Oyster Forks

Individual Oyster Forks are a beautiful place piece in any pattern. Here are a few particularly lovely examples.

Shown Chrysanthemum by Tiffany (6 inches)

Shown in Olympian by Tiffany (4 7/8 inches)

Shown in Vine-Squash by Tiffany (6 inches)

Shown in Winthrop by Tiffany (6 1/8 inches)

Shown in Cat Tails by Durgin (5 5/8 inches)

Shown in Chrysanthemum by Durgin (5 1/2 inches)

Shown in Iris by Durgin (7 5/8 inches)

Shown in Madame Royale by Durgin (5 5/8 inches)

Terrapin Fork (Part 2)

Earlier this year, I showed 2 examples of Terrapin Forks. I have found several more fine examples of this truly unique place piece. In a way, it resembles the "spork" design of an ice cream fork. However, usually the designs have more details.

Shown in Iris by Durgin (5 1/2 inches)

Shown in Lily by Gorham ( 5 3/4 inches)

Shown in Avalon by International (5 3/8 inches)

Shown in Orange Blossom by Durgin (5 1/4 inches)

Shown in Marquise by Tiffany (5 5/8 inches)

Rouen by Gorham

All I could learn about this pattern was that it was "scarce". It was discontinued in 1892 but I could not find out when it was introduced. Although, the photographs are poor and I have never seen a real piece, the pattern itself is attractive and leaves a nice space on the handle for engraving. I particularly like the treatment on the stem of each piece.

Fork 6 7/8 inches

Tablespoon 8 1/4 inches

Oyster Fork 5 3/4 inches

Master Butter Knife 7 1/2 inches

Chow Chow Forks

Just like their companion, the Chow Chow Spoon (See May 28) , the Chow Chow Fork is designed to serve the relish. The forks are about the same size as the spoons and have 2 tines (at least the examples here do.) I could find references to this piece in a couple hundred patterns, but only 2 pictures.

Shown in Georgian by Towle (6 1/8 inches)

Shown in Old English by Towle (6 3/8 inches)

Canape Fork

I could only find a picture of a Canape Fork in Buttercup (as shown) but I could fund references to Canape forks in many patterns (but no pictures). Then upon further research, I learned that in most patterns, the Canape Fork and the Cherry Fork are the same piece, long slender forks with 2 or 3 long tines. I guess it just depends on whether you are serving fruit or small cakes.

Shown in Buttercup by Gorham (8 3/4 inches)

A Rose by Any Other Name (Part I)

Rose is an especially popular name in sterling patterns over the years. Here are a few lovely examples I found.

Rose by Knowles 1881

Rose by Rogers/International 1903

Rose by Wallace 1898 (Designed by Henry L. Wallace)

Rose by Mount Vernon 1910

Rosecrest by Alvin 1955

Royal Rose by Century 1938

Southern Rose by Manchester 1933

Talisman Rose by Frank Whiting 1948 (Designed by Charles F. Simms)

Cranberry Server

A serving piece with flat oval piece used with cranberry jelly that was made in molds (much like the canned kind we find now), the Cranberry Server allowed one to slice the cranberry mold and then serve the pieces.

Shown in Old Master by Towle

Shown in Old Colonial by Towle

Shown in Wild Rose -New by International

Shown in Rambler Rose by Towle

Conch Spoons

I only found examples of Conch Spoons in Tiffany patterns. They are a serving spoon with a uniquely shaped bowl reminiscent of the inside of a shell.

Shown in Lap over Edge (Bugs and Leaves) by Tiffany (9 1/4 inches)

Shown in Olympian by Tiffany

Shown in Strawberry Vine by Tiffany (9 1/2 Inches)

Shown in Wave Edge by Tiffany (9 1/8 inches)

Radiant by Whiting

This pattern was introduced by the Whiting company in 1895. (Whiting has long since been purchased by Gorham). The pattern is exquisite in its detail, with deep lines in the design.

Oversized Salad serving Set

Asparagus Server (9 1/4 inches)

Large Individual Salad Fork (6 1/2 inches)

Master Salt Spoon (3 3/8 inches)

Small Berry/Casserole Spoon (8 1/2 inches)

Chow Chow Spoons

Chow Chow is a relish used as a condiment. Although the origins are unknown, it has been used in the southern United States for over 200 years. Chow Chow is not pureed and is served in its chunky consistency. It is served cold with hot foods and usually spice to the main dish. Unlike British Piccalilli, which usually includes cauliflower and turmeric among its ingredients, and Chutney, which typically includes fruit, Chow Chow is made from green tomatoes, cabbage, mustard seed, and some type of hot pepper. And to no one's surprise, the silver companies saw a need for servings pieces. Featured here are Chow Chow spoons, which generally feature a long handle and elongated bowl to reach into the jar of Chow Chow..

Shown in Baronial by Frank Smith (6 inches)

Shown in Chippendale by Towle

Shown in King Richard by Towle

Shown in Old English by Towle