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, February 4, 2019

Prince Albert By George W. Shielber

I was able to find 6 different "Prince Albert" patterns. Here is an example of Shielber's 1855 version.

Dinner Fork

Friday, February 1, 2019

Dolores by Shreve

Joseph E. Birmingham designed Shreve's Dolores. It was introduced in 1909. It is a rather plain pattern. Birmingham also designed Shreve's Napoleonic pattern.

Salad Fork (6 inches)

Orange Spoon (5 5/8 inches)

French Hollow Knife (9 1/2 inches)

Pea Serving Spoon (8 3/8 inches)

Monday, January 28, 2019

Honey Spoon

Every time I think I have identified all the pieces in a complete flatware set, something surprises me. Today it is the Honey Spoon. I could find very few examples of this piece. Those that I did find ranged in range from 5 to almost 7 inches long. Each piece had a relatively long stem and a bowl that was more oval shaped.

Raleigh by Alvin (5 7/8 inches)

Neapolitan-Kings Court (6 3/4 inches) by Frank Whiting

Maryland by Alvin (5 7/8 inches)

Venetian Scroll By Oneida

Onieda's Venetian Scroll only dates back to 1970.

Medium Cold Meat Serving Fork (8 3/8 inches)

Sugar Shell (6 inches)

Modern Hollow Knife (9 1/8 inches)

Friday, January 25, 2019

Reverse Twist by Whiting

There are many "twist" patterns about. This is Reverse Twist by Whiting.

Salad Fork (6 1/2 inches)

Wednesday, January 23, 2019

Alden by Blackinton

Blackinton's Alden pattern was introduced in 1900. It was designed by John H. Harmstone.

Individual Fish Knife (7 3/4 inches)

Bon Bon Tongs (3 1/2 inches)

Cucumber Server (7 1/8 inches)

Monday, January 21, 2019

De Coverly By Blackinton

Blackinton's De Coverly was designed by Edwin Cogvin and introduced in 1905.

Small Steak Carving Knife (9 1/4 inches)

Friday, January 18, 2019

Flowered Antique by Blackinton

Charles A. Joslin designed Flowered Antique for Blackinton in 1940.

Sugar Spoon (5 7/8 inches)

French Hollow Knife (8 7/8 inches)

Pierced Bowl Long Handle Olive Spoon (7 1/2 inches)

Small Carving Fork (9 1/2 inches)

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Doric by Manchester

Manchester's Doric pattern was introduced in 1932. The design had art deco lines.

Lemon Fork (5 inches)

Tomato Server (7 5/8 inches)

One Tine Butter Pick (5 7/8 inches)

2-Piece Steak Carving Set

Monday, January 14, 2019

Torchon by Buccellati

Buccellati's Torchon pattern was introduced in 1970. Buccellati also has the same pattern in silverplate.

Pierced Shell Casserole Spoon (8 7/8 inches)

Flat Handle Master Butter Knife (8 1/8 inches)

Cocktail/Seafood Fork (5 1/4 inches)

Gravy Ladle (6 1/2 inches)