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, May 18, 2015

Corinthian by Shielber

George Shielbler's Corinthian was introduced in 1870 and is quite a unique pattern. The terminal fans out with a floral and feather design.


Large Soup Ladle (13 3/8 inches)



Preserve Spoon (8  5/8 inches)


Mount Vernon Corinthian (Sterling,1891) Preserve Spoon
Sugar Shell (5 7/8 inches)


Dinner Fork (7 1/8 inches)






Friday, May 15, 2015

Corinthian by Mount Vernon

There are several patterns named Corinthian. This is Mount Vernon's version. I found conflicting introduction dates for this pattern of 1891 and 1902. The design has flourishes of leaves at the top of the stem and the top of the terminal. 

Preserve Spoon (7 1/2 inches)



Medium Cold Meat Fork (8 1/4 inches)



Oyster Fork (5 7/8 inches)

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Wellington by Alvin

Not to be confused with Durgin's pattern by the same name, Alvin introduced their Wellington pattern in 1897. This pattern is more ornate than that of Durgin's.

Youth Tea Fork (6 1/8 inches)


Bon Bon Spoon (4 1/2 inches)

Monday, May 11, 2015

Wellington by Durgin

Wellington by Durgin (not to be confused with Wellington by Alvin) was introduced in 1908. It is a simple but elegant pattern.

Sugar Spoon (5 3/4 inches)


Large Pie Knife (9 1/2 inches)


Fruit Spoon (5 5/8 inches)


Iced Teaspoon (7 5/8 inches)

Friday, May 8, 2015

Revere by International

This Revere pattern by International dates back to 1898. There are also references to "Revere" patterns by Mount Vernon, Schofield, Shiebler, and Gorham however I could find no examples of these. Durgin also has a Revere pattern that I will post on on a later date. 

As for this pattern, it is an exquisite example of the Rococo style with a particular emphasis on special detailing on the bowls and tines of the pieces. Unlike most anything that bares the Revere moniker and refers to the austere Colonel days, this pattern does no such thing.


Cucumber Server (6 1/4 inches)


Old Style Pickle Fork (6 3/8 inches)


Flat Handle Butter Knife (7 1/4 inches)


Five O'Clock Teaspoon (5 3/8 inches)




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)