I recently found this cute velvet picture frame made of velvet and metal thread.  It reminded me a lot of the antique velvet picture frames.  The problem with the antique velvet frames is that most of them have faded or have damage.

The nice thing about this new one I found is that it is in perfect condition!

Let’s take a closer look at the details… It is real velvet with silver covered copper threads. So yes, it will tarnish over time.

excuse the poor photoshopping; I am internet shy and don’t want my face everywhere!

It’s hard to find new picture frames that are made of such quality. When I saw it I knew that I had to take it home with me!

It reminded me a lot of the old velvet picture frames… let me share.  This beautiful French picture frame is made with velvet.  It contains a painted picture as photography hadn’t quite caught on yet!

1800s French velvet ormalu frame source

When photos became accessible to the “mainstream” thanks to Kodak in the 1880s, people wanted to display their pictures.  Remember though, that pictures were still really expensive to take.  An expensive picture needs an expensive frame!

1800s hand embroidered photo frame source

Then came along the fancy photo albums from the Victorian era.  Check out this one below… You fold it down to reveal a whole book!  It’s interesting how much the velvet has faded over time.

look at how it faded! source

Here’s the photo album opened:

how cool is that?

A pair of velvet French frames from the Napoleon era…

Napoleon era French embroidered frames source

I like the metal on this velvet frame…

19th century French velvet frame source

I like the beading on this velvet frame.  What’s unusual is how little damage there is to the velvet.

1800s French velvet frame source

Now, this is a clutch below.  But it reminded me a lot of the picture frame as it is a velvet clutch with silver thread!

1850s Napoleon era velvet French coin purse source

… Then I got side tracked.  The company for the picture source below takes old embroidery and turns it into pillows!  I love this metal embroidery!!

old metal embroidery tapestry turned into a pillow source

The thistles on my picture frame remind me a little bit of Queen Elizabeth’s coronation gown.  On the right you can see some thistles, representing Scotland.

the thistles on my picture frame are reminiscent of the Queen’s coronation gown source

The metal thread also reminds me of some of this handiwork:

Ottoman period silver and gold thread source

While trying to find pictures of velvet picture frames I ran into this wonderful hand embroidered metal thread sheep on velvet!  How cute!!

sheep

And then I found this wonderful embroidered Eagle!

Eagle

Well, I got a little side tracked at the end with the eagle and sheep.  But, I love my new picture frame!!
Written at http://peoniesandorangeblossoms.blogspot.com

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A few more hints about buying silver…

What affects the price of the piece I’m buying?
-Pattern: Certain patterns are worth more than others, despite the weight in Troy ounces being the same.
-Piece: Forks are worth more than teaspoons. Knives are usually worth less, and it’s because most are hollow.
-Sets: Sets go for more.
-Monograms: These go for less.
-Condition: this is obvious. Things in good condition go for more.

Other tips:

• be wary of buying tarnished silver as it can hide obvious damage.
• avoid pieces with a white appearance. It was most likely over cleaned with harsh chemicals.
• Areas most susceptible to damage are rims and joints with handles, spouts, and feet.
• When buying a set, look out for “marriages”.  This is when two or more pieces are combined to make a better set.  They can be really hard to catch sometimes, so be careful!
• Be wary of modified items: sometimes spoons are cut to resemble a sugar spoon, or may have been pierced to look like a sifter.
• The best way to care for silver is to use it.  Gentle hand wash it. 
• Remember silver is a good conductor, so placing a silver serving spoon in a bowl of hot soup for a few minutes can make the spoon very hot. You have been warned.
• Assume that if you are looking at vintage or antique silver and it does not have a sterling mark, it is silver plate.
• Buy from reputable dealers to avoid forgery and fakes.  For deals, search eBay but be careful who you buy from.  

My #1 tip is: Buy something you love.  If you buy something that was a good bargain but you don’t really love it, you aren’t going to use it. So it’s just going to sit in the drawer.  So you shouldn’t have bought it in the first place.

My Favorite Sterling Silver Patterns!
I have been searching all over the internet trying to find patterns that I really like.  There are a ton of retired patterns that you are still able to purchase through eBay and other antique dealers.  I am sure there are more that will catch my eye, but I’ve narrowed the list down (but the list is still long).

If you missed the first part of my guide about sterling silver flatware (which contains info about what sterling silver is, how to care for it, etc…) click here.

Here we go! (In order of… most simple to most ornate)

“Malmaison” by Christofle. source: Christofle website

“Marly” by Christofle source: Christofle website

This happens to be my stainless pattern, so I wouldn’t want the same in sterling… but I still like it!

Couzon “Consul”  source: bloomingdale’s

“Williamsburg Shell” by Kirk Steiff

“Empire” by Ercuis

“Empire” by Gebrueder Reiner. source: arts table

“Ludwig XVI” by Koch and Bergfeld source: art’s table

“Strassburger Empire” by Wilkens source: arts table

“Marie Antoinette” by Alvin source: antiquecupboard.com

“Empire” by Buccelati source: antiquecupboard.com

“Moilere Mascaron”by Emile Puiforcat source: puiforcat website

“Elysees by Puiforcat” source: puiforcat website

Audubon by Tiffany

“Royal” by Puiforcat source: puiforcat website

“Mascarons” by Puiforcat sourcE: rubylane.com

“Renaissance” by Tiffany  source: spencermarks.com

“Paris” by Gorham source: replacements ltd.

“Versailles” by Gorham source: rubylane

You may have noticed that I’m a little bit schizophrenic on my patterns.  They are either pretty simple or over-the-top.

Here’s why:  I think there’s a lot of elegance with the more simple patterns, however, if you’re going to eat with sterling silver, which I feel is a bit over-the-top anyway, then maybe you should be eating with an over-the-top fork!

What do you think? What one is your favorite?  Or is your favorite not listed?

I think my favorite is the Tiffany “Renaissance” pattern. A girl can dream!

I’m providing a link to a website that has a really nice overview of many patterns.  Check it out to see a whole bunch of patterns quickly!

Be Sure to check out part 1 of my Sterling Silver Guide!

Note: I am not a silver expert. I am just someone who is writing about silver for a fun hobby. You need to perform your own research before you go about buying silver.

I’ve linked up with:The Scoop! at Confessions of a Plate Addict/Stone Gable, Inspire Me Tuesday at a Stroll Thru Life, Do Tell Tuesday at a Vintage Zest,  You’re Going to Love it Tuesday at Kathe with an E,Wow us Wednesdays! at Savvy Southern Style, What’s it Wednesdays at Ivy & Elephants,  Treasure Hunt Thursday at From My Front Porch To Yours, Feathered Nest Fridays at French Country Cottage, Sunday Best Showcase at Twigg Studios. Be sure to check out all of these fabulous blogging parties! A big thank you to all of the wonderful hosts!

Written  at http://peoniesandorangeblossoms.blogspot.com

As a collector of antiques, I have long been interested in sterling silver.  However, I know NOTHING about it.  I always eye the beautiful cases of sterling flatware, but don’t know where to begin nor do I even know what pattern I like!

Sterling Silver Flatware Guide

First things first, what is “sterling silver”?
In the United States, it only applies to an item which contains a minimum of 925 parts of silver out of 1000 parts.  The remaining 75 parts are an alloy of nickel, copper, or other metals.   Therefore, you get the mark of 0.925.  (Silver is too soft to be at 100% and therefore must have some other metal added to it).   No silver less than 0.925 can be labeled sterling, solid silver, sterling silver, silver or ster. If you are buying it from someone and they label it as Sterling and is in fact NOT, they are subject to federal fines from the National Gold and Silver Stamping Act.

The word “Sterling” first appears on American silver circa 1800.  Most silver items made through 1860 were actually 0.900 silver.  Silver flatware made before 1968 in the US will vary with the amount of silver included.  Sets made after 1968 will have the word “sterling”, “925-1000” or “.925” on it.

Note: all of these standards are referring to US made sterling.  Different countries have different standards.

What is silver plate?
It contains alloys and is NOT sterling silver.  I like to think of it as a microscopic level of silver over regular old stainless steel flatware pretending to be sterling.  Don’t buy this, I say go big or go home.

Settings and Pieces
Most are available in 5 piece settings.
5 piece: Salad fork, soup spoon, dinner fork, dinner knife, teaspoon.

What are the standard serving pieces?
A table serving spoon, pierced table spoon, cold meat fork, sugar spoon, master butter knife, and pie server.

There are MANY other types of serving pieces available.  For example, I own an asparagus server! haha!

How many place settings should I buy?
Buy at LEAST 8 full settings.  However, most purchase more.

Should I get my set monogrammed?
NO.  It will reduce the value of your sterling by 25-35%. No joke. This is also on the flipside, if you are buying vintage or antique sterling silver, if it has monogramming on it, it should be 25-35% cheaper than a pattern without a monogram.

Sterling flatware care:
You may put it in the dishwasher BUT handwashing is preferred.  Do not wash with stainless pieces as a reaction can occur and leave little black dots on it.
***Be careful if you do choose to use the dishwasher.  Most sterling silver knife handles are actually hollow and filled with plaster.  Putting the knives into the dishwasher can cause the plaster to melt and permanently damage the knife.  When you hand wash your knives, do not submerge them completely. Wash each individually under running water.  If you submerge them completely in water, the water can seep into the hollow part of the knife and also cause permanent damage to the knife.  We don’t want that!

To keep the silver shiny, you will need to polish it.  Store in protective felt cases. Keep away from direct light, as it will cause the silver to tarnish.  Do not store on wood directly as the wood contains acids that can ruin the silver.

How much is silver worth?
Silver is sold in troy ounces (31.10grams).  The ounce we think of is actually “ounce avoirduopois” (29.35grams).  If you are weighing silver at home, you will be weighing it in “ounce avoirdupois” and will need to convert it.  US prices in 2014 have been around $19.8 per troy ounce.

OK, I’m ready, I want to buy some sterling silver! What pattern?!
Well, I’ve included pictures of the top 10-20 patterns sold in the United States.  I have seen quite a few of these at estate sales and antique shows, but had no idea what the names were!

“Strasbourg”

“Rose Point”

“Repouse”

“Fairfax”

“Francis I”

“Grande Baroque”

“Old Master”

“Prelude”

“Buttercup”

“Chantilly” by Gorham

Here is also another website’s pictures of their top selling sterling silver patterns:

Alright!  Stay tuned as next week as I’ll be sharing my favorite sterling silver patterns with you all!

Sources
1. Sterling Silver what it is and is not. 
2. Sterling Silver info
3. Awesome sterling silver website
4. Best Flatware patterns (source of all of the pictures except the bottom one)
5. The Silverqueen

Note: I am not a silver expert. I am just someone who is writing about silver for fun. You need to perform your own research before you go about buying silver.

I’ve linked up with:The Scoop! at Confessions of a Plate Addict/Stone Gable, Metamorphosis Monday’s at Between Naps on the Porch, Inspire Me Tuesday at a Stroll Thru Life, Do Tell Tuesday at a Vintage Zest,  You’re Going to Love it Tuesday at Kathe with an E, Cottage Style Party at Lavender Garden Cottage  Wow us Wednesdays! at Savvy Southern Style, What’s it Wednesdays at Ivy & Elephants, Centerpiece Wednesdays at The Style Sisters Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch, Oh the places I have been at the Tablescaper, Treasure Hunt Thursday at From My Front Porch To Yours, Feathered Nest Fridays at French Country Cottage, Seasonal Sundays at the Tablescaper, Sunday Best Showcase at Twigg Studios. Be sure to check out all of these fabulous blogging parties! A big thank you to all of the wonderful hosts!

Written at http://peoniesandorangeblossoms.blogspot.com

Have you ever seen a pair of Staffordshire dogs? I’m sure you have, as they are immensely popular and many faux Staffordshire dogs are widely available in stores today.

But, have you ever seen a pair of real antique Staffordshire cats?  I have been slowly working on building up my collection of Staffordshire cats.  The problem is though… they are pretty rare. And you know what that means. Rare = expensive.

I think these are from the 20th century, but they are my favorite. From a very good friend, given to me from her will.

Staffordshire cats were manufactured in the 1740s-1960s in several different pottery factories in Staffordshire county, England. However, I only care about the ones made before 1900. The older, the better!

The oldest cat in my collection! Wish I had the pair.

It is common that these figures are damaged… they are, after all, 150 years old!  A little damage is okay, depending on the location.  If it’s on the face it’s not worth as much.

my damaged one. She was $1. I’ll take it!

So, how do you know you’re buying a fake one vs a real one?  That takes an eye… and I think I may be fooled sometimes too!  The fakes even include fake dirt! Can you believe it? 

Below are 3 examples of cats from the 20th century. Notice how they just look a little different?

The matching pair piece to this one literally jumped off the shelf and broke.

Notice the lighter blue color? Light blue =  new.

Now, let’s take a look at some other real antique Staffordshire cats!

Calico Cat from the 1850s. Picture from antiquepottery.co.uk

Purple cats from Ebay. Sold for $400.

Seated cat from the 1820s. Picture from antiquepottery.co.uk

Cat and kitten from the 1840s. Picture from antiquepottery.co.uk

Calico cat from the 1850s. From antiquepottery.co.uk

Seated cat from the 1850s. Picture from antiquepottery.co.uk

This cat is from the early 18th century. From antiques.com

Seated cat, 1850s, from madalena.com

Kitten and cat pair, mid 1800s, from millersguide.com

Pair of RARE jackfield cats. I think from ebay.com. These go for $1000.

So you ask yourself,  how old is my Staffordshire?  

1. Glass eyes were introduced in 1885.

2. If a printed mark is found on the bottom, it is most likely from the 20th century.

If there is a printed mark that says…

“Trade Mark” it is from after 1862.

“R N” 1883

“England” 1891 or after.

“Made in England” is from the 20th century.

Descriptive words like “genuine Staffordshire ware” are modern fake copies.

For more information on Staffordshire figurines in general, visit this website.

I’ve linked up with The Scoop! Visit Confessions of a Plate Addict blog, Tablescape Thursday at ‘Between Naps on the Porch’,Wow us Wednesdays!at Savvy Southern Style, Open House Party at no minimalist here, Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage,Seasonal Sundays & Oh the places I have been at The Tablescaper, andlife of the party at the grant life, and the style sisters, and ThursdayFavorite Things Blog Hop, and What’s it Wednesday?

Happy New Year!

I picked up this pretty Madonna miniature and wooden frame at an estate sale this past Summer.  The sale was from a collector of all things Black Forest.  I assumed it was a Black Forest frame.

Even though the collector obviously a collector of all things Black Forest… sometimes people are fooled.  I don’t want to be fooled too!

I need your help in identifying what it is.

One thing I liked about it was how the frame closed.  It reminded me of an altar piece from Europe. Except, this one is only 4″-5″ tall. The picture in the center is porcelain.  I have a difficult time telling it if is hand painted or if the picture is transferred onto the porcelain.  I can see brush strokes though, making me think it is hand painted. The picture is no larger than 2″.

With a search on the internet I found similar pieces…

This one, below, is a Black Forest altarpiece from a church in German, circa 1800s.  It apparently is 14″ tall.

from Ruby Lane

 Below is another similar type I found on eBay. Per the seller, it was sold by Closson’s in Ohio.  Closson’s was a big antique store that opened its doors in 1866.  They stated it was Italian.

Below is another one I found.  It is French and made of metal.  It is from the 1700s.  Not quite the same but similar in style.

from Ruby Lane.

Here is another Black Forest frame.  It is approximately 12″ tall.

from Ruby Lane

Ok.  Can you help me answer these questions?

1. Is this frame Black Forest or is it something else?

2. How old do you think it is?

I’ve linked up with The Scoop! Visit Confessions of a Plate Addict blog, Tablescape Thursday at ‘Between Naps on the Porch’,Wow us Wednesdays!at Savvy Southern Style, Open House Party at no minimalist here, Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage,Seasonal Sundays & Oh the places I have been at The Tablescaper, andlife of the party at the grant life, and the style sisters, and ThursdayFavorite Things Blog Hop

I’ve been lighting my candles daily now that it’s dark really early outside.  I’ve been really appreciative of my candle snuffer.  It had me thinking… maybe I should collect candle snuffers as my next “thing” to collect?

Antique Candle Snuffers

As you all know, candle light was very important prior to modern times.  Having a properly working candle was very important.  The wicks weren’t that great and the wax was old animal fat.

Candle snuffers were not only used to extinguish the candle, but also for cutting off excess thread.

Antique Candle Snuffer, from wikipedia, bronze

The sharp pointy edge was used to dig out parts of the burnt wick that fell into the hot wax.

The little box on the snuffer was used to catch “the snuffs” aka trimmings.

A snuff pan or dish was than used to lay the greasy snuffers on (remember, the candles were made from animal fat!)

sterling silver, 1820s, photo from justinteeantiques.com

1880s, from liveauctioneers.com

 Another fancy candle snuffer with the tray!

silver plate candle snuffer with tray, 1850s, photo from omalleyantiques.com

Nowadays, when we think candle snuffer, we think of the actual “cap” that was attached to the candle stick.  This cap is pictured below attached to the side of this antique chamberstick.

Antique chamberstick, sterling silver, 1788, photo from bryandouglas.co.uk

The candle scissors snuffer tray combo was made from about 1680-1850s.

The paraffin candle was invented around 1825… which meant the wicks didn’t smoke and self-consumed.  So the scissor snuffer tray combo was abandoned.

However, the “caps” remained.  Not only were they made from various metals, but also from porcelain!

French porcelain candle snuffer, formed like a tulip, 1850. photo from vandekar.com

Meissen candle snuffer, 1820s. from ebay.com

Notice how none of the candle snuffers look like the modern ones we see today? I had a hard time finding when long-handled candle snuffers were produced.  They started gaining popularity in the 1940s.

You can pick them up at any home store now.

My favorite new candle snuffer is by Michael Aram, isn’t it pretty?

“Black Orchid” snuffer by Michael Aram

Using a candle snuffer is very nice…

…you don’t blow wax everywhere…
… and the candle doesn’t smoke nearly as much…
… so there’s more candle aroma left when the candle is out!

Do you have an antique candle snuffer that you use?  What about a new one? Please share!

I’ve linked up with The Scoop! Visit Confessions of a Plate Addict blog,Tablescape Thursday at ‘Between Naps on the Porch’, Wow us Wednesdays! at Savvy Southern Style, Open House Party at no minimalist here,Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage, Seasonal Sundays & Oh the places I have been at The Tablescaper, and a stroll through life inspire me tuesday’s. 

The Elusive German “Swan” Tea Cup

I’m getting ready to fly off to Germany soon and it has me thinking… am I going to ever find that tea cup with the swan handle again?  Back in 1999 when I visiting Germany for the first time, I remember seeing a beautiful porcelain tea cup that had a swan head/neck shaped as the handle.  I had never seen anything like that before.  I swore to myself I would some day purchase said tea cup… except now I can’t remember who makes it!

I can’t remember exactly where I saw it either… there’s only two places.  One is either in the fancy porcelain display case at the Neuschwanstein Castle or at a fancy porcelain shop we went to in Munich.  At the castle, it would have been a copy of the swan service that King Ludwig II would have used.

There are several German porcelain manufacturers that could have made it:

• Meissen
• Rosenthal
• Dresden

I know it was not made by Villeroy and Boch or R.S. Prussia.  I thought perhaps by Nymphemburg since the palace is associated with swans… but I can’t find a single cup with a swan handle by them.

Here’s what I have found through my search on the internet:

Dresden swan

Meissen Swan cup from 1820.

I don’t think the cup was all gold.  I think it kind of looked like the ones below, but I thought there was more blue.

From Meissen’s “Swan Service”, pattern from 1737.

Maybe it was like this one:  But, the bottom is purple. I thought it was blue.  Plus, I don’t think it is manufactured any more and I think the ones I saw were repro of old patterns.

Dresden demitasse tea cup from 1895-1918 on a Rosenthal blank with an eagle handle   Meissen “Swan Service” Espresso cup Maybe it was the espresso cup as above! I’m totally confused!  The longer I stare at the espresso cup from the Meissen Swan Service the more I am convincing myself that is it!  But, I swear there was more blue on the cup!! It was 14 years ago… well, I’m still going to be on the hunt for it!   Are you able to help me with my hunt? Any ideas?

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