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, April 6, 2015

La Parisienne by Reed and Barton

1902 designed by Ernest Myers designed La Parisienne for Reed and Barton and it was introduced in 1902. He was also the designer of Reed and Barton's Francis I, often referred to as their flagship pattern.

Personally I think the detailing on the stem of these pieces is the most beautiful of all the patterns I have seen. The design is stunning with a multi motif pattern (each piece is adorned with different flowers).

Fork (7 7/8 inches)



Demitasse Spoon (4 1/4 inches)



Medium Cold Meat Serving Fork (8 inches)



Old French Hollow Knife with Bolster (9 inches)





Friday, April 3, 2015

Pie Fork

I posted earlier on the Pastry Fork which is what the Pie Fork is often referred to.


La Parisienne by Reed and Barton (6 1/8 inches)



La Splendide by Reed and Barton (6 1/8 inches)



Hindostanee by Gorham (5 3/4 inches)



Gadroon by Wood and Hughes (6 inches)










Wednesday, April 1, 2015

King Louis by International

King Louis was introduced by International in 1971 and was designed by William J. Knope. The pattern is a cascade of flowers from the terminal to the shoulder of the piece. The terminal has an open design.



Cocktail Fork (5 3/4 inches)

Hollow Handle Steak Knife (8 3/4 inches)



Dessert Spoon (6 7/8 inches)

Monday, March 30, 2015

Roman by Knowles

Knowles introduced Roman in 1900. Although the main lines of the pattern are strong, the few floral details give it some feminine softness.


Bouillon Soup Spoon   (5 1/2 inches)



Old Style Pickle Fork (6 1/4 inches)





Friday, March 27, 2015

Gadroon by Wood and Hughes

Gadroon, a lovely pattern by Wood and Hughes was introduced in 1860. The solid beading around the terminal together with the motifs and straight lines on the stem make for a serious design. 


Sugar Shell (6 1/2 inches)




Youth Tea Fork (7 5/8 inches)



Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Salad Serving Spoon

Several years back I posted on Salad Serving pieces, but this is about the Salad Serving Spoon itself. 


Crest of Arden by Tuttle ( 8 5/8 inches)


Wellington by Durgin (9 inches)


Duke of Windsor by Manchester 



Monday, March 23, 2015

Hindostanee by Gorham

Hindostanee is a Gorham pattern that was introduced in 1878. The design of the pattern 
can be described as etched which was the style of many of the patterns of that time. Note the detail on the scoop, bowl, and tines of each piece.

Small Sugar Sifter (5 3/4 inches)




Preserve Spoon (8 1/2 inches)






Individual Pie Fork (5 3/4 inches)












Friday, March 20, 2015

Chase and Pierced Vine by CJ Vander

One source dated this pattern back to 1750. Whatever the date Chased and Pierced Vine by C. J. Vander is truly a unique pattern.

Pierced Tablespoon (9 inches)


Butter Knife (6 1/4 inches)



Fork (7 1/4 inches)

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Web Silver, Edward Web, Webster, Watson, and Wallace Companies Markings

In trying to identify different pieces of silver, these are the markings of some of the older companies. Often this is the first clue when trying to figure out the name of the pattern.

Web Silver







Edward Webb




Webster Markings




Watson Markings


Wallace



Monday, March 16, 2015

Duke of Windsor by Manchester

Manchester introduced Duke of Windsor in 1937. The pattern has more of a modern design with a "notched" indention between the terminal and stem. A simple motif adorns the terminal and another on the bottom of the stem.



Gravy Ladle (6 1/4 inches)


Cold Meat Serving Fork (7 1/4 inches)



Fruit Spoon (6 1/8 inches)