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?

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

Larkspur by Wallace

Wallace introduced their Larkspur pattern in 1939. It is a simple pattern on first blush, but further review shows a rather interesting border around the edge that includes small blossoms.

Tomato Server (7 1/2 inches)

Lemon Fork (5 1/2 inches)

Cream Soup (5 7/8 inches)

Monday, January 22, 2018

No.80 by Wallace

Wallace's No. 80 pattern dates back to 1909. It has been my experience that many of the more interesting patterns by a silversmith are not given some fancy name, just a number. This pattern is a prime example of this. The Bon Bon spoon in this pattern is an exquisite piece. (IMHO)

Oyster Fork (5 5/8 inches)

Teaspoon (5 3/4 inches)

Bon Bon Spoon (4 7/8 inches)

Friday, January 19, 2018

Madison by Wallace

Wallace introduced Madison in 1913.

Butter Spreader (5 3/4 inches)

Gumbo Soup Spoon (6 7/8 inches)

Cheese Server (6 7/8 inches)

Youth Tea Fork (6 1/8 inches)

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

La Viola by Wallace

This is a lovely unusual pattern with a design of violets. Wallace introduced La Viola in 1912. There is a nice area on the terminal for engraving.

Bon Bon Tongs (3 3/4 inches)

Small Steak Carving Fork (8 5/8 inches)

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

Monday, January 8, 2018

Alexandra by Dominick and Haff

Dominick and Haff introduced Alexandra in 1903.

Five O'Clock Spoon (5 5/8 inches)

Large Lettuce Serving Fork

Small Sugar Sifter (6 inches)

Orange Knife (6 5/8 inches)

Friday, January 5, 2018

Spanish Baroque by Reed and Barton

A newer pattern, Spanish Baroque was introduced by Reed and Barton in 1965.

Salad Fork ( 6 1/2 inches)

Lasagna Server (10 1/2 inches)

Ice Teaspoon (7 1/4 inches)

Salad Serving Fork (9 1/4 inches)

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Dancing Surf by Kirk

A "newer" pattern, Dancing Surf, was introduced by Kirk in 1986. The swirl design on the terminal representing a wave truly gives the pattern its name.

Sugar Shell (6 1/2 inches)

Candle Snuffer

Fish Server (10 7/8 inches)

Medium Solid Cold Meat Serving Fork (8 1/8 inches)

Monday, January 1, 2018

Towle's 12 Days of Christmas Ornaments (Part 3)

Continuing from my last post here are the last 4 in Towle's Collection of Sterling Christmas Wreath Ornaments each representing the Twelve Days of Christmas.

9 Ladies Dancing

10 Lords a Leaping

11 Pipers Piping

12 Drummers Drumming

Friday, December 29, 2017

Towle's 12 Days of Christmas Ornaments (Part 2)

Continuing from my last post here are the next 4 in Towle's Collection of Sterling Christmas Wreath Ornaments each representing the Twelve Days of Christmas.

Five Gold Rings (1995)

Six Geese a Laying (1996)

Seven Swans a Swimming (1997)

Eight Maids a Milking (1998)

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Towle's 12 Days of Christmas Ornaments

In 1991 Towle started a collection of Sterling Christmas Wreath Ornaments. One was produced each year representing the Twelve Days of Christmas. Here are the first 4 of the collection (1991-1994)

Partridge in a Pear Tree (1991)

Two Turtle Doves (1992)

Three French Hens (1993)

Four Calling Birds (1994)