Towle Silversmiths Old Colonial Pattern Sterling Silver Hollow Handle Knife
Flatware (Dinner/Luncheon Knife) · Towle Silversmiths (originally Moulton family), established in Newburyport, Massachusetts, in 1857 (with roots to 1690). Renowned for historical revival patterns and high-quality American sterling.
Pattern: Old Colonial pattern, introduced by Towle in 1895. It is a highly successful Neo-Colonial design that remained popular throughout the early 20th century.
Type
Flatware (Dinner/Luncheon Knife)
Maker
Towle Silversmiths (originally Moulton family), established in Newburyport, Massachusetts, in 1857 (with roots to 1690). Renowned for historical revival patterns and high-quality American sterling.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) handle. The blade is almost certainly stainless steel (if 20th century) or silver-plated steel (if early production). The handle is 'hollow' with a weighted or resin-filled interior.
Dimensions
Standard dinner knife length is approximately 8.75 to 9.25 inches. Weight for a hollow handle piece is typically 60-80 grams total, though only the shell is pure silver.
Description
A classic example of American Neo-Colonial flatware, the Towle Old Colonial knife features a graceful, uncluttered design. Its central decorative focus is a refined oval cartouche framed by delicate scrollwork, personifying the transition from Victorian excess to early 20th-century elegance.
Key Features
Distinctive fleur-de-lis terminal, fiddle-head shape handle, and the presence of the delicate oval frame which is diagnostic of the Old Colonial pattern.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) handle. The blade is almost certainly stainless steel (if 20th century) or silver-plated steel (if early production). The handle is 'hollow' with a weighted or resin-filled interior.
Finish & Decoration
Satin-to-mirror polish with an elegant fiddle-shaped handle. It features delicate Neo-Classical engraving including a central oval cartouche (often used for monograms), topped with a fleur-de-lis and scroll motif.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually stamped 'TOWLE STERLING' or with the 'T' and lion logo on the side of the handle or ferrule. Late Victorian American pieces often simply feature the word 'STERLING' alongside the maker's trademark.
Construction Details
Hollow-handle construction. Two stamped halves of sterling silver are soldered together and reinforced with a cement or resin filler. The blade is joined to the handle via a bolster and tang secured with adhesive or lead solder.
Functional Features
Tapered handle for ergonomic grip; rounded terminal to prevent surface marring. The oval cartouche provides a dedicated space for family heraldry or monograms.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver exterior skin over a filled core. The handle shows a 'fiddle' silhouette inspired by 18th-century silhouettes. No visible cracks in the seam, suggesting durable construction.
Craftsmanship Details
Precision die-stamped detail. The symmetry of the oval cartouche and the integration of the handle's shoulder show superior industrial production standards of the early 20th century.
Authentication Indicators
Correct pattern-specific engraving for Towle's 1895 design; seamless solder line indicative of high-quality factory production; proper wear distribution on high points.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Newburyport, Massachusetts, USA. Towle used industrial die-punching combined with hand-finishing for refined detail.
Era & Period
Late Victorian/Beaux-Arts era (c. 1895-1910). The pattern reflects the 'Colonial Revival' period which sought to modernize early American design motifs.
Age Estimate
Circa 1900-1920 based on the crispness of the engraving and the specific luster of the silver patina.
Cultural Significance
The Old Colonial pattern represents the American desire at the turn of the century to establish a formal 'national' aesthetic by looking back to pre-revolutionary motifs.
Condition Notes
Good condition with signs of light 'patina' scratches consistent with age. Use of silver polish has slightly softened the deep crispness of the engraving over time. No major dents observed.
Value Estimate
$40 - $75 USD per individual knife depending on blade type (modern vs. bolster) and silver market spot price.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash only; never put in a dishwasher as the heat can melt the adhesive holding the blade to the hollow handle. Use a high-quality cream polish like Wright's and a soft cotton cloth.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with Towle's 'Lafayette' pattern or Gorham's 'Colonial' pattern, though the scrollwork above the cartouche is unique to Old Colonial.
Interesting Facts
Towle is one of the oldest names in American silversmithing, tracing its lineage back to the Moulton family who began working in 1690, preceding Paul Revere.