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, May 20, 2016

Althea by International

In 1910 International introduced their Althea pattern. The blooms in the design resemble the Althea flower, therefore my assumption is the link to the name.

Sugar Tongs (4 5/8 inches)

Lettuce Serving Fork (8 3/8 inches)

Teaspoon (5 3/4 inches)

Butter Spreader (6 3/4 inches)

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Georgian Maid by International

International introduced their Georgian Maid pattern in 1923.

Table Serving Spoon (8 1/4 inches)

Salad Serving Set

Tomato Server (7 1/2 inches)

Monday, May 16, 2016

Portland by Gorham

Gorham's 1904 Portland pattern may seem a bit ordinary at first blush. However, when given a closer look one sees the detailing of the vine gently making its way up the stem and around the terminal. Then the three blossoms at the top of the terminal, and another at the base of the stem complete the design for a lot of detail with little fuss.

Cream Ladle (4 7/8 inches)

Five O'clock Spoon (5 1/4 inches)

Friday, May 13, 2016

Mille Fleurs by International

International's Mille Fleurs pattern dates back to 1904. It is described as a "multi motif" design. If you will note, the design on the stem and terminals of each of these pieces is of a different flower.

Fork (7 1/2 inches)

Orange Spoon (5 7/8 inches)

Bouillon Soup Spoon (5 inches)

New French Hollow Knife (9 3/4 inches)

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Croquette Servers Part 2

More examples of the Croquette Server that posted on earlier. The piece varies in size from pattern to pattern. Also there is a pierced design and a solid design.

Old Master by Towle

Hepplewhite Plain by Reed and Barton (9 1/4 inches)

Rambler Rose by Towle

Marechal Niel by Durgin (6 7/8 inches)

Monday, May 9, 2016

Laurel by Gorham

Another of Gorham's very old patterns, Laurel dates back to 1885.

Pie Knife (9 1/4 inches)

Flat Handled Butter Knife (7 3/4 inches)

Teaspoon (5 3/4 inches)

Fork (7 1/4 inches)

Friday, May 6, 2016

Marie Louise by Shreve

Shreve Silver introduced their Marie Louise pattern in 1915. I can only assume this pattern was named in honor of Princess Marie Louise of Britain, granddaughter of Queen Victoria. Upon the annulment of her most unhappy marriage to Prince Aribert of Anhalt, she never remarried but spent the rest of her life supporting her charities and being a patron of the arts.

This pattern should not be confused with Towles' 1939 pattern of the same name.

Old French Hollow Knife (9 5/8 inches)

Fork (7 inches)

Flat Handle Butter Spreader (5 3/4 inches)

Salad Fork (6 inches)

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Southern Grandeur by Easterling

Southern Grandeur was introduced by the Easterling company in 1944.

Demitasse Spoon (4 1/4 inches)

Small Cold Meat Serving Fork (7 5/8 inches)

Wooden Bowl Salad Set

Monday, May 2, 2016

Pansy by International

International introduced Pansy in 1909. It was designed by Samuel Stohr who later also designed Chesterfield (1914) and Acanthus (1917) for International.

Fork (7 inches)