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, March 7, 2014

Ribbon Rose by Hallmark

Ribbon Rose is a lovely repousse pattern of rose blossoms and leaves. It was designed in 1942 Grosvenor N. Allen and William H. Gerth for Hallmark. A unique feature is an open shield on the terminal suitable for monogramming. 

Hallmark Silver Co was in business from the early 1900s till around 1954. The company merged with Hunt Silver Co in the year 1954 to become Hunt-Hallmark Co.



Butter Spreader (5 3/4 inches)




Salad Fork (6 1/4  inches)



Cream Soup Spoon (6 inches)




Two Piece Steak Carving Set

Baby Knife

The Baby Knife is one of the three piece baby set (knife, spoon, and fork) found in most patterns. Usually they are just a miniature version of the adult piece. However, you will see the baby piece tends to have a fatter handle. These are not to be confused with the "Youth" pieces which are larger than the "Baby" pieces, but usually just smaller in size than the adult pieces, not altered for smaller hands like the "Baby" pieces are.

Chantilly by Gorham (5 3/4 inches)
Baby Knife With Stainless Blade in the Chantilly (sterling,1950,"gorham") pattern by Gorham Silver

Lady Diana by Towle ( 6 1/4 inches)
Baby Knife With Stainless Blade in the Lady Diana (sterling,1928) pattern by Towle

La Salle by Dominick and Haff (5 7/8 inches)
Baby Knife With Stainless Blade in the La Salle (sterling, 1928) pattern by Dominick & Haff

Candlelight by Towle (6 1/4  inches)
Baby Knife With Stainless Blade in the Candlelight (sterling,1934) pattern by Towle

Monday, March 3, 2014

Rosette by Gorham

George Wilkinson designed Rosette for Gorham in 1868. He also designed Gorham's Ivy pattern. Rosette is a design that fits its age. It has a fleur de lis like motif on the end of the terminal  and a medallion in the center of the stem. Otherwise, it is a simple pattern. It has very much the same lines as Ivy.


Master Salt Spoon (3 5/8 inches)

Gorham Silver Rosette (Sterling, 1868) Master Salt Spoon


Gravy Ladle (6 3/4 inches)

Gorham Silver Rosette (Sterling, 1868) Solid Gravy Ladle