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, September 8, 2017

Francis I by Alvin

In 1910 introduced their Francis I pattern which was designed by Charles W. Harman. Don't confuse this Reed and Barton's more elaborate Francis I pattern.

Strawberry Fork (5 1/2 inches)

Ice Cream Fork (5 1/4 inches)

Butter Spreader (6 inches)

Jelly Server (5 1/2 inches)

Monday, September 4, 2017

Chateau Rose by Alvin

Alvin introduced its Chateau Rose pattern in 1940.

Cream Soup (6 1/4 inches)

Cucumber Server (6 1/2 inches)

Sugar Tongs (4 inches)

Ice Cream Fork (5 1/2 inches)

Friday, September 1, 2017

Eternal Rose by Alvin

Eternal Rose is a "newer" pattern by Alvin. "Newer" in that it was introduced in 1963.

Pie and Cake Server (11 inches)

Iced Tea Spoon (7 1/8 inches)

Medium Cold Meat Serving Fork (8 5/8 inches)

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Evangeline by Alvin

Alvin's Evangeline pattern dates back to 1907. This simple design does not compare at all to Unger's Evangeline and it's Art Nouveau style.

Strawberry Fork (5 inches)

Short Handled Chocolate Spoon (4 1/2 inches)

Small Chipped Beef Fork (5 3/4 inches)

Solid Butter Pick (7 1/8 inches)

Monday, August 28, 2017

Duquesne by Alvin

Alvin introduce their Duquesne pattern in 1920.

Fork (7 inches)

Butter Spreader (5 5/8 inches)

Friday, August 18, 2017

French Scroll by Alvin

In 1953 Alvin introduced their French Scroll pattern.

Bar Knife (8 1/8 inches)

Hollow Handle Fish Fork (7 inches)

Infant Feeding Spoon (5 3/4 inches)

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

Maryland by Alvin

With so many "Maryland" patterns around, it may get confusing about the names but designs are definitely different. Other patterns include Maryland by Gorham and Old Maryland by Kirk. I also found a "Maryland" pattern listed by Machester, but it was the same design as Alvin's Maryland pattern that was introduced in 1910.

Luncheon Fork (6 7/8 inches)

Fruit Orange Spoon (5 5/8 inches)

Jelly Server (5 1/2 inches)

Curved Handle Baby Spoon (3 1/8 inches)

Monday, August 14, 2017

Lorna Doone by Alvin

In 1925 Alvin introduced their Lorna Doone pattern that was designed by Peter J. Gordon.

Small Steak Carving Knife

Salad Fork (6 1/4 inches)

Pie Server

Friday, August 11, 2017

Maryland by Gorham

Gorham's Maryland pattern dates back to 1885. Don't confuse this with Alvin's Maryland (1910) or Kirk's Old Maryland pattern. It is an ornate pattern.

Oyster Fork (5 1/4 inches)
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Pierced Pea Serving Spoon (8 1/2 inches)

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Salad Serving Fork (8 1/2 inches)

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Sugar Sifter (5 5/8 inches)

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Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Maytime by Alvin

Alvin introduced Maytime in1936 by F. Russell Woodward. Other patterns he designed for Alvin also include Chased Romantique, Miss Alvin, and Rouchambeau. You note that the lines of each of these patterns are very similar.

Cream Soup Spoon (6 1/4 inches)

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Fork (7 1/8 inches)

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Ice Tea Spoon (7 1/2 inches)

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