THE CHARLESTON SILVER LADY

This lovely cup and saucer are part of an original set of 12. They were manufactured in America at the turn of the 20th century. They occupied a very special place on the tea and dining table.

They are about 1/2 the size of a usual cup and saucer with each detail of their manufacture a part of what makes them function so well at such a small size. The cup holds only four ounces.

They were crafted by the Gorham company of American sterling, 925/1000. They were intentionally crafted as an accessory to your tea or coffee set. Great care was taken in crafting them with hand-rolled edges to prevent drips, with a small well in the saucer under each cup to keep it securely in place. We can appreciate the care involved in making a matched set of 12 by hand.

The porcelain inserts were crafted by the Lenox Company which, at the time, was the most well thought of American porcelain company. The combination of sterling, Lenox porcelain and luxurious demitasse were powerful symbols of civility; something greatly lusted for at that time. The use of these cups easily transported one from the ordinary to the extraordinary.

So great was the desire for these sets that other manufacturers took up the practice of making them as well. They also produced small, quarter-size spoons to use in them known as “demitasse spoons,” in all the favored patterns of the day. It just takes a moment to go on line and look up ‘demitasse spoons’ to find some you will like.

I remember well my great aunt and my great-grandmother having their tea and coffee in cups just like these. Sunday afternoons in Charleston were reserved for visits from friends who were served with these cups. I would often sit on the stair case, hidden from view, and listen to their chatter.

If you are have cups such as these, use them. I have seen people serve shrimp cocktail in them as well as chocolate mouse. Just use your imagination to make them work for your table.