More Oyster Forks

I posted about Oyster forks earlier, but here are even more lovely examples of Oyster Forks as individual place pieces.

Shown in Cupid by Shiebler (6 1/8 inches)

Shown in English King by Tiffany

Shown in Laura by Buccellati (5 5/8 inches)

Shown in Marechal Niel by Durgin (5 3/8 inches)

Shown in Saratoga by Tiffany (5 inches)

Magnolia by Durgin

Introduced in 1898 by Durgin, Magnolia is an absolutely gorgeous pattern with a magnolia blossom on the top of the handle. 



Bouillon Soup Spoon (5 1/2 inches)





Salad Fork (6 inches)





Youth Tea Fork (6 1/8 inches)

Blackberry by Tiffany

Introduced by Tiffany in 1875, the pattern Blackberry is often linked with its sister pattern Strawberry  and linked with the "Vine" patterns designed by Tiffany. It is in fact not a part of the "Vine" pattern family and, though, similar, is a separate pattern from Strawberry. Where Strawberry's stem is an open woven vine, Blackberry's stem is solid and decorated with the leave and berries of the fruit. The motif pattern through out the pattern is the leaves, berries, vine, and flower of the fruit.

3 Tine Fruit Fork (6 inches)

Fruit Serving Spoon (9 1/2 inches)

St James by Tiffany

A Renaissance Revival style designed by Paulding Farnham for Tiffany in 1898 that became inactive in 1912.  One of the first features one notices in St. James is the crossed multi-ribbed bands. This gives an open area for engraving. A line of beading goes down the handle.The design on the back is very simliar to the compex pattern of the front.  According to William Hood's book  Tiffany Silver Flatware "The significance of the name 'St. James' is unclear."

(Fruit Orange Spoon)

(Lobster Pick)

(Preserve Spoon)

(Small Steak Carving Fork)

(Sardine Fork)

(Asparagus Tongs)

(Salad Serving Fork)

(Serving Spoon 9 3/8 inches)

New Art by Durgin

This very rare American Art Nouveau pattern, New Art was introduced by Durgin in 1898. I absolutely love Durgin designs for their detail and to me this is the best example of their fine craftsmanship. The detail is deep and complex, with different floral themes of Irises, Lilies, and Daffodils.

Cold Meat Fork (with Iris) (9 1/2 inches)



Asparagus Fork (10 1/8 inches)



Beef Fork (with Daffodils) (5 3/8 inches)



Berry Spoon (with Lilies) (8 3/4 inches)



Ice spoon (8 3/4 inches)



Pie Knife (with Lilies 10 1/8 inches)



Small Chipped Beef Fork (with Narcissus) ( 6 3/8 inches)



Cream Ladle (with Narcissus) (6 inches)



Salad Serving Fork ( with Iris) (9 3/8 inches)

Lap Over Edge by Tiffany (Mixed Metals)

This pattern by Tiffany is offered in different forms. This particular design is "mixed metals". Lap Over Edge is one of Tiffany's most detailed and complex patterns. The motiffs are three dimensional and of natural designs, representing flora and fauna. This is one of their Japanese patterns. The details and enhancements are true art. These pieces are now valued by collectors with some individual pieces costing as much as $7k.


The pattern was designed by Charles Grosjean and introduced in 1880. It became inactive in 1904. 

Teaspoon (with gold ivy leaves with berries) (6 inches)

Salad Serving Fork (with gold turtle)

Coffee Spoon (crab) (4 3/4 inches)

Coffee Spoon (with vine and grapes) (4 3/4 inches)

Mint Julep Spoon (or Muddler) (with grasshopper) (6 inches)

Bug by Durgin

This pattern was introduced by Durgin in 1885.  A truly unique pattern with a motif of different bugs on the handle, including bees, beetles, and lady bugs. A whimsical idea, however many diners may have not found the snake wrapped around the stem of each piece appetizing.




Soup spoon -  (5  3/4  inches)






Solid Berry Serving Scoop 



Salad Fork (6  5/8 inches)

A Rose by any Other Name (Part 2)

And, there are yet more sterling patterns named Rose. It is interesting to me the differences - from the very elaborate (Bridal Rose) to the simple (Castle Rose). Short of the name, and possibly a floral motif, they sometimes have little in common, with the exception of being made of sterling silver and designed as an utensil for dining.

Castle Rose by Royal Crest (no date) (Designed by Grosvenor N. Allen & Lloyd E. Ressegger)

Bridal Rose by Alvin 1903

Baltimore Rose by Schofield 1905

Windsor Rose by Watson 1940 (Designed by William T. Brown)

Wild Rose by Watson 1900 (Designed by Eustace Crees and Charles S. Court)

Wedding Rose by Watson 1900 (Designed by Joseph E. Straker, Jr.)

Dorian Rose by Watson 1937 (Designed by Percy B. Ball)

English Rose by Durgin 1955 (Designed by William C. Codman) (The same pattern issued in 1899 as Cambridge by Gorham)

Hand Chased Rose by Schofield 1906

Jac Rose by Gorham 1885

Milburn Rose by Westmorland 1940