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 27, 2021

Fish Place Knife 2

Here are some more examples of the Fish Place Knife. I posted on this earlier.

Melrose by Gorham (8 3/8 inches)

Repousse by Kirk (8 inches)

Pointed Antique by Reed and Barton (7 3/4 inches)

Newport Scroll by Gorham (8 3/4 inches)

Monday, January 25, 2021

Martha Washington by Dominick and Haff

In 1928 Dominick and Haff introduced Martha Washington.

Pastry Server ( 8 7/8 inches)

Dinner Fork (8 inches)

Sugar Shell (6 1/2 inches)

Cheese Server (6 inches)

Friday, January 22, 2021

1700 and Counting

Today's post is my 1700th on this blog. The earliest post that I can pull up was dated November 25, 2009. I had no idea I had been blogging on this subject for 11 years. Since then I have changed jobs multiple times, moved 3 times (2 states), one daughter got married, we now have 2 granddaughters, and all along I have managed to build a wonderful collection of different sterling silver flatware piece.

For birthdays, Christmas, and other gift giving occasions I have received many lovely pieces from friends and family. And, although they do not share my passion, they proudly tell stories about how or where they found the piece. So now they are always on the lookout in antique stores, estate sales, the random auction, and flea market for a unique old piece, usually monogrammed.

They are amused when they learn that their find was some obscure utensil developed by the Victorians to serve and enjoy some specific fruit, meat, soup, or dish. They find there is jam spoon AND a jelly spoon (one never serves jam with a jelly spoon). And 3 different soup spoons (cream, gumbo, and bouillon)? Seriously? And, we will not even get into the Horseradish or Marrow scoops, the terrapin pieces, or even the different place pieces for various types of seafood. (I have always said the Victorians never met a food they did not develop a specific silver piece with which to eat it and/or serve it.)

There are 56 unique place pieces for each place setting. Of course they are never on the table at the same time. Luckily the Victorians and Edwardians had knowledgeable staff who ensured each course was served with correct piece.

All this has been a labor of love. And, as far as I can see, I am nowhere done as there are stills 100's patterns I have yet to identify.

But, what has motivated me the most has been you, my loyal readers. Given I am recognizing this anniversary of my blog, I would appreciate each of you posting a comment as to why you read the blog, what you find most interesting, and what, if anything you have learned.

But most of all, thank you for joining me on this fabulous ride.

Ann Currie

La Salle by Dominick and Haff

Another pattern by Dominick and Haff, La Salle was introduced in 1928.

Sugar Tongs (4 3/8 inches)

Sugar Spoon (6 1/4 inches)

Lemon Fork (4 3/8 inches)

Preserve Spoon (7 7/8 inches)

Wednesday, January 20, 2021

Ice Serving Spoon 2

I posted on Ice Serving Spoons earlier. Here are some more examples.

Chantilly by Gorham (8 3/4 inches)

English King by Tiffany (9 inches)

Mount Vernon by Lunt (8 inches)

Bridal Rose by Alvin (7 5/8 inches)

Monday, January 18, 2021

Century by Dominick and Haff

Dominick and Haff introduced their Century pattern, appropriately, in 1900.

Large Sardine Fork (5 3/4 inches)

Long Handler Chocolate Muddlr (7 inches)

Fish Fork (7 inches)

Fruit Knife (6 5/8 inches)

Friday, January 15, 2021

Drury Lane by Towle

If I remember correctly, the Muffin Man lived on Drury Lane. Not sure if Towle's pattern by the same name was introduced in 1939.

Dinner Fork (8 inches)

Bon Bon Spoon (4 /78 inches)

Sugar Tongs (4 inches)

Monday, January 11, 2021

Dorothy Bradford by Towle

Towle's Dorothy Bradford pattern dates back to 1913. I'm not sure who this pattern was named for. There were several well known "Dorothy Bradford's". There was Dorothy Elizabeth Bradford, the British Painter (1897-1986). And also there was Dorothy Bradford who came to America on the Mayflower and was the wife of William Bradford, who served as the governor of Plymouth Colony. Your pick!

Dinner Fork (7 1/4 inches)

Butter Spreader (5 3/8 inches)

Sugar Spoon (5 3/8 inches)

Friday, January 8, 2021

Aristocrat by Towle

Aristocrat by Towle dates back to 1934. It was designed by Harold E. Nock. Other patterns designed for Towle by Nock include Old Master, Old Lace (1939), D'Orleans (1932), Candlelight (1934), Royal Windsor (1935), Virginia Carvel (1919), Rambler Rose (1937), Chased Diana (1925), Lady Constance, and Lady Mary.

Orange Spoon (5 7/8 inches)