05 June 2011

hidden treasure...

look up

see the fork in my logo?


Great Grandma Catherine Francis Xavaria O’Connell Filan


...gave my Grandmother (Nanny) this monogrammed silver on her wedding day in October of 1927 at St. Agnes Parish
in Brooklyn, New York


it resides in this battered wooden box in my dining room



not used very much

until my conversation with Nancy from Silver Magpies


Nancy is an expert on antique and vintage silver

In one phone conversation, Nancy told me details about
our family silver I never knew!

“I truly believe we should use and enjoy what we have.”
Nancy convinced me!


and Nancy has some silver eye candy you really must see…



Unfortunately Great Grandma didn’t have any of those Cartier silver plates Nancy has listed!

But her choice of silver is now being used well!

You have any silver hiding in a box?




20 comments:

Susan McClaskey said...

I DO have silver hiding in a box. It came to me by way of an aunt. I bring it out when I set holiday tables and love using it, but otherwise, never. You've inspired me. My only problem is having to hand wash it rather than put it in the dishwasher. Have you figured out an easy, streamline way to take care of it? By the way, yours is lovely.
Best,
Susan

Barbara F. said...

Yes I do! My mother's wedding Rogers 1847 silverplate, from her wedding in 1947! "First Love" xo,

Silver Magpies said...

Cathy - oh wow, I stopped by to read another of your always lovely posts and can hardly believe my eyes!

I'm so glad Grandma's silver is coming out of the box!

You've made me cry (in the nicest possible way)!

Nan

Pat said...

Great post! I have my Great Aunt Sadie's silver and my Grandmother's Lenox China. I use both for special family dinners.

Alexis said...

I am such a believer in using what you have! Why wait for some once in awhile special occasion...and I think all the people that gave the china and silver to you, be it an ancestor or wedding guest would be glad to know it is not stored away.
Great post Cathy!
xo,
Alexis

Susan T said...

Yes I do have some silver, some family items too. I have a passion for silver teaspoons, and use them every day.

I love the photo of your great grandmother. The silver forks are beautiful, silver envy going on here at the moment.

The Buzz Blog said...

No family silver in a box here but the silver trays will be coming out of the closet! Every meal should be a celebration and I'll be using my crystal and china more...
xxoo

Anonymous said...

Those forks! That is the most handsome pattern I think I've ever seen. Most silver patterns are too flowery and swirly for my taste, these forks of yours are beautiful. Can you possibly share the name of the manufacturer and/or the name of the pattern? Thank you for whatever you can share. F.

Maddie Kertay- The Domestic Anarchist said...

I love my silver and I wash it in the DW with the exception of the knives which can become loose. I happen to like the faded and not shiny look of it that way.. so it works for me:)

maddie

Unknown said...

I love silver. My grandmother and mother both had Francis I...and so do I. But, you're reminding me today that I don't use it nearly enough!

xo Elizabeth

Tammy@Beatrice Banks said...

Great post! I do have some silver in a box that I bought at an estate auction once. Guess I need to pull them out and use them. Reminds me of the Erma Bombeck piece which encourages you to use your best everyday. Love your photos and beautiful silver!

Stitchfork said...

So we all now have to use our silver more, right?!
Susan - Nancy washes silver in the dishwasher! Her site is full of tips!
Flo - these are Gorham Etruscan.

Sandy at Ooh La Frou Frou said...

Wow, what a treasure having silver handed down that originated as a purchase from your great great grandmother! So sweet ... Nan at Silver Magpies is a darling too ... two sweetiePIES! ;) I saw those Cartier plates ... beautiful!

Anonymous said...

"Flo - these are Gorham Etruscan."

Thank you so much! Now I shall search...

Anonymous said...

So in love with the greek key pattern flatware! So gorgeous!
xo E + J

Anonymous said...

I haven't got any silver, but I've suddenly developed a desire to get hold of some! Nan has these great silver sipper straws on her site, and I'm aiming to treat myself - soon!

Kelly Frances Dunn said...

What beautiful things from our past! I just treasure the silver my grandmother gave me. Sometimes it's out and sometimes I hide it away because it's TOO precious! But yes, we should display and use more. What celebration are we waiting for? Today is good enough! XOXO, Kelly

Julie of Monkey Grass Hill said...

I wish I had some sterling flatware. For now, just have my silver plate flatware that was my grandmothers - I don't have an impressive bloodline :)

Just saw Nan at the baseball field - she always is fun to talk to.

Alicia@ eco friendly homemaking said...

This is such a great post!! I agree we should display our treasures!!

Unknown said...

yes.. I have silver hiding in a box.. *guilty* I know.. I know.. you are right. get it out.. enjoy it. What am I waiting for??