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Wednesday, January 29, 2014

That Personal Touch

What's It Wednesday #109
One thing that I look for in any piece is history. I want it to tell a story of the people whose lives it touched. That's why I love pieces that have initials or names engraved on them.

It gives the piece, “that personal touch”, and says that it was cherished, and important to someone. Even if it was not of great value monetarily.

Silver, even silver plate was a big deal in the 1800's and early 1900's, too. So many gifts, like these calling card cases and dance card would have the ladies initials proudly displayed.

One of my favorite collectibles is silver for my dressing set. This powder jar and nail file are engraved as well.

Letter writing was a part of a lady's pastime and responsibility in Victorian times.

After a carefully placed drop of wax on the envelope, they used a seal much like this one, engraved with scrolled initials, to seal it.

Any little shiny bit, like these pill boxes or this delicate lady's watch would bare the engraver's mark.

Silverware, table linens and bedding all bore the mark of their once proud owners. Sometimes when I’m out antiquing a dealer will proudly show me a piece without engraving as a huge selling point.

I just smile, say “no thank you”, and walk away. I'll wait for the one's that have been pre-owned and pre-loved. Because that will only make them all the more valuable to me.
Hugs,
Patti

Thanks to all of you who partied with us last week. Please link-up and join us again. Remember, it's not a party without you!


Here are this Week's Features:






Don't Forget to Add a Feature Button!
Ivy and Elephants


We are partying with these fine folks:
Come show off your whatchamacallits, what is its, what it once was, and "hey, look what I just did" posts. In other words, what you created, organized, designed or re-designed, found, purchased, transformed, inherited, re-purposed, renovated, are selling, or giving-away.

82 comments:

Jill Harrison said...

these beautiful pieces make me wonder about the ladies that owned and cherished them. Such a pitty that such history and stories are lost to their descendants. Beautifully treasured and photographed by you. I love the way you have combined them with the roses in your images.
Have a wonderful week, and thank you for hosting.

Unknown said...

How beautiful - it's funny but whenever I buy an old desk to redo I ALWAYS imagine a lady from yesteryear sitting and writing letters to her friends - now I'll picture the seal as well :)
Thanks so much for the party
Hugs
SUzan

Heirloom treasures said...

Patti,another lovely collection. I love little silver pieces too.x

Tea Cottage Pretties said...

Your silver pieces are all so lovely and your photos are breathtaking. Hugs, Beverly

FABBY'S LIVING said...

You have such beautiful and special collections my friend. Yes, I always wondered about the person who owned these lovely things, but I have some monogramed pieces that were from family, so at least I know who the original owners were. I used to love to write to my now friends in FB, lol! Your images are stunning!
Thank you for hosting this lovely party.
Hugs,
FABBY

SwedishCorner ~ DownUnder...Pernilla said...

Such a pretty collection! Thanks for hosting ...and Happy New Year to you lovely ladies :) Summer greetings from Australia♥ ~Pernilla

Robyn said...

What a lovely post, Patti! All of the treasures you find truly belong to you because you value them and give them life.
Always such a pleasure to visit. Thanks so much for the sentimental read this morning. Loved it. xoxo

Unknown said...

What a lovely collection you have! Thanks for hosting:)

Stone Cottage Adventures said...

Thank you for sharing these gorgeous pieces! -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

Curtains in My Tree said...

Oh I agree with you about buying something with and engraved initial on it. I always have bought monogrammed pieces.Just because I like how wonderful the monogram is real fancy like LOL
I found a beautiful ladies silver cigarette case and it has my initial JD on it

Johanna Gehrlein said...

Hi Patti,
that so true, things which are preloved carrie on the positive energie during ages. I am always fascinated when a bit history comes with the things. They are so much more interesting, when you know, who owned them before. You own a wonderful collection of pretty things. I love to see the romantic vignettes. Thank you very much for sharing this beauty.
Best greetings, Johanna

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Another stunning post as always!!

Thanks so much for hosting!!

Hugs,
Debbie

Shannon said...

I think the lettering writing and wax seal pieces you have are amazing. What a lost art that is. It's super special now to receive an actual hand written letter. Thanks for hosting.

Shannon ~ bohemianjunktion.com

Highland Monkey's said...

Its so nice to have a 'proper' hand written letter pop through the letter box.

Vintage Paint and more... said...

So beautiful and special is each and every piece. Remembering that they were used in a time past by ladies of that genteel time is wonderful.. Thank you for sharing this special beauty with us... Cathy

Rita C at Panoply said...

Oh, I DO love the personal items - I collect vintage & antique purses and am always thrilled to find monogrammed items. The same is true with vintage linens, which I'm sharing today (and tips for reviving them in the laundry). Thanks for the opportunity to share with you!
Rita C. at Panoply

chateau chic said...

Pattie, your lovelies are so beautiful!!
Thank you so much for hosting,
Mary Alice

Linda at French Hollow said...

I love things with a story as well. Sometimes I even dream up a story for a particularly mysterious antique...just because. Your collection is lovely!

Barbara @ 21 Rosemary Lane said...

Such a pretty post...I love things too which have a history. I don't think I could ever live in a newly constructed house for that reason. There is just something so charming about things with a story behind them. I love all of your items and the little history lesson. Thank you so much for sharing and wishing you a wonderful week!
XO Barbara

Francie...The Scented Cottage Studio said...

You find the most beautiful things, always love seeing/reading your posts. (())

Joy said...

Patti, I loved seeing your silver pieces- I like to think of who owned them, what their lives were like, and who they were writing that letter to. :) Thank you for another lovely party. ♥

Helen and her Daughters said...

I totally agree, I love finding items that are monogrammed!

xinex said...

Your silver things are stunning and I love how you present them...Christine

Unknown said...

Oh Patti, I Love Love Love all your silver treasures and I collect as well. Today I am sharing my love at first sight (our 1900 Victorian Farmhouse)and Our first and most important room restoration (the Bathroom)hope you will enjoy! Thanks for this lovely party and sharing your lovely treasures.

Cindy@GlassSlipperRestorations.com

Jemma@athomewithjemma said...

Patti,
Such beautiful and precious pieces. You know I have started collecting my own silverplate pieces. I hope to have a fabulous collection to hand down to my girls when I am old and gray!
Thanks for hosting-
xx-
Jemma

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

Such beautiful pieces!!!! Thanks so much for hosting. Not feeling well so trying to catch up.

Adorned From Above said...

Patti,
Thanks so much for hosting. The silver pieces are so pretty, and we love this weeks features.
Have a great week.
Debi and Charly @ Adorned From Above

DD's Cottage said...

Thank you for featuring my Gypsy Desk and for hosting.
Cheers!

Unknown said...

such lovely finds thanks so much for hosting

Rhondi said...

Thanks for hosting this linky party. I joined in today

Unknown said...

I love that seal! I want to write letters and seal them! So romantic!

Thank you for your party and for sharing your beautiful things, Julia

Unknown said...

I love that seal! I want to write letters and seal them! So romantic!

Thank you for your party and for sharing your beautiful things, Julia

Decor To Adore said...

Such beautiful silver treasures! Thank you so much for hosting.

Kathryn Ferguson Griffin said...

Thanks for hosting! Happy rest of the week to you! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

The Vintage Chateau said...

I too, used to shy away from monogrammed pieces (unless they had my initial). But I've had a change a heart and embrace the love and caring they represent.Thanks for hosting your party each week!
Karee

Stan and Jody Gabara said...

Patti, Always enjoy your beautiful treasures! Thanks so much for hosting this week!
Hugs,
Jody

Diann said...


Gorgeous pieces you have shared today! thank you for hosting and have a wonderful day!

Diann said...


Gorgeous pieces you have shared today! thank you for hosting and have a wonderful day!

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Gorgeous pieces you have shared. I think it's a great pity that letter writing is fast becoming a lost art. I would much more prefer a card to an email any day. Thank you for sharing your lovely items with us and for hosting.

Blessings,
Sandi

JP said...

What a gorgeous collection, Patti....you have so many beautiful, unique things. Thank you for hosting!
JP

Alessandra said...

I agree with you about the importance of the personal touch. Your collection is just gorgeous and all the silver pieces are so lovely.
Kisses
Alessandra

Laura said...

Those pieces are beautiful!!! I love the history behind them, too. I have so few heirlooms in my family- so I treasure any that I can find:)

White Lace and Promises said...

Can't say which I like the best. Love them all! Thanks for sharing.

Meredith @ The Laundry Can Wait said...

You have such a pretty collection of things, and I love the femininity of them all. I, too, am a sucker for monogrammed pieces, as well as handwritten letters. Getting something pretty in the mail is so much more personal than a text, that's for sure! Thank you so much for the feature, too!! What a pleasant surprise. XOXO

La Vie Quotidienne said...

What a lovely collection ~ they are all so pretty. I am truly inspired.

Thank you for hosting.

Doll in the Looking Glass said...

Patti, you collect such elegant treasures. Great post!

Debra

Julie Marie said...

Oooh Patti, once again, I am drooling over your post and tresors!... I love anything that is engraved... like you, I would have passed on whatever the antiques dealer was wanting to show you that was "not engraved" and thinking that was a selling point... I always imagine what their names were... what the initials stand for... what their lives were like... I literally squeal when I find vintage silverware with a "V" (for my last name of Vicknair)... recently I found several vintage silver spoons engraved with a "W"... my mama's maiden name was "Worden" so I snatched those right up... you weave such a magical tale with all of your tresors... so beautiful, so feminine... so romantic... I know we are kindred spirits... I think we are long lost sisters too!... love love love your sealing wax stamp!... I still use that on letters I write!... but I don't have one with initials... rather one with a flower... I think I will write one to you... and seal it... I still have your address pretty lady!... much love, xoxo Julie Marie

Rosemary and Thyme said...

What a gorgeous collection. I often wonder about the history of my pieces too. You have photographed them beautifully. Thank you for featuring my post this week.

Uniquely Ella said...

Loving your collection, Patti. The history behind them is the best part, I so agree with ya. Beautiful features. Thanks for hosting.
Blessing,
Marlene

Tarnished Royalty said...

That's a beautiful collection, Patti! I prefer monogrammed pieces too. ~Ann
Tarnished Royalty

Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow said...

Your calling card collection and pill boxes are beautiful! What lovely custom. I had never seen one, but I use to work with the elderly and they told me about them.

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

I love engraved pieces...so lovely! Thanks for hosting!

Pam @ over50feeling40 said...

You are so right...I love pieces which tell a story. Thanks for sharing the stories with Katies Favorite Things Blog Hop!

Lynda Hardy said...

So many pretties! I love your gorgeous links to the past.

Thanks for hosting!

Lynda H
~ http://rchreviews.blogspot.com/

Faye said...

I love your collection, my favorite has always been silver. Beautiful post. I'm a little late in linking, thanks for the party!

Jolene said...

I always look forward to your post. They always have such beauty. This week's for some reason is just over the top. The pictures are breath taking and what you wrote is very touching. I agree, I love things which are more personalized. I hope you have a great week.

Deborah Montgomery said...

really love all your monogrammed silver. you have a wonderful collection. I agree, pieces with a history are special to have. glad to have found your blog, too!

June said...

Patti you have so many amazing silver pieces! I love how beautifully you showcase them. I love all the refined pieces that were enjoyed in the Victorian era. I sure wish I had a time machine :)

Thank you so much for your sweet comment about my Where Women Create feature. I am thankful for friends like you!
hugs from here...

Red Rose Alley said...

Patti,
I love your silver pieces, especially the watch and the powder jar. I think it's so nice that you like the pieces that are engraved so you will know that it was beloved in a past time. Your posts are always so full of history, which I love. And the roses and pearls add a special touch in your pictures. Is there anything prettier than the rose?

Have a nice Friday, my friend.

Love,
~Sheri

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Patti, what a gorgeous collection of silver treasures. I love these precious keepsakes. Your pics are wonderful.
Thanks for stopping by.
Have a great weekend.
Hugs

Burlap Luxe said...

I often ask myself who was the owner of these initials. And who could toss a monogrammed piece to be found at a thrift shop, or a yard sale and just tossed out. I love collecting and gathering up these beauties showing them off in my home honoring the previous owner of there beautiful monogram.
This is a beautiful tribute to initials forgotten all about, and the beautiful silent stories they hold.

Patti, I also happen to love anything silver with monogramming there is just something so beautiful with major amount of history.

Thank you beautiful for taking the time to visit me and leaving a comment that congrats and supports why I so LOVE blogging with like bloggers who so share all they have to share.

Xoxo
Beautifully inspiring February to you and yours.

Doré

Phyllis @Around the House said...

loved the beautiful pictures, so pretty with the flowers and the pearls, love it all..

It's me said...

Wowwww love all the silver !!..thanks for visiting my blog today...love Ria..xxx !!

SarahGeorge said...

Gorgeous collections!. Beautifully engraved pieces, they carry their own charm and beauty :)I too love love to have names engraved on things we use more personally :)

Parlor Room Ponderings said...

Thank you for allowing us to share a piece of "us" at your party. I love history connected to those special finds as well. You have some beautiful pieces!
Blessings, Diane

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Patti, what a beautiful collection! Thanks for sharing at TTF!

Linda

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

Some things are just more precious to us...and valuable! I love old powder jars and pocket watches. Such history! Enjoy your weekend! Hugs!

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

I really appreciate the personal touch on all of these beautiful pieces. I can only imagine how special and cherished they were by the original owners.

The Charm of Home said...

Thank you for hosting!
Sherry

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Patti, you have so many wonderful collections! I love how the engravings mean so much to you. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann

Katherines Corner said...

I love that everyone of these treasures has a story. One we know of or one we can imagine. It just makes them even more special. Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things Blog hop. Big Hugs ♥

Katherines Corner said...

I love that everyone of these treasures has a story. One we know of or one we can imagine. It just makes them even more special. Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things Blog hop. Big Hugs ♥

Palomasea said...

Such gorgeous pieces, dear Patti...and your photography is dreamy... :)
I am in love with that fountain pen!
I agree with you, that a piece is so much more interesting with the mysterious...who were they, what were their lives like...
Sending hugs to you!
xoxo,
- Irina

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Oh Patti, your silver pieces are pure heaven! I too, would choose a piece that had a history..
Beautiful post!

Thank you so much for your kind words, and coming over to say hello.
blessings,
Penny

Deborah@Green Willow Pond said...

Such lovely pieces with amazing history. I love the calling and dance cards. I never see anything like those around here, but I think those kind of historical items are more prevalent in the south. Still, it would be fun to collect. Thank you for sharing it at to What We Accomplished Wednesdays. Have a great week! ~Deborah

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

What a beautifully written piece Patti! ANd you had me with the first photo of that calling card case! YES! I have a few pieces of silver and two of my favorites (not antique but lovely), are little diaries. The front cover on both is SILVER! I so love how you said at the end that these pieces are all the more valuable to YOU; now that's what art should be about.

Thank you so much for coming to my blog post. I wish you love and happiness on this new 3rd day of February! Let's hope spring gets here soon! Love, Anita

Lori Lehman said...

Thank you so much for featuring my banner!!! I am so flattered!! It always feels great to have your craft acknowledged!! Thank you ladies and have a wonderful day!

eileeninmd said...

What a beautiful collection of silver! Lovely images. Have a happy week!

Palomasea said...

Thank you so much for stopping by, dear Patti! :)
You indeed bring smiles....
Hugs to you,
- Irina

Pura Vida said...

I have my mother's silver luggage tag when she was a flight attendant...I think I'm going to make a necklace with it..so beautiful and inspirational!

Kathy said...

thank you Patti for sharing this - I will be featuring your post in this week's Home and Garden Thursday,
Kathy

Teresa said...

I love this!
It's a soft spot, no way around it... I have several linen pieces that come from antecessors I don't know who they were so I keep guessing what names the monograms stand for... I have a lovely bed linen from my great great mother who embroidered it before learning how to write her name correctly so it's with a mistake; her name was Matilde and she embroidered "Matlide" and the piece was put away from her trosseau obviously but kept in some trunk. I don't know how it came to me but I love that detail - to imagine her tiny hands dreaming of getting married and her married-woman bed linen. How sweet is that?! I also keep a watch that belonged to my father with his initials... don't tell them but I dream those initials will "happen" again in my family and someone will have that watch.
Those were the days of lovely and beautiful Souls. Like Yours.
Teresa

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Gratitude is the Memory of the Heart ~ French Proverb ~ We are so grateful that you stopped by ~ Please visit again soon! ~ Much Love, Patricia and Paula