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, May 6, 2015

Rigato by Buccellati

A newer pattern, Rigato was introduced by Bucellitia in 1970. The straight lines of the stem capped by a horizontal rectangular terminal make for a clean modern design. Note the unique take on the serving pieces.

Fork (7 1/4 inches)




Solid Asparagus Server (9 1/4 inches)



Pierced Vegetable Server (8 5/8 inches)



Cold Meat Serving Fork (10 7/8 inches)





Monday, May 4, 2015

Stanton Hall by Onieda

Although these days, Oneida is only known for fairly inexpensive stainless flatware, orginally the company produced some lovely sterling patterns. Here is one example, Stanton Hall they introduced in 1951. It was designed by Grosvenor N. Allen. Besides this pattern, Allen was also known for his work on Castle Rose by Royal Crest and Ribbon Rose by Hallmark.

Hollow Handle Knife (9 1/2 inches)



Lemon Fork (5 3/8 inches)











Cheese Server (5 3/4 inches)









Friday, May 1, 2015

Flowered Antique by Blackinton

Blackinton introduced their Flowered Antique pattern in 1940. It was  designed by Charles A. Joslin. The pattern is fairly simple accept for the unique treatment given to the top of the stem.

Flat Handle Butter Spreader (5 7/8 inches)


Fork (7 1/4 inches)


Cream Soup Spoon (6 1/4 inches)


Small Carving Knife (10 inches)

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Corinthian by Wallace

Wallace introduced their Corinthian pattern in 1911. It is a fairly simple yet lovely design with clean lines.


Fork (7 inches)



Mayonnaise Ladle (5 1/4 inches)




Oyster Fork (5 1/2 inches)



Pie Server (10 inches)




Monday, April 27, 2015

Webster by Manchester

Webster was introduced by Manchester in 1890. What a lovely pattern with a design of flowers on the terminal, beading around the terminal and a fan motif at the tip. 




Bon Bon Spoon (5 1/4 inches)



Fork (7 inches)



Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Jeanne d'Arc by International

 International introduced Jeanne d'arc in 1905. The pattern was designed by John T. Clulee. He also designed Frontenac, Kenilworth, and Stratford. The terminal tip of this pattern has a fleur de lis motif which I assume is nod to the French.

Medium Cold Meat Serving Fork (8 7/8 inches)


Tea Fork (6 1/4 inches)


Old French Hollow Knife (9 7/8 inches)




Master Salt Spoon (3 3/8 inches)




Monday, April 20, 2015

Crest of Arden by Tuttle

Tuttle's Crest of Arden introduced in 1954 is a very unique pattern. 

Fork (7 3/8 inches)



Solid Jelly Server (6 3/4 inches)



Dinner Knife (8 7/8 inches)



Tomato Server (7 3/4 inches)

Friday, April 17, 2015

La Splendide by Reed and Barton

Reed and Barton introduced La Splendide in 1902. The pattern has a elegant design on the top of the terminal then there is nothing until the the shoulder of each piece. But the detail on both ends balances off the design well.


Sugar Spoon (6 1/4 inches)


One Tine Butter Pick (6 1/4 inches)


Roast Carving Fork (12 inches)




Berry Fork (4 1/2 inches)






Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Eloquence by Lunt

In 1953 Lunt introduce Eloquence a pattern designed by Nord Bowlen. Bowlen also designed the pattern Sweetheart Rose for Lunt in 1951. Eloquence is adorned with roses and has an "open design" around the terminal.



Salad Serving Fork (9 1/4 inches)


Teaspoon (6 1/8 inches)



Sugar Spoon (6 1/4 inches)




Master Butter Knife (6 7/8 inches)


Monday, April 13, 2015

Juliet by Wallace

Wallace introduced Juliet in 1924. It is a fairly plain pattern that is long and thin is design with a extended oval terminal containing a wide open area suitable for engraving.

Oyster Fork (5 1/2 inches)



Salad Fork (5 7/8 inches)



Tomato Server (7 inches)



Butter Spreader (5 5/8 inches)