Silver Pieces - The Strange and Peculiar

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 14, 2015

Chrysanthemum by Durgin

Durgin's Chrysanthemum pattern introduced in 1893 is, in my humble opinion, one of the finest examples of the art reached by the silver makers of the Victorian period. Some will consider this too ornate, but the detail in the design is what makes it so spectacular. George A. Muller designed this pattern for Durgin. The heavy floral pattern is in deep relief over each piece, with an opening left on the terminal suitable for engraving. The design even flows onto the bowls and tines of some pieces.

Gravy Ladle (7 7/8 inches)

Berry Fork (4 7/8 inches)

Ice Cream Fork (5 5/8 inches)

Individual Fish Knife (7 5/8 inches

Friday, September 11, 2015

Palm by Tiffany

Edward C. Moore designed Palm for Tiffany and it was released in 1871. Moore is also credited with designing other patterns by Tiffany including Persian, Tiffany (the pattern), Japanese, Italian, Richelieu, and Saratoga. The design itself is fairly simply with a scallop shell inverted on the tip of the terminal.

Egg Spoon (4 3/4 inches)

Marrow/Bone Scoop (8 5/8 inches)

Salad Serving Fork (9 3/4 inches)

Saratoga Chip Server (8 7/8 inches)

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Petit Four Fork (Part 3)

This piece can often be confused with the Asparagus Server, but it is not. The Petit Four Fork that I posted on earlier is its own piece. And a lovely piece it is.

Faneuil by Tiffany (5 7/8 inches)

San Lorenzo by Tiffany (5 7/8 inches)

Hamilton by Tiffany (6 inches)

St. Dunstan by Tiffany (6 inches)

Monday, September 7, 2015

Windham by Tiffany

Tiffany introduced Windham in 1923.

Luncheon Fork (7 inches)

Horseradish Serving Spoon (5 1/8 inches)

Small Sugar Sifter ( 5 3/4 inches)

Bouillon Soup Spoon (5 1/2 inches)

Friday, September 4, 2015

Brandy Warmers

Here's a new piece I stumbled across - a Brandy Warmer.

Litchfield by International Silver (1898) (4 inches)

Louis XV by Whiting ( 1891 ) (3 3/4 inches)

Cordis by Tiffany (1958 ) (5 1/ 2 inches)

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Bamboo by Tiffany

Tiffany introduced Bamboo in 1961. The design is self evident. I particularly like the butter spreader.

Salad Fork (6 3/4 inches)

Butter Spreader (5 1/4 inches)

Fish Knife (8 inches)

Monday, August 31, 2015

Hamilton aka Gramercy by Tiffany

Hamilton, also known as Gramercy, was introduced by Tiffany in 1938. It is a very simple pattern.

Cold Meat Serving Fork (9 inches)

Individual Salt Spoon (2 1/4 inches)

Tomato Server (7 1/4 inches)

Dessert Knife (7 3/4 inches)

Friday, August 28, 2015

Winslow by Kirk

Winslow, introduced by Kirk in 1850 is a rather plain pattern with a simple decorated edge.

Pierced Table serving Spoon (8 1/4 inches)

Ice Cream Fork (6 inches)

Fruit Orange Spoon (6 inches)

Bacon Fork (7 1/2 inches)

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Pastry Server Part 2

I posted on the Pastry Server many years ago . Here I revisit it again because it is a lovely (and expensive) serving piece should you find yourself with one.

Charles II by Dominick and Haff (9 1/4 inches)

Mary II by Lunt

Georgian Rose by Reed and Barton (7 5/8 inches)

Francis I by Reed and Barton (6 3/4 inches)

Monday, August 24, 2015

Quadrille by Kirk

Kirk introduced Quadrille in 1950. It was designed by Martin Laurence Millsphaugh. I am not quite sure this is not the prettiest "Newer" pattern - as in introduced in the past 75 years - I have found yet. I am entranced.

Bon Bon Spoon (4 7/8 inches)

Baby Fork (4 1/8 inches)

Oyster Fork (5 7/8 inches)

Butter Spreader (5 7/8 inches)