Saturday, December 4, 2010

TIME ON MY HANDS

  Lately  I've noticed a number of blogs regarding the polishing of silver, and I'm compelled to throw in my two cents.

I've polished generations of silver, and I can't recall a single Christmas that didn't involve me polishing every last piece of it.

Over the years, I've used many brands, and forms of polish; but with Hagerty Silver Foam,  the former time consuming, twelve days of Christmas polishing,  now leaves me wondering how to fill my idle hands the remaining eleven. Yeah right.

In my opinion, Hagerty Silver Foam, is simply the best.     It's the only polish that I use on my sterling, gold and silver rimmed china, and even jewellery.
It's very gentle, and doesn't smell too strong.
Using it is as easy, as washing dishes, and I think it's much more economical. I seem to remember going through bottles of the liquid polish in no time.


Below are some photos of my various china and silver. I'm having a difficult time adding photos, and inserting a description. Adding to my frustration is my husbands camera battery keeps needing to be changed.
I haven't yet found time to buy myself another charger.

All sterling, and sterling vermeil is Wallace, and my china includes, Minton, Royal Doulton, Versace (Rosenthal),Lenox,and Mikasa.




Pictured above is undated porcelain, that belonged to my fathers  grandmother.  That's all I can recall being mentioned about it; so this service is at least over 150 years old.  

 As far as I can find researching online; it's french in origin.      My fathers family was originally from France, and emigrated to Scotland.

While certainly not the prettiest pattern, it's sentimental value is priceless.    Two years ago, I viewed Napoleons apartments in the Louvre, and saw porcelain of similar properties, and body colour.     I suddenly saw this service in a different light.           There were inexpensive copies of Sevres porcelain even way back then, and I would love to find some clue as to who produced this china.





                                                       Minton china above

                                                   Versace china that I like to mix, and match
below
Royal Albert,  Royal Doulton, Wallace Sterling,  Wallace Sterling Vermeil


                                                  
                              
                                     Raynaud and Versace china


I have a fair amount of china and silver; some fine, some everyday.    My everyday sterling, just gets tossed in the dishwasher, and it never really needs polishing.   I don't have photos of it to post at the moment; but believe me, if you use Cascade powder, it's fine to put your silver in the dishwasher. Even my Minton china paperwork from the 60's states you can put their china in the dishwasher.


I have put  my good sterling, vermeil, and china in the dishwasher without damage; but I much prefer to hand wash them.
                                                    



Versace, Mikasa china below.




With the hours I save polishing my silver, you'd think I'd have time to shop for a battery charger.

6 comments:

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

What a lovely assortment of china and porcelain...I hope that when you set up your table that you'll take a few pictures so we can see them on display.
I have 2 batteries for my digital camera...one charged and ready the other ready to be removed and charged when the red light comes on...buy 2 Donna.
I hope that you can indulge in some fun activities on those extra 11 days :)

No Sacrifice Bags said...

I have two batteries also Leslie, and I also have two battery chargers, I just don't know where they are?
I have a bad habit of misplacing things, only to find them again after replacing them.

I will try to remember to take pictures the next time I entertain.

I'm the type of person that likes to use my things everyday.
If I could put my china in the microwave, I would use it exclusively, and get rid of my Corelle altogether.

Hill House Ramblings said...

Thank you so much for showing a picture of the Hagerty's. Now I will be able to recognize it. I definitely want to try it. Sounds like a wonderful polish! What lovely china too. Yes, I would like to see your table set as well. I bet it's gorgeous.

H.H.

No Sacrifice Bags said...

You're welcome H.H. I posted the Hagerty photo just for you. lol

I have to admit I love china and silver.

My favourites are the Minton' Buckingham', and Versace (Rosenthal) 'Tresors de la Mer'.

Town and Country House said...

Thanks so much for stopping by Town and Country Mom. I like your idea for adding something taller in the urns. I look forward to reading your blog--your china and silver are lovely.

No Sacrifice Bags said...

Thank you,Town and Country Mom.

I plan on reading your blog too. I had to comment on how beautiful your house looks decorated for Christmas.
You have done and incredible job!