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, February 24, 2021

Priscilla by Campbell Metcalf

Campbell Metcalf's Priscilla pattern dates back to 1892. The design is a combination of beads, scrolls, and flowers.

Olive Fork (6 inches)

Monday, February 22, 2021

Ice Cream Scoop Part 2

More examples of the Ice Cream Scoop.

Rose Point by Wallace (8 1/4 inches)

Stradivari by Wallace (8 1/8 inches)

King Richard by Towle (8 inches)

Sculptured Rose by Towle (8 7/8 inches)

Friday, February 19, 2021

Herring Serving Fork 2

Here are more examples of the Herring Serving Fork that is found in few patterns, most by Georg Jensen. This makes sense since Jensen is a Norwegian Company and Herring is a very popular dish in that country.

Acorn by Georg Jensen (with black horn) (6 1/4 inches)

Cactus by Georg Jensen (with black horn) 6 5/8 inches

Cactus by Georg Jensen (with natural horn) 6 5/8 inches

Beaded by Georg Jensen (with stainless tines) 6 1/4 inches

Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Priscilla by Frank Smith

Frank Smith's Priscilla pattern date back to 1924.

Salad Fork (6 1/2 inches)

Five O'Clock Teaspoon (5 1/2 inches)

Strawberry Fork

Horseradish Scoop (5 1/2 inches)

Monday, February 15, 2021

Berry Serving Scoop 2

Berry Serving Spoons, sometimes referred to as "Casserole Spoons" are usually ornate and detailed in the bowl.

Repousse by Kirk (9 /8 inches)

Stieff Rose by Kirk Stief (8 1/4 inches)

Lily of the Valley by Whiting (8 7/8 inches)

Friday, February 12, 2021

Dover by Towle

Towle's Dover pattern dates back to 1880.

Sugar Spoon (5 5/8 inches)

Four O'Clock Teaspoon

Wednesday, February 10, 2021

Floral Lace by Lunt

A relatively "new" pattern, Floral Lace was introduced by Lunt in 1967. Also, as an aside to give one an idea of the life of a pattern. This pattern was only produced from 1967 to 1997.

Cold Meat Serving Fork (Medium) (8 inches)

Table Serving Spoon (8 3/8 inches)

Butter Spreader (HH) (6 1/4 inches)

Olive/ Pickle Fork (5 5/8 inches)

Monday, February 8, 2021

Villa Norfolk aka Norfolk by Gorham

Gorham's Villa Norfolk aka Norfolk was introduced in 1904.

Salad Fork (5 7/8 inches)

Asparagus Tongs (4 1/2 inches)

Demitasse Spoon (3 3/4 inches)

Cream Ladle (5 3/4 inches)

Wednesday, February 3, 2021

Golden Columbine by Lunt

Nord Bolen designed Golden Columbine for Lunt in 1973. This was a later pattern for Bowlen. Earlier he designed Sweetheart Rose (1951), Summer Song (1954), Starfire (1955)and Eloquence (1953) for Lunt.

Table Serving Spoon (8 3/8 inches)

Sugar Spoon (6 inches)

Cold Meat Serving Fork (Medium) (8 inches)

Monday, February 1, 2021

Pearl by Frank Whiting

Whiting's Pearl pattern dates back to 1888. This is the newest addition to my collection. The pattern is elegant in its simplicity.

Pie Fork