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, March 6, 2015

Tropea by Mount Vernon

In 1907 Mount Vernon introduced Tropea, a truly lovely pattern.



Lemon Fork (5 1/8 inches)


Sugar Spoon (5 3/4 inches)




Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Sandwich Fork

Another serving piece, the Sandwich Fork is self explanatory.

John Hancock by Lunt (7 inches)



Mary Chilton by Towle (7 1/4 inches)



King Edward by Gorham 




Lafayette by Towle

Monday, March 2, 2015

Twentieth Century by Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon introduced Twentieth Century in 1890.


Sugar Spoon (6 inches)


Youth Knife (6 1/2 inches)

Friday, February 27, 2015

Alhambra by Whiting

Whiting introduced their Alhambra pattern in 1880. Given "Alhambra" is the palace and fortress complex located in Granada, Andalusia, Spain, one is not surprised to find the design of this pattern to have Moorish tones.

Pastry Fork (6 1/8 inches)






Oyster Ladle (11 3/8 inches)


Flat Handle Crumber (10 3/8 inches)



Olive Fork (9 3/8 inches)

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

John Hancock by Lunt

Lunt introduced John Hancock in 1911. It was designed by George C. Lunt who also designed Chatelaine (aka Enid) in 1894. To be named for such a distinguished gentleman, the pattern has feminine features such as a ribbon at the case of the terminal. Beading is draped across the top of the terminal below a shell and cornice design that reminds me of the features one would see above the mantle of a very fancy colonial home.  




Teaspoon (5 3/4 inches)


Bon Bon Tongs (3 5/8 inches)


Baby Fork (3 1/2 inches)


Monday, February 23, 2015

Old Dominion by Lunt

Lunt introduced Old Dominion in 1898. At first glance it looks like a modest pattern but when you pay more attention to the detail of the edging around the stem and terminal and the detail on the serving pieces, it is truly a lovely pattern hidden behind such a provincial name.


Fork (7 inches)



Bon Bon Spoon (4 1/2 inches)
















Seafood Fork (6 inches)





Friday, February 20, 2015

Whiting Silver Company Markings

Frank Whiting was eventually aquired by Gorham so it no longer exists. However, there are still many patterns out there designed and produced by the company prior to that time. Below are two markings you will find on the back of pieces of sterling flatware by Frank Whiting and Whiting Silver.

Frank Whiting






Whiting Silver



Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Baronial by Frank Smith

Frank Smith introduced Baronial in 1920. It was designed by Aurthur J. Stone. It is an elegant pattern with an offset design. The serving pieces are particularly attractive.  

Preserve Spoon (7 3/4 inches)


Salad Serving Fork (8 1/4 inches)



Lettuce Serving Fork (8 3/4 inches)


Monday, February 16, 2015

Lion by Frank Smith

Introduced in 1905, Lion by Frank Smith is a very distinct pattern with the image of a lion's face on the terminal. It is truly unique and easy to identify.


Fork (7 3/8 inches)


Fish Knife (8 1/8 inches)



Friday, February 13, 2015

Colbert by Frank Smith

Frank Smith introduced its Colbert pattern in 1921. It is a rich design very much is the tradition of the early 1920's. Note the detail on the shoulder of the serving fork.


Large Sardine Serving Fork (5 5/8 inches)


Strawberry Fork (4 3/4 inches)