Thai Bronzeware Spice Doublets-Siam,circa 1960's

ORIGINALLY BOUGHT IN THAILAND DURING THE VIETNAM WAR BY A MAJOR IN THE USAF THAT BECAME A COLONEL AND RECIPIENT OF THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES SILVER STAR!

Over 50 years old and in excellent condition. The history of how THIS item ended up in the USA is truly a must read.
Thai bronze-ware is a not universally known and Thai handicraft methods of polished bronze hollow- ware is considered an art that has been handed down for six generations since the Ayutthaya era.
This traditional bronze-ware craft is a specialty of the Thai communities mainly around Bangkok where bronze has been used for crafting for more than 200 years! Bronze was used in Thailand for many reasons, including its durability, corrosion resistance, and ability to be cast into complex shapes. Thailand's tropical climate, with high temperatures, humidity, and frequent monsoon rains, can cause severe corrosion of steel structures bronze production was used as an alternative.
Bronze is harder and stronger than copper or tin, and can be made even harder by hammering. Bronze tools could be sharpened repeatedly, making them more durable than stone tools.
Bowls, spice vessels, tableware and trays are made from smelting copper and tin to produce the bronze alloy sheet. These sheets are then heated in a charcoal fire and then hammered or sculpted into their required items for use.
These were made by the Siam Bronze Factory (1250 Charoen-Krung Rd, Bangkok, Thailand 10500) and would have been sold individually or most likely in a collection set with a large assortment of flatware.
Siam Bronze Factory has been manufacturing traditional hand crafted Thai bronze items since 1954 in Bangkok.
Charles and Bupha-Smutkochorn, were traditional bronze-smiths who founded Siam Bronze Factory. Their factories started when Charles shared his long experience with the skills and enthusiasm to a group of 8 brothers who was equally passionate at crafting flatware and tableware from bronze material.
From a business of just husband and wife, the company grew to working with over hundreds artisans experimenting with different designs to create some of the worlds most luxurious flatware and tableware.
The company is now operated by the family second and third generations who has expanded the business placing Thai traditional fine arts and crafts in many homes and hotels worldwide.

MemoryLaneVintiques acquired this item from Nancy Terry from Little Elm, Texas. With our research and along with information Mrs. Terry provided and the provenance we have accurately learned this item's history.
Major Homer Townes Terry of the United States Air Force was a Korean War vet who flew F-105 Thunderchiefs in the Vietnam War. Thunderchief pilots played a vital role in Vietnam combating the North Vietnamese Army's Surface-To-Air Missile launch sites.
The first F-105's went to the 34th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base during the second half of 1967. The pilots or electronic warfare officer (EWO) had all the new electronic equipment for locating SAM or anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) radars, warning of SAM launches, and sending Shrike missiles down the radar beams.
While stationed at Korat RTAFB, as a Flight Commander, Major Terry went into Linson's Jewelry on a Thanon in Bangkok in 1967-1968 and purchased a Siam Bronze Factory Tableware Collection from a pamphlet catalog. He then had it shipped back to his family in the United States. Viola!
Now about Major Terry....he would later become a Colonel in the United States Air Force and a patriarch of military tradition.
Born on July 17, 1926 in the town of Tahoka Texas, Homer Townes Terry was actually the youngest of 9 children. He was an "Ardent Patriot" from a young age and joined the Army Air Corp and then the United States Air Force serving as a pilot in both branches. He served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam earning several decorations and merits including the Air Medal, Legion Of Merit, and the Distinguished Flying Cross (twice)...but no medal meant more to the Colonel than his Silver Star. The Silver Star is the third-highest military combat decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Armed Forces! As a commander Homer was an infamous River Rat, a group that was born in 1967 when aircrews of different organizations gathered to devise better tactics for use during airstrikes over North Vietnam.
In the Vietnam War as a "Thud" pilot Terry flew over 135 combat missions in the F-105 Thunderchief. He completed his Air Force career leading the Integrated Logistics Support Team for the Air Force’s F-15 fighter and serving as its first systems manager when the F-15 became operational. Terry spent 32 years serving our country before retiring from the military and spent 10 years as an executive with the General Dynamics Corporation in San Diego California. The Colonel and his wife Patricia had three sons that joined the military as well.....eldest son Robert (USAF) second eldest Richard (USAF) and son WM Charles joined the Army. In retirement, Mr. Terry spent some of his post military career speaking in history classes at Newnan (GA) High School presenting students with detailed briefings on his career in the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association (aka River Rates) and helping provide an understanding of the US Military’s efforts in Vietnam and other military conflicts. A devout Episcopalian and retired war hero, the Colonel fought a hard battle with cancer but succumbed to the illness during the Covid Pandemic on September 12, 2019 in Newnan, Georgia at the age of 93. But the Colonel left a legacy and his memory in his children, Richard Terry and his wife Vickie, William Terry and his wife Nancy; grandchildren, Tara (Jason) Christian, Justin (Bethany) Terry, Ryan (Kammie Jo) Terry, Stephen (Christine) Terry, Johnathan Terry, David Terry and his daughter in law, Kathleen Brown Terry. Also the next generation with great grandchildren, Andrew, Katie, Ariel, Asher, Brooklyn, Kinsley and Graham. The Colonel had countless friends in the military community that were as close as his immediate family. If you want to know what kind of person and soldier Col. Homer Townes Terry was just read just one of the comments stated in memorandum after his passing:

"I flew with Homer at McClellan AFB and I was his dentist. I can't say enough what a gentleman he was. I've thought of him most everyday since my separation for the USAF in 1968. He was a great warrior but very humble and kind. I know he will be missed by so many who's life he touched. I being for one. God bless Homer and his family".-Kenneth Weitzman, December 15, 2019 | Henderson, NV | Military

Because it typically takes some time to arrange and the pandemic added more issues.....the Colonel was finally interred at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia on January 23, 2020 with Full Honors.
Colonel Homer T. Terry rests peacefully and honorably at SECTION 55, SITE 1820 at the ANC.
Keep "Rolling Thunder" high in the sky Colonel and Thank You for your Service!

MemoryLaneVintiques would like to thank the Colonel's daughter-in-law Nancy Terry for the information about the item and the history as well as her graciousness on obliging us with this historical item!

Thai Bronzeware Spice Doublets-Siam circa 1960's
Total Weight 1 lb 4 oz
Each shaker 2.25" Tall Weighs solo 4 oz
Platters 4" X 3"
MemoryLaneVintiques sanitizes all glassware, metal objects and glazed pottery before packing for shipment....100% Guaranteed!
In honor of Col. Terry, MemoryLaneVintiques is donating the entire proceeds of this sale to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, 3033 Wilson Blvd, Ste 300, Arlington, VA 22201.

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