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?
This is a very practical piece, that can be found in both old and new patterns. The Salad Serving Fork with Wooden Prongs (and usually accompanying Serving Spoon both wooden bowl). And, they are commonly fairly large pieces usually ranging around 11 inches in length. Prelude by International (10 5/8 inches)
Normally, I do not care for or write about, what I consider, newer patterns. Since this pattern, Beauvoir by Tuttle, was introduced in 1967 (and discontinued in 2003), I consider this a rather "modern" pattern. However, when I ran across the pattern, I was taken by it's design. It is unlike most mid to late 20th century designs. It is an open design, with a garland that drapes from the sides of terminal down to the top of the stem. Both the top of terminal and the top of the stem have an embellished motif on them. The stem has lines that run down to a design that joins the stem and the shoulder nicely. Short Handle Olive Fork (5 5/8 inches)
There are several patterns with the "Plymouth" name. All the design are simple in the style of the colonial era. Here are some examples. Manchester's Plymouth (1933)
Bit of history - the "Winthrop Fleet" is said to be the name of the ship carrying first load of settlers to the new world (as in men and women to establish a working colony). Therefore the "Winthrop" name takes an important place in the annals of our colonial history. As we approach our traditional Thanksgiving holiday, I thought I would pay homage to Winthrop. There are several "Winthrop" patterns. I posted on Winthrop by Tiffany earlier. As with most patterns, Tiffany's pattern is more ornate and sophisticated than the other patterns that are more in keeping with the austere colonial designs. You may find pieces in some of these fairly plain patterns and not appreciate how old they are or maybe even that they are sterling. Don't let a plain design fool you. John Winthrop by International (1911) Jelly Cake Server (8 1/8 inches)
This piece falls under the category, "You Just Never Know". This is the sterling silver Telephone Dialer - the perfect gift for that germaphobe or person on your list who has everything. Unfortunately, I do not think you will find them in every pattern.
Weidlich introduced Ancestry in 1940. The design is very similar to the traditional lines of Gorham's Chantilly with the exception of the floral motif added to the top of the stem and the fleur de lis at the base of the stem. It is a very attractive pattern. Lemon Fork (5 1/8 inches)
George C. Lunt himself designed this pattern in 1896. Chatelaine is a simple, yet pretty pattern. There is a fan of fronds that extends from the top of the terminal and down the sides of the terminal just past the top of the stem are edged with leaves that look as if they are curled over from the back of the piece. The shoulder of the one serving piece I show is heavily adorned. Large Sherbet Spoon (5 inches)
Chased Classic was introduced by Lunt in 1936. At first glance it looks to be more modern that 1936, then a closer look shows the detail in the design, which is much more popular in the older patterns. It has a straight stem from terminal to shoulder, thinning out gently from the terminal down. Embellishments of flowers and leaves adorn it.
Another pattern designed by Frederick W. Koonz. American Victorian was introduced in 1941. A very feminine petite design with a trio of blossoms at the base of the terminal, an open area on the terminal suitable for engraving, a pretty stem, and another blossom and other embellishments on the shoulder. Master Butter Knife (6 7/8 inches)