Silverware

Curiously, among the few survivors from this culinary onslaught is one that is most difficult to understand: the fish knife. Though it remains the standard instrument for dealing with fish of all kinds, no one has ever identified a single advantage conferred by its odd scalloped shape or worked out the original thinking behind it. There isn't a single kind of fish that it cuts better or bones more delicately than a conventional knife does.”
Bill Bryson, At Home: A short history of private life


Grey and humid and the midges (or midgets as they are rather alarmingly called here) are out in force. Off to Skibbereen bright and early for an NCT (MOT) and Hector flew through not a bother. We had a quick mooch around Uillin, the new art gallery, officially opened by the President Michael D yesterday (see Michael's excellent pic of his mingling in Clonakilty). Home via Bantry market and all the various tribes were out in force:. old hippies, new chavs, bachelor farmers, ladies who shop,  members of the travelling community but no sign of George Clooney, now reputed to be anchored off Dingle.
I loved the row of teapots arranged on the side of the ornamental pond and the bloke shaving a good old natter but but I think I love this silverware more. What do you think? I wish I'd made an offer for this little heap for there is some intriguing stuff. I can spot:
* a fish knive with a bone handle (does the fork go with it?)
* a rather nice sugar sifter
* several pieces with ornate lettering - an especially flamboyant H
* some rather posh flourishes ie acanthus leaves
and I had to look up what BPNS stands for - British Electro Plated Nickel Silver in case you were wondering!
All well used and well loved. Do you rremember the curious metallic almost eggy taste of proper silverware? I never liked it , it made my tongue tingle.