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?

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Pea Server Part 4


Once again the Pea Server, that I have posted on several times. As I have said before, a lovely serving piece that showcases any pattern's design.

Strasbourg by Gorham (8 3/4 inches)



Lily by Whiting (8 5/8 inches)

Louis XV by  Whiting (8 1/2 inches)



Imperial Queen  by Whiting (9 inches)

Monday, January 21, 2013

Chrysanthemum by Tiffany

There are many Chrysanthemum patterns in sterling silver. I mentioned several in an earlier post on Chrysanthemum patterns. Tiffany's Chrysanthemum was designed by Charles Grosjean in 1880. Grosjean is also known for his design of the well known "Lap over Edge" mixed metal patterns for Tiffany.

On the very tip of the terminal of this pattern, you will find a Chrysanthemum flower open with the petals hanging down. The stem and terminal are covered with a design of petals and leaves. There is an open space on the terminal for engraving. This is a truly beautiful pattern and timeless given it is 133 years old.


Ice Cream Spoon (5 7/8 inches)


Place Salad Fork (6 5/8 inches)


Individual Salt Spoon (2 1/4 inches)



Large Ice Cream Server (11 inches)





Friday, January 18, 2013

Peony by Wallace

Henrik Hillbom designed the pattern Peony for Wallace in 1906. This is a simple but elegant pattern with a peony blossom on the end of the terminal, an open area for engraving, followed by another blossom on the top of the stem. Leaves twined together decorate the stem.

Bon Bon Scoop ( 5 1/8 inches)



Fork (7 1/2 inches)



Table Serving Spoon (8 1/4 inches)



Knife (9 1/2 inches)

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Louvre by Wallace

William H. Tomey designed the pattern Louvre for Wallace which was introduced in 1893. The pattern is an ornate design with paisley swirls and a floral motif that follows the shoulder onto the bowl or tines of the serving pieces. It has an open space on the terminal suitable for engraving. In 1914 Wallace introduced a silver plated pattern also called "Louvre" but it is very simple in its lines and in no way resembles this sterling pattern.

Jelly Cake Server (7  7/8 inches)

Bon Bon Tongs  (3 1/8 inches)



Sugar Spoon ( 5 7/8 inches)


Fork (7 1/2 inches)

Monday, January 14, 2013

Baltimore Rose by Schofield

The pattern, Baltimore Rose, was introduced by Schofield in 1905. It is one of the repousse type patterns with  half opened rosebuds and leaves in the design on the terminal and stem.

Bon Bon Spoon (5 5/8 inches)



Fruit Serving Spoon (9 1/4 inches)



Place Salad Fork (6 1/4 inches)




Long Butter Spreader (5 1/2 inches)




Friday, January 11, 2013

Hamilton by Wallace

Hamilton was introduced by Wallace in 1911. It is a masculine and fairly simple pattern with a shield on the terminal with lines or perhaps rays of sun rising from above. Lines follow the stem down to the shoulder of the pieces. 

I don't know, but my guess is that this was designed by someone different at the house of Wallace from whomever designed the feminine and elegant Caranation.



Preserve Spoon (7 1/2 inches)
Preserve Spoon

Salad Fork (5 7/8 inches)
Individual Salad Fork


Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Charles II by Dominick and Haff

Charles II was designed by Gilbert L. Crowell, Jr. and introduced by Dominick and Haff in 1894. A traditional pattern, Charles II has a scallop shell pattern fanned on the terminal, a leaf motif at the bottom of the terminal, a plain stem, and a small flourish on the terminal. Each piece is edged with a thick bead. There are patterns by Lunt and Tuttled also named "Charles II" but their designs are very different.

Egg Spoon  (4 3/8 inches)

Egg Spoon

Oyster Fork  (5 1/2 inches)
Oyster Fork

Large Jelly Spoon (7 14/ inches)

Large Jelly Spoon

Flat Handle Butter Spreader  (5 1/4 inches)
Flat Handle Butter Spreader

Monday, January 7, 2013

Verona by Towle

Verona was introduced in 1905 by Towle (formerly known as Blackinton). The design is made of grapes and leaves. 

Short Handle Olive Spoon (6 inches)
Pierced Bowl Short Handle Olive Spoon


Cocktail Fork (5 1/4 inches)


Cocktail/seafood Fork

Berry Spoon (8 5/8 inches)
Spoon-Berry/casserole-Sld/shll


Friday, January 4, 2013

Etruscan by Gorham

A fairly simple pattern, Etruscan was designed by William C. Codman and introduced by Gorham in 1913.

 Orange Spoon (5 7/8 inches)

Gorham Silver Etruscan (Sterling,1913) Orange Spoon

Sugar Spoon(5 7/8 inches)
Gorham Silver Etruscan (Sterling,1913) Sugar Spoon

Medium Cold Meat Serving Fork (8 5/8 inches)

Gorham Silver Etruscan (Sterling,1913) Medium Solid Cold Meat Serving Fork

French Knife (8 1/2 inches)

Gorham Silver Etruscan (Sterling,1913) Knife-New French/Hollow

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Lancaster by Gorham

Gorham  introduced Lancaster in 1897. It is a simple but elegant pattern with small roses on the end of the terminal and beading around the edges.

Berry Fork (4 5/8 inches)




Ice Cream Spoon(5 1/2 inches)





Sugar Shell (6 inches)




Olive Fork (5 3/4 inches)




Bon Bon Spoon (4 3/8 inches)