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, January 10, 2020

Narcissus by Blackinton

Blakinton's Narcissus pattern was released in 1902. This is a prime example of the beauty and true art of stering from the Victorian period.

Cocktail Fork

Blackinton Narcissus (Sterling) Cocktail/Seafood Fork

Cheese Scoop (7 inches)

Blackinton Narcissus (Sterling) Solid Cheese Scoop

Bouillon Ladle (8 inches)

Blackinton Narcissus (Sterling) Bouillon Ladle

Bon Bon Scoop (5 1/2 inches)

Blackinton Narcissus (Sterling) Bon Bon Scoop

Wednesday, January 8, 2020

Scroll and Bead by Blackinton

Blackinton's Scroll and Bead pattern dates back to 1940. Like the name says it is of the "Bead" design with small dots surrounding the stem.

Jelly Server (6 3/8 inches)

Blackinton Scroll & Bead (Sterling,1940,No Monograms) Large Solid Jelly Server

Blackinton Scroll & Bead (Sterling,1940,No Monograms) Large Solid Jelly Server

Meat Serving Fork (7 1/2 inches)

Blackinton Scroll & Bead (Sterling,1940,No Monograms) Small Solid Cold Meat Serving Fork

Butter Spreader (5 3/4 inches)

Blackinton Scroll & Bead (Sterling,1940,No Monograms) Flat Handle Butter Spreader

Serving Spoon (9 3/4 inches)

Blackinton Scroll & Bead (Sterling,1940,No Monograms) Utility Serving Spoon with Stainless Bowl

Monday, January 6, 2020

Verona by Blackinton

Verona by Blackinton released in 1905, is another beautiful example of Victorian sterling. This pattern has a lovely grape design.

Two Tine Butter Pick (5 7/8 inches)

Fork

Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Songs of Christmas-Sterling by Wallace Silver

Wallace introduced their Songs of Christmas series in 2000.

Silver Bells (2000)

Wallace Silver Songs of Christmas-Sterling Silver Bells - With Box 1

Town of Bethlehem (2001)

Wallace Silver Songs of Christmas-Sterling Town Of Bethlehem - Boxed

Oh Christmas Tree (2002)

Wallace Silver Songs of Christmas-Sterling O Christmas Tree - Boxed

Monday, December 23, 2019

Towle, Flowers of Christmas Medallion Part 3

For the past several years, I have posted on Towle's Annual Christmas Medallion Ornaments. Here are some more examples.

Laurel (1986)

Towle Silver Flowers of Christmas Medallion Laurel - No Box

Holly (1988)

Towle Silver Flowers of Christmas Medallion Holly - Boxed

Chrysanthemum (1991)

Towle Silver Flowers of Christmas Medallion Chrysanthemum - Boxed

Friday, December 20, 2019

Gorham Christmas Ornaments Post 2

As I have posted before, in addition to their flatware and holloware, Gorham has a set of sterling Christmas ornaments. Here are some examples of these.

Snowman

Stocking

Drummer Boy

Santa's Helper - Elf

Monday, December 16, 2019

Chantilly Ornaments Part 3

Gorham produces a different sterling Christmas Tree ornament each year using the design of their ever popular Chantilly pattern. I have posted on these before. Here are some more examples of past years.

2017 Poinsettia