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?

Monday, September 30, 2013

Cupid by Albert Coles and Co.

Albert Coles and Co. introduced their Cupid pattern in 1870 (not be confused with the Cupid patterns of Shiebler and Dominick and Haff). The pattern is very distinct image of cupid carrying a horn. The terminal is longer than most patterns and slopes gently into the stem. There is an empty medallion area suitable for engraving. The pattern is quite lovely, especially when one considers it is 143 years old.

Master Salt Spoon (3 1/2 inches)

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Flat Handle Master Butter Knife (7 inches)

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Friday, September 27, 2013

Various Patterns by Cartier

I can find little out about Cartier Sterling flatware patterns. Here are some examples of the designs of a few of the other patterns (other than Du Roi which I posted on earlier). The lines range from slick art deco to art noveau. They do all seem to have a twisted gold band at the bottom of the stem in common. However, as I said earlier, since Cartier is a French company, it doesn't fall into my bailiwick of American Sterling Flatware. Ah, but we can wander.


De Louis Cartier (Solid Serving Fork)

Solid Serving Fork



La Maison De La Belle Epoque 
La Maison De La Belle Epoque (sterling) pattern by Cartier Silver


De Must (Salad Fork)

Individual Salad Fork


Monday, September 23, 2013

Marie Louise By Towle

Towle introduced Marie Louise in 1939. At that time it became the official sterling pattern for all US Embassies abroad. The design is simple but elegant with a double line running from the top of the terminal down each side of the stem. There is a nice line at the base of the stem and there is a simple motif at the very end of the terminal.

Dessert Fork

Dessert Fork

Cheese Knife

Cheese Knife With Stainless Blade

Cocktail Fork

Cocktail/Seafood Fork



Hollow Handle Gravy Ladle

Hollow Handle Gravy Ladle-Stainless Bowl

Friday, September 20, 2013

Essex by Towle

What a lovely solid looking pattern. Essex was introduced by Towle in 1890. The terminal has a motif of scrolls, the stem is slim and delicate, leading into a beautiful shoulder on the different pieces.

Sugar Spoon  (5 7/8 inches)




Old Style Pickle Fork (5 7/8 inches)



Cream Ladle  (5 inches)





Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Cheese Plane

The Cheese Plane is another cheese serving piece. Most have a stainless plane. You will see that all the examples I show are from Towle. Other companies list the piece in the patterns, however I could not find an example of it. I noted that the oldest of these Towle patterns only go back to the mid-1930's which make me think this may be a piece added later on since Towle has patterns dating back to the 1800's. 

Candlelight by Towle (8 3/4 inches)



French Provincial by Towle (9 1/8 inches)



Old Lace by Towle (9 1/4 inches)



Fontana by Towle ( 5/8 inches)

Monday, September 16, 2013

Contour by Towle


I generally prefer the older more decorative patterns, however, I thought it worth my time to share this pattern with you. Contour was introduced by Towle in 1950. One  source said it was 

"the first American sterling pattern to manifest post-World War II organic modernist design and the only production-line American flatware included in the Museum of Modern Art's Good Design exhibitions." I did find some discrepancy among sources as to who was the designer. One source said it was designed by Collin B. Richmond and another gave the design credit to Robert J. King.

The design is quite clean and simple, for whomever credit should go to. 

Bon Bon Spoon (4 7/8 inches)




Short Handle Pickle/Olive Fork  (6 1/4 inches)

Short Handle Pickle/Olive Fork

Hollow Handle Knife  (8 3/4 inches)

Modern Hollow Knife



Pierced Table Serving Spoon  (8 3/4 inches)

Pierced Tablespoon (Serving Spoon)




Friday, September 13, 2013

Essex by JB and SM Knowles

An exquisite pattern by JB and SM Knowles, Essex was introduced in 1889. The design includes a heavy pattern of scrolls and floral motif.

Sorbet Spoon (5 1/2 inches)




Teaspoon  (6 inches)





Wednesday, September 11, 2013

New Tipt by Gorham

Gorham introduce New Tipt in 1870.  The pattern has an interesting design with a motif rising from the base of the terminal up into an otherwise flat blank oval terminal. The stem is very slim. 


Large Solid Pie Knife (8 5/8 inches)

Large Solid Pie Knife


Pierced Sugar Serving Ladle (5 3/4  inches)

Pierced Sugar Serving Ladle

Fork (6 7/8  inches)


Fork
Small Fish Serving Fork (8 3/8 inches)

Small Solid Fish Serving Fork


Monday, September 9, 2013

Number 2 by Duhme

Number 2 by Duhme is a unique pattern. It was introduced in 1885. Personally, I would think the odd design of the terminal which goes down a good third of the stem would be uncomfortable in one's hand.

Fork (6 3/4 inches)


Monogram Fork

Large Cheese Scoop 

Large Cheese Scoop, Solid Piece

Gumbo Soup Spoon (6 5/8 inches)

Monogram Round Bowl Soup Spoon (Gumbo)

Friday, September 6, 2013

Sucket Fork

I have found random references to a Sucket Fork, but can only find one example of this utensil. The piece's purpose is for eating "Sweet meats". 

Lap over Edge (Insect/Foliage Motif) by Tiffany





This piece below, which looks incredibly similar, in Persian also by Tiffany, is referred to as a "Combination Olive Fork and Spoon". 



Olive Combination Fork/spoon

And, even though both of these examples are by Tiffany, I could find no reference to either such a piece in Hood's book on Tiffany.