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, April 17, 2015

La Splendide by Reed and Barton

Reed and Barton introduced La Splendide in 1902. The pattern has a elegant design on the top of the terminal then there is nothing until the the shoulder of each piece. But the detail on both ends balances off the design well.

Sugar Spoon (6 1/4 inches)

One Tine Butter Pick (6 1/4 inches)

Roast Carving Fork (12 inches)

Berry Fork (4 1/2 inches)

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Eloquence by Lunt

In 1953 Lunt introduce Eloquence a pattern designed by Nord Bowlen. Bowlen also designed the pattern Sweetheart Rose for Lunt in 1951. Eloquence is adorned with roses and has an "open design" around the terminal.

Salad Serving Fork (9 1/4 inches)

Teaspoon (6 1/8 inches)

Sugar Spoon (6 1/4 inches)

Master Butter Knife (6 7/8 inches)

Monday, April 13, 2015

Juliet by Wallace

Wallace introduced Juliet in 1924. It is a fairly plain pattern that is long and thin is design with a extended oval terminal containing a wide open area suitable for engraving.

Oyster Fork (5 1/2 inches)

Salad Fork (5 7/8 inches)

Tomato Server (7 inches)

Butter Spreader (5 5/8 inches)

Friday, April 10, 2015

Humbolt by Woods and Hughes

Wood and Hughes introduced Humbolt in 1880.

Fork (7 5/8 inches)

Old Style Pickle Fork (6 1/4 inches)

Monday, April 6, 2015

La Parisienne by Reed and Barton

1902 designed by Ernest Myers designed La Parisienne for Reed and Barton and it was introduced in 1902. He was also the designer of Reed and Barton's Francis I, often referred to as their flagship pattern.

Personally I think the detailing on the stem of these pieces is the most beautiful of all the patterns I have seen. The design is stunning with a multi motif pattern (each piece is adorned with different flowers).

Fork (7 7/8 inches)

Demitasse Spoon (4 1/4 inches)

Medium Cold Meat Serving Fork (8 inches)

Old French Hollow Knife with Bolster (9 inches)

Friday, April 3, 2015

Pie Fork

I posted earlier on the Pastry Fork which is what the Pie Fork is often referred to.

La Parisienne by Reed and Barton (6 1/8 inches)

La Splendide by Reed and Barton (6 1/8 inches)

Hindostanee by Gorham (5 3/4 inches)

Gadroon by Wood and Hughes (6 inches)

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

King Louis by International

King Louis was introduced by International in 1971 and was designed by William J. Knope. The pattern is a cascade of flowers from the terminal to the shoulder of the piece. The terminal has an open design.

Cocktail Fork (5 3/4 inches)

Hollow Handle Steak Knife (8 3/4 inches)

Dessert Spoon (6 7/8 inches)

Monday, March 30, 2015

Roman by Knowles

Knowles introduced Roman in 1900. Although the main lines of the pattern are strong, the few floral details give it some feminine softness.

Bouillon Soup Spoon (5 1/2 inches)

Old Style Pickle Fork (6 1/4 inches)

Friday, March 27, 2015

Gadroon by Wood and Hughes

Gadroon, a lovely pattern by Wood and Hughes was introduced in 1860. The solid beading around the terminal together with the motifs and straight lines on the stem make for a serious design.

Sugar Shell (6 1/2 inches)