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, December 30, 2016

Terrapin Forks Part 3

One of the more exotic pieces, the Terrapin Fork, like its mate the Terrapin Spoon, were designed for eating terrapin and terrapin soup, both luxuries in the Victorian and Edwardian times.

Avalon by International (5 3/8 inches)



Orange Blossom by Durgin (5 1/4 inches)




Marquise by Tiffany (5 5/8 inches)



Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Lily by Watson

Eustace Crees & Charles S. Court designed Watson's Lily pattern that was released in 1902. It is one of the more lovely of the many "Lily" patterns including Gorham. Court desinged many patterns including Narcissus by Fessendun , as well as Wild Rose, Orchid, Olympia, and Altair by Watson.


Fork (7 inches)




Ice Cream (5 inches)



Fruit/Orange Spoon (5 7/8 inches)




Monday, December 26, 2016

Marlborough by Watson

Watson introduced Marlborough in 1918. It was designed by Barton P. Jenks. Jenks also designed Lenox for Durgin 1912,  Lansdowne by Gorham  1907, and Shamrock V by Gorham 1931.

Dinner Fork (7 7/8 inches)


Pickle Fork  (5 3/4 inches)




Cheese Server (6 1/4 inches)




Friday, December 23, 2016

Chantilly Ornaments by Gorham

Gorham produces a different sterling Christmas Tree ornament each year using the design of their ever popular Chantilly pattern. Here are some examples of past years.

2013 Ball


2014 Snowflake









Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Gorham Buttercup Christmas Ornaments

Gorham produces a different sterling Christmas Tree ornament each year using their more popular designs.  Here are some examples of Buttercup Ornaments in the past years.



Cross (2000)



Star (1998)

Monday, December 19, 2016

Watteau by Durgin

Another Rococo style pattern, Durgin introduced Watteau in 1891.

Chocolate Spoon (5 1/2 inches)



Pie Fork (5 5/8 inches)



Small Berry Berry Spoon  (8 3/8 inches)




Fruit Knife (5 3/4 inches)




Friday, December 16, 2016

Jefferson by Watson

Watson Introduced their Jefferson pattern in 1900. It is lovely example of patterns of this period. Wallace, Gorham, and Lunt also have patterns named "Jefferson".

Oyster Ladle (8 1/2 inches)




Ice Cream Fork (5 1/8 inches)



Luncheon Fork (6 3/8 inches)





Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Ramekin Forks (Part 4)

The Ramekin Fork, one of those Victorian pieces everyone needs when serving that perfect individual souffle to each of your dinner guests. Typically smaller than a Salad Fork or a Fish Fork. I have posted on these earlier.


Chesterfield by Gorham (5 inches)



Etruscan (1913) (4 7/8 inches)  by Gorham



Meadow Rose (1907) (5 inches) by Watson




Repousse (1896) (5 1/2 inches) by Kirk Stieff




Friday, December 9, 2016

Cleone by International

Cleone by International dates back to 1900 and is a delightful pattern with a face in the terminal design amid the vines and flowers. 


Salad Fork (6 1/4 inches)

Click to Enlarge

Large Casserole Spoon  (9 inches)

Click to Enlarge

Bon Bon Tongs (3 3/4 inches)

Click to Enlarge






Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Floral by Paye and Baker

This is a random pattern by Paye and Baker that sports an elaborate floral design - hence the name - Floral. Note unlike most patterns where the pieces are decorated with the design, in this case, the design is the piece.

Youth Fork (5 3/4 inches)