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?

Friday, August 24, 2012

Grapefruit Spoons (Part 3)

I posted earlier on Grapefruit Spoons. However, unlike the examples you may have seen earlier, these have a flat end to their bowl.

Chrysanthemum by Tiffany (5 3/4 inches)

Broom Corn by Tiffany (5 3/4 inches)

Lancaster by Gorham (5 5/8 inches)

Baronial Old by Gorham (5 7/8 inches)

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Mayonnaise Ladle Part 2

I posted on Mayonnaise Ladles earlier. One of the smaller members of the ladle family.

Repousse by Kirk Stieff (5 1/2 inches)

Trianon by International (5 1/8 inches)

Wild Rose by International (5 inches)

Majestic by Alvin (5 3/8 inches)

Monday, August 20, 2012

Paris by Gorham

Quite the interesting pattern, Paris was introduced by Gorham in 1890. Two cupid like child figures grace either side of the top of the terminal with another in the upper part of the stem.

Demitasse Spoon (4 1/4 inches)

Ice Cream Spoon (5 5/8 inches)

Friday, August 17, 2012

Stratford by International

Stratford by Internationl was designed by John T. Clulee and introduced in 1902, making it 110 years old. The Terminal is a more traditional design with a rose at the top and motifs of leaves coming down the sides. However, the bowls and tines of the serving pieces are quite ornate and elegant with free flowing designs.

International also makes a stainless pattern called "Stratford" but the designs are not common.

Small Sugar Sifter (5 1/4 inches)

Solid Cold Meat Serving Fork (6 5/8 inches)

Lettuce Serving Fork (8 3/4 inches)

Fork (Luncheon size) (6 3/4 inches)

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Princess by Towle

Princess by Towle was introduced in 1892 by George P. Tilton, making it 120 years old. It is patterns as ornate and lovely as this one that one make me adore sterling silver flatware. How can one not fall in love with the lines and craftsmanship of such a piece of art.

Tomato Server (7 1/2 inches)

Fish Serving Set

Gravy Ladle (6 1/2 inches)

Small Croquette Server (8 1/4 inches)

Monday, August 13, 2012

New Queens by Gorham

New Queens is another pattern designed by William C. Codman. Gorham introduced it in 1899. A lovely pattern with a scallop shell on the terminal and classic decorations.

Salad Fork (5 7/8 inches)

Fruit Orange Spoon (5 3/4 inches)

Strawberry Fork (4 1/2 inches)

Large Fish Serving Fork (8 3/4 inches)

Friday, August 10, 2012

Majestic by Alvin

A multi-motif pattern introduced by Alvin in 1900. A truly majestic pattern for lack of a better word. With the detailed design on the front and the back on the pieces.

Asparagus Server (9 1/4 inches)

Soup Ladle (12 3/4 inches)

Large Chocolate Spoon (4 3/4 inches)

Solid Salad Serving Fork (9 inches)

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Cracker Scoop

Earlier I posted about different Cracker utensils. Upon further research this becomes a little complicated, but what about the Victorian era and their silver wasn't. Remember the Saratoga Chip Server I posted about earlier? If the piece in the pattern is called "Cracker Spoon" but is pierced, chances are it is really the "Saratoga Chip Server". Some patterns renamed the piece as the "Cracker Spoon" in later years and sometimes it is just referred to incorrectly. That said, here are examples of the Cracker Scoop with a solid bowl. Its purpose was to scoop oyster crackers (or other small crackers from a larger bowl) that would be served into someone's soup.

(Other Posts about the Saratoga Chip Server can be found here.)

Luxembourg by Gorham (7 3/4 inches)

Japanese by Tiffany (9 1/2 inches)

Chrysanthemum by Durgin (8 1/4 inches)

Baronial Old by Gorham (8 inches)

Monday, August 6, 2012

Douglas by Gorham

Douglas was introduced by Gorham in 1899. A richly decorated beautiful old pattern.

Small Casserole Spoon (8 3/8 inches)

Bon Bon Spoon (4 3/8 inches)

Large Tined Sardine Serving Fork (5 1/8 inches)

Salad Serving Fork (8 1/4 inches)

Friday, August 3, 2012

Wedding Spoon in Chantilly

Every once in a while one comes upon a truly unique piece and here is one. Chantilly by Gorham is the only pattern (I have been able to find) that has a Wedding Spoon. Most patterns have your Wedding Cake Knife, but not a Wedding Spoon. And, it is a lovely piece, the bowl being decorated with bells. And, since it is dated, I assume, one could get one dated the year of their nuptials. Who knew?