Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar

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?

Friday, July 20, 2012

Individual Salt Spoon Part 2

The smallest of the place pieces, the Individual Salt Spoon, posted on earlier.

Chantilly by Gorham (2 3/4 inches)

Prelude by International ( 2 1/2 inches)

Rose Point by Wallace (2 3/8 inches)

King Richard by Towle (2 1/2 inches)

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

"English" Patterns

Some of the prettier patterns named "English".

English King by Tiffany (1885) (Pastry Fork)

English Gadroon by Gorham (1939) (Tomato Server)

Old English by Towle (1892) (Salad Fork)

English Rose by Durgin (1955) (Iced Tea Spoon)

Monday, July 16, 2012

Patterns Named for Ladies (1)

These are a few examples of patterns named for ladies. And, I must say, given my penchant for the ornate and detailed designs, these patterns don't do these ladies justice in my mind. Now, one must remember that these were introduced 1910 - 1940, not necessarily the best design years for sterling.

Lady Diana by Towle (1928) (Bon Bon Spoon)

Lady Hilton by Westmorland (1940) (Cold Meat Serving Fork)

Lady Claire by Kirk Stieff (1925) Tomato Server

Lady Baltimore by Whiting (1910) (Chipped Beef Fork)

Lady Beatrice by Alvin (1910) (Five O'Clock Spoon)

Friday, July 13, 2012

Jelly Cake Server (Solid) Part 2

More examples of Solid Jelly Cake Servers. I have posted on the Pierced variety of these earlier and also on Jelly Cake Servers in general.

Madame Morris by Whiting (8 7/8 inches)

Louvre by Wallace (7 7/8 inches)

Victoria-Old by Watson (7 1/8 inches)

Madam Jumel by Whiting (8 7/8 inches)

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Small Ice Cream Spoon (Part 3)

This is not my first post on Small Ice Cream Spoons. Usually they are between 1/4 and 1/2 inch smaller than the standard Ice Cream spoon and most patterns (especially the older patterns) will have both sizes. I haven't clue what the purpose for the two sizes was.

No. 10 by Dominick and Haff (5 1/2 inches)

Strasbourg by Gorham (5 1/4 inches)

Versailles by Gorham (5 1/8 inches)

Watteau by Durgin (4 7/8 inches

Diane by Towle (5 1/4 inches)

Monday, July 9, 2012

Patterns Named "Kings" (Part 1)

Not to be confused with patterns named after individual Kings, these are patterns by different companies all named Kings.

Kings by Wallace (2 piece Salad Set)

Kings by Carrs (Fork 7 1/4 inches)

Kings Court (Neapolitan) by Frank Whiting (Salad Serving Fork 7 5/8 inches)

Kings I by Gorham (Master Butter Knife 7 5/8 Inches)

Kings II by Gorham (Desert Spoon 7 1/4 inches)

Friday, July 6, 2012

Pierced Nut Spoon Part 2

More examples of the Pierced Nut Spoon. I posted on these earlier. The pierced variety is not nearly as popular as the solid type. These are small pieces. I did not comprehend the size of the Nut or Bon bon Spoons until I got my first one. Compared to a regular piece of flatware, 4 or 5 inches is quite small. But it packs a lot of detail and elegance that mini package.

Bridal Bouquet By Alvin (4 3/4 inches)

Cherub by Watson -Newall (4 1/4 inches)

Empire by Towle (4 3/4 inches)

Buttercup by Gorham (4 3/4 inches)

Kenilworth by International (5 3/8 inches)

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Our Founding Fathers

To celebrate Independence Day, I thought it appropriate to show patterns named in honor of those who made our freedom possible. Here are a few named after our founding fathers.

George and Martha Washington by Westmorland (2 Piece Baby Set)