1835 R. Wallace 'Violet' Pattern Silver Plate Spoon
Flatware (Spoon) · R. Wallace & Sons Manufacturing Co. of Wallingford, Connecticut. Founded by Robert Wallace in 1833, the company is one of the most prominent American names in silverware history, eventually becoming Wallace Silversmiths.
Pattern: 'Violet' pattern, introduced in 1904. It was part of the '1835 R. Wallace' line, which was the maker's premier grade of silver plate.
Type
Flatware (Spoon)
Maker
R. Wallace & Sons Manufacturing Co. of Wallingford, Connecticut. Founded by Robert Wallace in 1833, the company is one of the most prominent American names in silverware history, eventually becoming Wallace Silversmiths.
Material
Silver Plated. Specifically, heavy electroplate over a base metal (usually nickel silver). The '1835 R. Wallace' mark is a trade name for their silver-plated line, not a sterling silver mark.
Dimensions
Approximate length 6 inches (teaspoon size). Standard household weight of 35-45 grams. Silver plating adds negligible weight compared to the base metal core.
Description
This spoon features the iconic Violet pattern from R. Wallace's prestigious 1835 line. Characterized by lush, relief-carved violets that appear to grow organically out of the handle's edges, it is a quintessential example of Art Nouveau silver plate. The 1835 branding was intended to suggest a long heritage of quality, making these pieces very popular for middle-class American bridal registries at the turn of the century.
Key Features
Identification is confirmed by the specific floral arrangement of the Violet (1904) pattern and the distinctive '1835 R. Wallace' block-letter stamp within the handle cartouche.
Material & Composition
Silver Plated. Specifically, heavy electroplate over a base metal (usually nickel silver). The '1835 R. Wallace' mark is a trade name for their silver-plated line, not a sterling silver mark.
Finish & Decoration
Art Nouveau floral decoration featuring embossed violets and swirling organic foliage on the handle terminus. Mirror-polished finish on the stem and bowl.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped '1835 R. WALLACE' on the reverse of the handle. The '1835' refers to the founding era/trademark of the plated line, not the date of manufacture. There is no 'Sterling' or '925' mark because the item is plated.
Construction Details
Die-struck/Machine-made. The pattern is stamped into the metal using high-pressure steel dies. The piece is a single unit of metal plated in a silver bath.
Functional Features
Tapered handle for grip, deep bowl for scooping. Functional for daily dining and formal tea service.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid metal handle integrated with the stem. Features a spatulate end with raised floral relief. No seams are visible as it is a single-piece construction.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship. The die-striking is deep and detailed, showing the quality of Wallace's engraving team and their superior plating process for the '1835' line.
Authentication Indicators
The stamp is crisp and original to the piece. The design matches known archival patterns for Wallace's Violet line. Lack of 'Sterling' mark correctly identifies it as the plated version of the pattern.
Origin & Manufacturing
USA; Wallingford, Connecticut. Manufactured at the R. Wallace factory during the height of the American silver manufacturing boom.
Era & Period
Art Nouveau (early 20th Century). Defined by the flowing, asymmetrical plant-based motifs characteristic of the 1890-1910 aesthetic period.
Age Estimate
Circa 1904-1920. While the pattern was made for many years, the style of the stamp and the condition of the die-work suggest an early 20th-century production.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury in early 1900s America, where mass-produced silver plate allowed many families to own patterns previously reserved for the wealthy class.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The plating appears intact with no significant 'bleeding' (base metal showing through). There is light surface scratching consistent with age and polishing. No signs of repair/bending.
Value Estimate
USD $5 - $15 per spoon. While highly collectible for pattern collectors, silver-plated flatware does not hold the high melt value associated with sterling silver.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream (e.g., Wright's). Avoid aggressive dipping or abrasive scrubbing, which can wear away the thin layer of silver plating and expose the yellow-gray base metal.
Similar Pieces
Wallace 'Rose' pattern (different floral motif); Gorham 'Buttercup' (a similar floral aesthetic but usually found in sterling).
Interesting Facts
Robert Wallace actually produced the first 'German Silver' (nickel silver) spoon in America after purchasing a secret formula from a chemist. This led to the massive success of their plated lines.