International Silver Co. Sterling Silver Teaspoon with Ornate Medallion Handle
Flatware (Spoon - Teaspoon) · International Silver Co.
Pattern: Unidentified or Souvenir Medallion Pattern
Type
Flatware (Spoon - Teaspoon)
Maker
International Silver Co.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925)
Dimensions
Standard teaspoon size, approximately 14 to 15 cm in length and weighing roughly 20 to 30 grams
Description
An exquisite antique sterling silver teaspoon featuring a bright polished tear-drop bowl and a richly decorated handle. The shank is adorned with architectural scrolling that culminates in a detailed oval medallion depicting a figural landscape. This piece exhibits the classic craftsmanship of late 19th-century American silver production, combining utility with artistic flourish.
Key Features
Distinctive oval medallion terminal with figural relief work, ornate pierced and scrolled shank, and brilliant mirror finish on the bowl
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925)
Finish & Decoration
Mirror polish finish on bowl with highly ornate embossed and cast medallion terminal showing a figural landscape scene in Victorian style
Hallmarks & Stamps
Standard American 'STERLING' stamp along with maker's trademark typically found on the reverse side of the shank
Construction Details
Die-struck bowl and handle with hand-finished details and welded or integrated junction
Functional Features
Designed for stirring tea or consuming light desserts, featuring a classic tear-drop bowl shape
Handle & Grip Details
Solid silver handle featuring an architectural or scrollwork shank leading to a prominent oval medallion terminal
Craftsmanship Details
Good quality die-struck construction with clean lines, sharp relief on the medallion terminal, and balanced weight distribution along the shank
Authentication Indicators
The presence of the 'Sterling' hallmark, crisp relief details on the cast medallion, and appropriate age-related surface wear indicate authenticity
Origin & Manufacturing
United States, produced by mass-manufacturing American silversmithing techniques
Era & Period
Victorian Era or late 19th-century revival style
Age Estimate
Circa 1880-1910 based on the Victorian aesthetic and medallion motif popularity
Cultural Significance
Reflects the Victorian obsession with ornate table settings and the rise of mass-produced yet artistically styled luxury goods for the burgeoning middle class
Condition Notes
Very good antique condition with light surface micro-scratches consistent with gentle use and age-appropriate polishing. The structural integrity is sound with no visible dents, repairs, or thin spots.
Value Estimate
Estimated retail or collector value ranges between $25 and $75 USD depending on specific maker attribution, collector demand, and overall condition
Care & Maintenance
Wash by hand in warm soapy water using a mild dish detergent and dry immediately with a soft microfiber cloth. Periodically polish with a reputable silver cream like Wright's and store in an anti-tarnish flannel wrap or Pacific Silvercloth bag
Similar Pieces
Various souvenir and patterned teaspoons by contemporary American manufacturers such as Gorham, Reed & Barton, and Wallace
Interesting Facts
Medallion and souvenir spoons were immensely popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often collected as keepsakes from travels or as ornate additions to formal tea services