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?

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Celeste by Gorham

Celeste was introduced by Gorham in 1956. It is a simple design, plain with a star motif scattered about.

Sugar Tongs (5 inches)

Bon Bon Spoon (4 1/4 inches)

Large Solid Jelly Server (6 1/4 inches)

Small Steak Carving Fork (9 5/8 inches)

Monday, November 19, 2018

Camellia By Gorham

Gorham's Camellia pattern dates back to 1942 with its delicate floral pattern on the edge .

Letter Opener (7 3/4 inches)

Tomato Server (7 5/8 inches)

Iced Tea Spoon (7 1/2 inches)

Ice Cream Fork (5 5/8 inches)

Friday, November 16, 2018

Roanoke by Gorham

In 1913, Gorham introduced their Roanoke pattern.

Salad Serving Fork

Poultry Shears (10 1/8 inches)

French Knife (8 1/2 inches)

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Portland by Gorham

Gorham's Portland was introduced in 1904.

Cream Ladle (4 3/8 inches)

Five O'Clock Teaspoon ( 5 1/4 inches)

Monday, November 12, 2018

Lady Washington by Gorham

Gorham introduced their Lady Washington pattern in 1876.

3 Piece Youth Set

Fork (7 1/4 inches)

Sugar Shell Spoon (5 3/4 inches)

Friday, November 9, 2018

Jefferson by Gorham

Gorham introduced their Jefferson pattern with the wreath motif on the terminal in 1907.

Hollow Knife with Bolster 9 7/8 inches

Tomato Server (7 1/2 inches)

Pierced Bowl Short Handle Olive Spoon (5 3/4 inches)

Soup Spoon (Bouillon) 5 3/8 inches

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

Townsend by Gorham

Gorham's Townsend patter only dates back to 1989.

Salad Fork (6 7/8 inches)

Butter Knife (7 inches)

Large Roast Steel Rod Knife Sharpener (12 1/2 inches)

Fork (7 3/4 inches)

Monday, November 5, 2018

Spotswood by Gorham

Gorham introduced their Spotswood pattern in 1912. It was designed by William C. Codman who also designed many of Gorham's pattern including Florentine, Etruscan, Fleury, Tuileries, Albemarle, New Queens, and Imperial Chrysanthemum.

Fish Fork (6 1/4 inches)