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, July 24, 2017

Beaded by Gorham

Gorham's Beaded pattern dates back to 1855. This is more decorative than Gorham's Bead pattern introduced in 1990.

Oval Soup Spoon (7 inches)



Sugar Spoon (6 inches)


Youth Tea Fork (6 1/2 inches)

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Friday, July 21, 2017

Alencon Lace by Gorham

Another "newer" pattern, Alencon Lace was released by Gorham in 1965.

Hollow Knife (9 1/4 inches)

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Bon Bon Spoon (5 inches)

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Fork (7 1/2 inches)

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Punch Ladle (13 7/8 inches)

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Wednesday, July 19, 2017

Vivaldi by Alvin

Vivaldi was introduced in 1966 by Alvin, The pattern is rather ornate but even as detailed and heavy as the pattern is, it still lacks the splendor and charm of the earlier patterns.


Teaspoon (6 inches)



Steak Knife (10 3/8 inches)



Large Salad Serving Spoon (9 inches)



Monday, July 17, 2017

Chased Romantique by Alvin

Alvin introduced their Chased Romantique pattern in 1936. The pattern was designed by F. Russell Woodward Do not confuse this with their regular "Chase" pattern that was introduced earlier in 1933. Woodward also designed Rochambeau for Watson in 1919.


Cream Soup Spoon (6 1/4 inches)



Bon Bon Spoon (4 3/4 inches)



Old Style Pickle Fork (6 inches)

Friday, July 14, 2017

Winchester by Alvin

In 1917 Alvin introduced their Winchester pattern. The lines and simple design are much like those of a colonial style.

Ice Cream Spoon (5 1/4 inches)



Five O'Clock Teaspoon  (5 1/2 inches)




Olive Fork (5 5/8 inches)



Wednesday, July 12, 2017

Pomona by Mount Vernon

This is a wonderful intricate pattern introduced by Mount Vernon in 1907. The more you look at Pomona, the more you see in its design. This should not be confused with Towle's pattern of the same name.


Chocolate Spoon (4 3/8 inches)



Butter Spreader (6 1/2 inches)

Monday, July 10, 2017

Virginia by Weidlich

The Virginia pattern by Weidlich was introduced in 1929. It is about as plain as a pattern can get.


Butter Spreader (5 3/4 inches)




Tomato Server (7 3/8 inches)



Pie Knife (9 3/4 inches)

Friday, July 7, 2017

Astor by Gorham

An old pattern, Astor was introduced in 1910 by Gorham. It is a "Bright Cut" style design.

Sugar Spoon (5 3/4 inches)

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Wednesday, July 5, 2017

Southern Charm by Alvin

This is very simple pattern by Alvin. Southern Charm was introduced in 1947.




French Hollow Knife (9 5/8 inches)
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Fork (7 1/4 inches)

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2 Piece Baby Set

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Monday, July 3, 2017

Andante by Gorham

Gorham introduced Andante in 1963. As with other patterns of that time, the design is fairly plain.

Fork (7 1/8 inches)

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Iced Tea Spoon (7 inches)

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Pie and Cake Server (10 3/4 inches)

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