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?

Friday, February 2, 2018

Silver Swirl by Wallace

1955

Designer : William S. Warren

Silver Swirl by Wallace is yet another pattern designed by William Warren (who also designed Rose Point, Sir Christopher, Grand Baroque , and Romance of the Sea). It was introduced in 1955.

Seafood Fork (5 5/8 inches)

Bon Bon Spoon (5 7/8 inches)

Wednesday, January 31, 2018

John Alden by Watson

Watson introduced their John Alden pattern in 1911.

Oyster Fork (5 5/8 inches)

Asparagus Tongs (8 inches)

Flat Handled Crumber (12 3/4 inches)

Orange Knife (6 5/8 inches)

Monday, January 29, 2018

Cactus by Georg Jensen

A beautiful art deco pattern, Georg Jensen's Cactus was introduced in 1930.

European Fork (7 3/4 inches)

Grapefruit Spoon (5 7/8 inches)

Jam Spoon (5 1/2 inches)

Sardine Serving Fork (6 5/8 inches)

Friday, January 26, 2018

Corn Butterer Part 3

A few more examples of the odd piece, the Corn Butterer. I have posted on it earlier.

Spanish Baroque by Reed and Barton (5 3/8 inches)

Fairfax by Gorham (5 3/4 inches)

Francis I by Reed and Barton (5 1/8 inches)

Renaissance by Kirk Stieff (5 3/8 inches)

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)