careful what you ask for!

Clematis by Gorham

This an old old Gorham pattern that dates back to 1885. (I found references to another "Clematis" patten by Shiebler I could never find any details.) This is a lovely pattern that seems to age well with its intricate carvings on the front and the back of the pieces.

Sugar Spoon (6 inches)

Cut Pie Knife (9 3/8 inches)

Ice Cream Slicer (11 3/4 inches)

Salt Spoon (3 1/2 inches)

Macaroni Fork

Just a beautiful piece of sterling. This is a Macaroni Fork shown in Chrysanthemum by Tiffany (9 inches). It is delightful pieces like this that keep me interested in sterling silver. Some patterns would call this a Macaroni Server, but in this pattern, it is called a "fork". Whatever it is called, it is a gorgeous work of art.

Food Pusher

Food Pushers were designed for young eaters not quite nimble enough to use their knives. This would help them push their food onto their fork. You can find this piece in most patterns.

Shown in Chantilly by Gorham (4 1/4 inches)

Shown in Repousse by Kirk Stieff (3 1/8 inches)

Shown in Lily by Whiting (3 1/2 inches)

Shown in Monticello by Lunt (4 1/8 inches)

Coburg by Wallace

This is an older regal English pattern that dates back to 1812. It was first produced by C.J. Vander. Wallace Silversmiths manufactured it between 2000 and 2009. It is now discontinued. The rich design is on the front and the back of each piece.

(Sugar Shell 5 1/4 inches)

(Place Fork 8 1/8 inches)

(Salad Fork 7 inches)

(Teaspoon 6 3/8 inches)

Tea Infuser Spoons

Before the days of tea bags when one wanted an individual cup of freshly brewed tea, there was the Tea Infuser Spoon. The hinged opening allowed one to open it, pour the loose tea in it, then close it and place the spoon in a cup of very hot water. As you gently stir the spoon, the tea is "infused" in the water. Some designs are oval shaped and some are ball shaped.

(Shown in Mayflower by Coin 5 1/2 inches)

(Shown in Monticello by Lunt 6 1/4 inches)

(Shown in Wedding Rose by Watson 5 7/8 inches)

(Shown in La Perle by Reed and Barton 7 inches)

Shown in Carolina by Lunt 5 3/4 inches

Baby Spoons (Straight Handle)

Most patterns place pieces for children, both baby and junior sizes, with the "baby" sizes being the smaller of the two. Baby Spoons shown here, are straight handled. They also come in a "curved" or "bent" handle style. Often sterling patterns would offer spoons in both styles, straight and bent. (I'll post on the bent style at a later date.)

Most the spoons have a more rounded but oval bowl and a short handle. They tend to be between 3 1/2 and 4 5/8 inches long.

(Shown in Amaryllis by Manchester 4 5/8 inches)

(Shown in Lansdowne by Gorham 4 1/2 inches)

(Shown in Repousse by Kirk 3 3/4 inches)

(Shown in Spring Glory by International 4 1/4 inches)

Grande Baroque By Wallace

A design by William Warren, said to take 4 years to complete. The top of the piece is an Acanthus leaf and below that is a sophisticated pattern of beautiful flowers and leaves. The forks have narcissus in their design, the knives a rose, and five petaled flowers can be seen on the spoons. His inspiration was the romance of the 16th century. It is one of the patterns called "three dimensional" because the designs can be seen from three sides: the front, back, and from the side.

Master Butter (6 3/4 inches)

Hooded Asparagus Server (10 inches)

Grapefruit Spoon