OT:Iris Motif Flatware

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For some time now I have thought of bringing up this subject but 
have always feared it might be in the same category as iris 
postage stamps. Don't touch it!  Discussions of iris artifacts and 
postage stamps have not appeared in the AIS Bulletin in years 
because of the narrow interest of the subject.  The articles seem to 
have died with the authors.  I cannot recall a discussion on iris-l or 
iris-talk either regarding flatware, so I am going to start one.   At 
least it is more on the topic than the interminable thread on 
hollyhock dolls!

Anyway, if you got this far, you might want to hit your delete key 
now because I am bringing up the subject of iris flatware, hoping to 
be enlightened by someone on this list.

I have been finding pieces of silverplate flatware at flea markets and 
traveling antique shows  for years and am wondering if anybody 
can fill in the details on some of the patterns I have found, or add to 
the discussion of patterns you have found that I have not mentioned.

'Flower de Luce' by Community - circa 1904.  This is quite an 
interesting pattern to me because it does not show an entire 
bloom.  There are two swirled standards and one fall, the form of 
the iris being way ahead of its time - quite modern.  I am wondering 
if anybody can shed any light on the name of this pattern.

'Mystic' by Rogers & Brothers - circa 1903.  Sometimes I think this 
is a daffodil because the falls don't show a beard and just aren't 
quite right.  The silversmith may have cast/struck it without having 
an iris or daffodil bloom present and was relying on memory.

?  I have no name for the next pattern.  The only marking on the 
back is <S> PAT. '02.  The iris depicted is antique with the 
standards larger and more detailed than the tucked falls.  A 
rounded bud is quite prominent.  The pattern is the most 
impressive of the three mentioned, and I would like to know its 
name and who made it.

Silver Iris by International - 1955.  I mention this one because I 
think if anybody answers this post, they will mention it.  This 
pattern, of course, is sterling and is still available on special order.  
I never understood why it wasn't more popular.  I have never found it 
at a flea market or show.

If you know anything about the silverplate flatware and you don't 
think this is of interest to the group, email me privately.  All 
responses (other than flames) will be appreciated.

	Thanks!

	Walter Moores
	Enid Lake, MS 7/8 USA
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