Fisher Sterling Silver Colonial Style Coffee Service, No. 3581
Tea/Coffee Service (Coffee Pot, Creamer, and Sugar Bowl) · Fisher Silversmiths, Inc. (Jersey City, New Jersey, USA). Founded in 1936 by Samuel Fisher, the company was known for high-quality sterling hollowware that emulated early American and English Georgian designs.
Pattern: Colonial/Federal Fluted Pattern (Catalog No. 3581). This is a traditional neoclassical pattern produced mid-20th century, highly valued for its timeless aesthetic.
Type
Tea/Coffee Service (Coffee Pot, Creamer, and Sugar Bowl)
Maker
Fisher Silversmiths, Inc. (Jersey City, New Jersey, USA). Founded in 1936 by Samuel Fisher, the company was known for high-quality sterling hollowware that emulated early American and English Georgian designs.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The coffee pot features a dark wood (likely ebony or stained fruitwood) handle acting as a heat insulator. No base metals; solid sterling construction.
Dimensions
Coffee pot stands approximately 10-11 inches tall. Total set weight estimated between 35-45 troy ounces. Individual pieces follow standard mid-century 'after-dinner' sizing.
Description
An elegant three-piece sterling silver coffee service by Fisher Silversmiths. The set consists of a tall, urn-form coffee pot, a matching creamer, and a double-handled open sugar bowl. The design language emphasizes the grace of the Federal period, featuring deep vertical fluting and a pedestal base that provides a sense of height and formality. This set represents the mid-century American preference for traditional luxury in entertaining.
Key Features
Distinguished by the crisp fluting on the lower third of each piece and the elegant gooseneck spout. The '3581' pattern is a signature Fisher design that balances ornamentation with reflective flat surfaces.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The coffee pot features a dark wood (likely ebony or stained fruitwood) handle acting as a heat insulator. No base metals; solid sterling construction.
Finish & Decoration
Bright mirror polish with vertical fluting on the lower half of the bodies. The style is Neoclassical/Federal, characterized by clean lines, urn-shaped vessel forms, and a stepped circular foot. It features a simple finial and smooth upper bowls.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The underside is stamped with 'FISHER' (partially obscured), 'STERLING', the pattern number '3581', and the Fisher hallmark (a stylized 'f' within a crown or shield-like border).
Construction Details
Spun and raised construction with die-struck fluted decorative elements. The spout is cast and hand-soldered to the body. Pieces are hollowware with weighted or reinforced circular feet.
Functional Features
Gooseneck spout for precision pouring, hinged lid on the coffee pot with a thumb-piece, and insulating spacers on the handle to prevent heat transfer from hot liquid.
Handle & Grip Details
The coffee pot has a carved dark wood scroll handle, secured by silver ferrules with pins. The creamer and sugar bowl feature solid sterling 'C' scroll handles attached via silver soldering.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality commercial craftsmanship. The fluting is uniform and precise, indicating high-quality dies. The handle-to-body joins are seamless, and the lid hinge operates without wobble.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic Fisher hallmarks are present and correctly spaced. The weight-to-size ratio is consistent with high-quality sterling hollowware. Solder seams at the spout and handles are clean and professional.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America, Jersey City, New Jersey. Manufactured in the Fisher workshop using industrial silver-forming techniques combined with hand-finishing.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern era (c. 1940-1960) designed in the 'American Colonial Revival' style, imitating late 18th-century Federal silhouettes.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950. The hallmark style and pattern number 3581 are consistent with Fisher’s peak production years in the mid-20th century.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the post-WWII American 'Revivalist' movement where suburban households sought to connect with early American heritage through formal dining rituals and fine silver displays.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Excellent condition. The silver shows light surface micro-scratches consistent with gentle use. No visible deep dents or heavy tarnish. The wood handle appears secure with no visible cracks.
Value Estimate
$1,200 - $1,800 USD. Value is driven by the silver weight (melt value) plus a significant premium for the Fisher brand name and the desirability of a complete, matching set.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash with mild soap; dry immediately with a soft cloth. Use a non-abrasive silver cream (like Wright's) for tarnish. Store in Pacific Silvercloth bags to prevent oxidation.
Similar Pieces
Often compared to Gorham 'Plymouth' or Reed & Barton 'Winthrop' patterns, though Fisher's 3581 is noted for its more pronounced urn-waist and specific fluting ratio.
Interesting Facts
Fisher Silversmiths was a significant supplier to high-end department stores and jewelry boutiques in New York City. Their pieces were often chosen for wedding registries due to their 'indestructible' classic style.