Help! Identify Durgin flatware pattern

The Basics... Photographing Silver
1

I recently acquired a Durgin flatware set. I am unable to identify the pattern. Can you help.

The set was retailed by Palmer Bachelder & Co of Boston, Mass. (1864-1884).
The set is marked with the early Durgin mark.

There are several patterns that are not illustrated in the Jewelers’ Circular and other online sources. (Bridal, 1870; Cheltenham, 1870; Olive, 1870; Athenian, 1876)
Palmer Bachelder & Co Boston 1864-1884 and Durgin mark-sf.jpg
Durgin unknown pattern.jpg

2

Hi there and thanks for joining us. Phil Dreis’ excellent work, “Sterling Silver Flatware” 2d ed. shows that as Durgin’s “Bead” pattern of 1893. The example Phil illustrates has a couple of slight variations from yours, but appears basically the same.

Very nice photo work BTW, makes it a pleasure to research!

Regards,

Uncle Vic

3

Thanks, I appreciate you input. I’m not quite sure, however, that “Bead” is the pattern.

“Bead” is a 1893 pattern and is too different from the flatware in question.

The flatware in question was retailed by a firm that was in business from 1864-1884.

I don’t understand how an 1893 pattern could have been retailed between 1864-1884.

4

Good point…I considered that, and of the 37 Durgin patterns that Phil shows in his book, the Bead is the only one that is a fair match. And the date Phil shows is probably the patent date. It is possible that Durgin used the pattern for years prior to applying for a patent on it, or that the patent process took years to complete.

Perhaps some of our readers can help with the mystery?

Regards,

Uncle Vic