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, April 14, 2021

Pastry Fork (Part 3)

Several years ago, I posted on the Pastry Fork. Here are some more examples.

Etruscan by Gorham (6 inches)

Meadow Rose by Wallace (6 inches)

English King by Tiffany (6 inches)

Monday, April 12, 2021

Andover by International

International's Andover dates back to 1911. It is a fairly plain design.

Pickle Fork (5 3/4 inches)

Fork (7 1/4 inches)

Sugar Spoon (6 inches)

Friday, April 9, 2021

Charmaine by International

A newer pattern from International, Charmaine was introduced in 1979. The flat pieces have an open or pierced design. If one looks closer to the design there are small roses decorating the terminal along with scrolls.

Lasagna Server (10 1/4 inches)

Salad Fork (5 3/4 inches)

Individual Fruit Knife (7 1/4 inches)

Wednesday, April 7, 2021

Suffolk by Alvin

Alvin introduced their Suffolk pattern in 1905.

Orange Spoon (5 5/8 inches)

Strawberry Fork (4 3/4 inches)

Cucumber Server (6 3/8 inches)

Cheese Scoop (6 inches)

Monday, April 5, 2021

Old Style Pickle Fork Part 5

The Old Style Pickle Fork. I have posted on it several times earlier.

Chantilly by Gorham (6 inches)

Old Colonial by Towle (5 7/8 inches)

Louis XV by Whiting (6 1/4 inches)

Click to Enlarge

Friday, April 2, 2021

Devonshire by International

International introduced Devonshire in 1914. The pattern was designed by John W. Heller. John Heller should not be confused with Antoine Heller, the very prolific designer who worked for both Gorham and Tiffany.

Jelly Knife (8 1/8 inches)

Sugar Tongs (4 3/4 inches)

Ice Cream Spoon (5 3/4 inches)

Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Chester by International

International's Chester pattern dates back 1900.

Demitasse Spoon (4 1/4 inches)

Small Chipped Beef Fork (6 7/8 inches)

Monday, March 29, 2021

Orchid by Gorham

In 1894 Gorham released their Orchid pattern. It has the distinct design of an orchid etched on the terminal.

Five O'Clock Teaspoon (5 5/8 inches)

Friday, March 26, 2021

Toddy Ladle 2

A while back I posted on the Toddy Ladle, a large piece found only in a few patterns. Here are 2 more examples.

Renaissance by Dominick and Haff (14 inches)

HWD3 by Howard Sterling(13 1/2 inches)

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

Chelmsford by Gorham

Gorham's Chelmsford pattern was introduced in 1911. It was designed William C. Codman. Other Codman designed Patterns include Florentine, Etruscan, Fleury, Tuileries, Albemarle, New Queens, Spotswood, and Imperial Chrysanthemum.