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, September 26, 2018

Nathan Hale by Lunt


Not every hero gets a sterling pattern named after them. Nathan Hale by International was introduced in 1912. According to Wikipedia -

"Nathan Hale (June 6, 1755 – September 22, 1776) was an American soldier and spy for the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. He volunteered for an intelligence-gathering mission in New York City but was captured by the British and executed. Hale has long been considered an American hero and, in 1985, he was officially designated the state hero of Connecticut."

Now you know the rest of the story.

Strawberry Fork (4 3/4 inches)


Cucumber Server (5 7/8 inches)


Individual Asparagus Tongs


Relish Spoon (6 inches)

Friday, August 31, 2018

Spanish Tracery by Gorham

Gorham introduced Spanish Tracery in 1970.

Pierced Table Serving Spoon (8 5/8 inches)



Bon Bon Spoon (5 inches)



Master Butter Knife - HH (7 3/8 inches)



Sugar Spoon (6 1/8 inches)

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Secret of the Garden by Gorham

Gorham introduced Secret of the Garden in 1959.

Lemon Fork (4 1/2 inches)



Demitasse Spoon (4 1/2 inches)






Friday, August 24, 2018

Sea Sculpture by Gorham

A relatively new pattern, Gorham introduced Sea Sculpture in 1986.

Ice Tea Spoon (7 5/8 inches)



Butter Knife - HH (7 inches)



Pickle Fork (5 7/8 inches)



Pastry Server (11 5/8 inches)




Monday, August 20, 2018

Olive by Shreve


Shreve introduced their Olive pattern in 1880.

Fork (7 1/8 inches)




Friday, August 17, 2018

Dandelion by Whiting

Whiting introduced their Dandelion patter in 1890.

Casserole Spoon ( 3/8 inches)

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Blossom Time by International

Intentional introduced their Blossom Time in 1950. 

Baby Set 



Sugar Tongs (4 inches)



Bon Bon Spoon (5 inches)



Wooden Salad Set





Monday, August 13, 2018

Crystal by Frank Whiting

Frank Whiting's Crystal pattern was introduced in 1922.

Pie Server (6 3/4 inches)



One Tine Butter Pick (6 1/4 inches)



Luncheon Fork (6 3/8 inches)




Friday, August 10, 2018

Oxalis by Frank Whiting

Frank Whiting's pattern Oxalis was introduced in 1889. It is a multi motif designed by Frederick Schmidt.

Sugar Shell (5 7/8 inches)

Monday, August 6, 2018

Silver Masterpiece by International

Silver Masterpiece by International was introduced in 1970.  The 'flat' pieces in this pattern (ie not Hollow Handle) is open - there are open or cut out parts in the design of the temple.


Bottle Opener (6 1/2 inches)



Medium Solid Cold Meat Serving Fork (8 7/8 inches)



Hollow Handle Knife (9 1/4 inches)






Casserole Spoon (8 7/8 inches)