International Silver Co. Richelieu Pattern Sterling Silver Gravy or Sauce Ladle
Flatware - Serving Piece (Gravy/Sauce Ladle) · International Silver Co., a major American conglomerate formed in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut, which brought together many of the most famous New England silversmithing companies.
Pattern: Richelieu pattern, introduced in 1934. It is one of International's more ornate Art Deco/Rococo-inspired designs. Currently discontinued from regular production.
Type
Flatware - Serving Piece (Gravy/Sauce Ladle)
Maker
International Silver Co., a major American conglomerate formed in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut, which brought together many of the most famous New England silversmithing companies.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The alloy contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper for strength. Solid sterling construction from bowl to terminal.
Dimensions
Standard gravy ladle size, approximately 6 to 7 inches in length. Estimated weight between 60 to 80 grams (2.0 - 2.5 troy oz).
Description
This exquisite sterling silver gravy ladle in the Richelieu pattern by International Silver showcases the height of American Depression-era luxury. The piece features a dramatic scalloped bowl reminiscent of a sea shell, paired with a tapered handle decorated with intricate scrolls and acanthus leaves. It is a substantial serving piece designed to complement a formal dinner service, representing the transition between Art Deco precision and classical ornamentation.
Key Features
Signature shell-scalloped bowl; Richelieu's unique acanthus and scroll terminal; high-relief border fluting; and a tapered rectangular handle profile.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The alloy contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper for strength. Solid sterling construction from bowl to terminal.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish (mirror) finish. Features a scrolled rocaille terminal with acanthus leaf motifs and a feathered or fluted edge along the handle stem. The bowl is scalloped/fluted in a shell-like form, typical of sauce ladles.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The back of the handle (not fully visible but inferred from pattern) typically bears the 'INTERNATIONAL STERLING' mark and the pattern name 'Richelieu'. It may also include the C-knight logo used by International.
Construction Details
Die-struck from a single piece of heavy-gauge silver. The scalloped bowl is formed through a pressing process followed by hand-finishing or buffing to polish the deep flutes.
Functional Features
Features a deep, flared, and scalloped bowl designed to hold and pour liquid sauces without dripping. The angled handle provides leverage for serving from a deep tureen or gravy boat.
Handle & Grip Details
Flat, flared handle with a wide terminal for a secure grip. The central panel is smooth (currently featuring a monogram) with raised decorative borders and a scrolled tip.
Craftsmanship Details
Superior machine-aided craftsmanship. While die-struck, the finishing of the fluted bowl and the crispness of the terminal scrolls indicate high-quality industrial tool-and-die work of the 1930s.
Authentication Indicators
The pattern is a documented 1934 International Silver design. The crispness of the die-striking and the specific 'M' monogram style are consistent with authentic mid-century American sterling.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States, Meriden, Connecticut. Manufactured by International Silver Company, which maintained high industrial standards for sterling production.
Era & Period
Late Art Deco / Depression Era (mid-1930s). The design blends Art Deco linearity in the handle stem with the 'Rococo Revival' ornamentation popular in luxury American flatware of the time.
Age Estimate
Circa 1934-1950. The presence of the Richelieu pattern and the specific style of the engraved monogram suggests mid-20th-century production.
Cultural Significance
Represents the formal dining traditions of the American middle and upper classes in the mid-20th century, where a complete set of 'good silver' was a standard wedding gift and status symbol.
Condition Notes
Very Good condition. Surface shows fine 'patina' scratches consistent with careful use and polishing. The engraving of the monogram 'M' (or similar) is crisp. No evidence of bowl deformation or heavy denting.
Value Estimate
$125 - $225 USD at retail/antique dealers. Scrap value is significantly lower; value is driven by pattern desirability and serving-piece utility.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash in warm soapy water. Use a high-quality silver cream like Wright's for tarnish removal; avoid 'dips' which can strip the oxidized detail in the scrolls. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth roll to prevent tarnish.
Similar Pieces
Wallace 'Grand Baroque' (more ornate), Gorham 'Chantilly' (simpler scrollwork), or Reed & Barton 'Francis I' (more fruit-heavy/complex). Richelieu is more linear than Grand Baroque.
Interesting Facts
The Richelieu pattern was named after Cardinal Richelieu, reflecting the 17th-century French influence on its ornate scrollwork. International Silver Co. was once the largest manufacturer of silverware in the world.