International Silver Co. 'Frontenac' Pattern Sterling Silver Food Pusher/Food Shovel
Flatware (Specialty Serving Piece/Youth Dining Accessory) · International Silver Company, based in Meriden, Connecticut. Formed in 1898 through the merger of many top American silversmiths. This specific pattern is associated with the 'Wilcox & Evertsen' division, known for high-quality Art Nouveau and Period Revival designs.
Pattern: Frontenac pattern, introduced in 1902. This is a highly sought-after multi-motif Art Nouveau pattern featuring irises, lilies, and orchids. It was discontinued in the mid-20th century.
Type
Flatware (Specialty Serving Piece/Youth Dining Accessory)
Maker
International Silver Company, based in Meriden, Connecticut. Formed in 1898 through the merger of many top American silversmiths. This specific pattern is associated with the 'Wilcox & Evertsen' division, known for high-quality Art Nouveau and Period Revival designs.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). It is solid silver throughout, typical of high-end American flatware of the Edwardian era. The handle features a tapered design with a fleur-de-lis inspired terminal.
Dimensions
Approximately 4.5 to 5.5 inches in length. Weight is estimated at 20-30 grams. This is a 'large' child's piece or a specialized serving pusher.
Description
An exquisite example of the 'Frontenac' pattern by International Silver, this food pusher captures the elegance of the Art Nouveau period. Its shovel-shaped bowl transition is adorned with a delicate lily motif that flows seamlessly into a reeded handle. Originally designed as part of a child's nursery set, these pieces are now prized by collectors as unique serving tools or curiosities of Victorian dining etiquette.
Key Features
The distinctive shovel-shaped bowl, the 'Frontenac' Lily motif at the throat, and the script monogram at the terminal. The deep 'push' geometry of the bowl is the primary diagnostic feature for food pushers.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). It is solid silver throughout, typical of high-end American flatware of the Edwardian era. The handle features a tapered design with a fleur-de-lis inspired terminal.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish (mirror) finish. The decoration is Art Nouveau in style, featuring organic, flowing curves and a 'Lily' motif at the base of the bowl where it meets the handle. The bowl is shovel-shaped with high, curved sides designed for pushing food against a fork or spoon.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The reverse (unseen in primary image) should bear the 'Sterling' mark and the maker's logo—a 'W' within a circle (Wilcox & Evertsen) or the International Silver 'IS' globe mark. The handle front shows a script monogram at the terminal.
Construction Details
Die-struck from a single piece of sterling silver. The bowl features mechanical forming to create the deep shovel scoop, with the decorative junction integrated into the die stamp for a seamless transition.
Functional Features
Wide, flat leading edge of the bowl designed for scooping or pushing food. The deep, curved shoulders prevent food from spilling over the back. This was part of a Victorian/Edwardian etiquette set for children to learn formal dining.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver handle with a square-shouldered, tapered design. The grip features a grooved border (reeds) ending in an embossed floral terminal. It is ergonomically designed for a smaller hand or a precise serving grip.
Craftsmanship Details
Superb die-detail in the floral junction. The transition from the flat handle to the curved bowl is expertly managed, showing no stress fractures or thinning in the metal.
Authentication Indicators
The pattern is unmistakable for Frontenac. The weight and patina suggest genuine sterling rather than silver plate. The die-striking quality is consistent with Wilcox & Evertsen's high standards.
Origin & Manufacturing
USA (Meriden, Connecticut). Manufactured using heavy-gauge industrial presses with hand-finishing for the polished surfaces and monogramming.
Era & Period
Art Nouveau (early 20th Century, specifically Edwardian, c. 1902-1915). The pattern reflects the 'New Art' movement's obsession with botanical forms and sinuous lines.
Age Estimate
Circa 1902-1920. The crispness of the floral details and the specific 'Frontenac' introduction date place it firmly in the late Gilded Age/early 20th century.
Cultural Significance
Represents the peak of specialized American dining silver. It reflects a time when 'silver for every purpose' was a hallmark of status, extending even to the tools used by infants and children.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Excellent condition. Minor surface 'use' scratches in the bowl consistent with age. No evidence of 'silver rot' or heavy pitting. The monogram is original and well-executed.
Value Estimate
$75.00 - $125.00 USD. Value is driven by the popularity of the Frontenac pattern among collectors and the relative rarity of specialty pieces like pushers compared to standard spoons.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver polish like Wright’s Silver Cream. Avoid chemical 'dips' which can strip the precious patina in the recessed floral areas. Store in a Pacific cloth pouch to prevent tarnish.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. 'Olympian' pushers, Gorham 'Chantilly' pushers, or Wallace 'Grand Baroque' pushers. Frontenac is generally considered more desirable due to its distinct Art Nouveau botanical realism.
Interesting Facts
The Frontenac pattern is one of the most famous 'multi-motif' patterns, meaning different pieces in the set featured different flowers (Lily, Iris, Orchid). Food pushers were essential tools in upper-class nurseries to teach children how to load their spoons without using their fingers.