International Silver Co. Richelieu Pattern Sterling Silver Teaspoon
Flatware (Teaspoon) · International Silver Company (specifically the Wilcox & Evertsen division). International Silver was formed in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut, by the merger of several prominent American silversmiths. They became one of the world's largest producers of fine silver, known for high-quality production and timeless designs.
Pattern: Richelieu, introduced in 1892 by Wilcox & Evertsen (pre-merger with International). It is a classic French-inspired design that remained in production for many decades and is widely collected for its ornate but balanced aesthetic.
Type
Flatware (Teaspoon)
Maker
International Silver Company (specifically the Wilcox & Evertsen division). International Silver was formed in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut, by the merger of several prominent American silversmiths. They became one of the world's largest producers of fine silver, known for high-quality production and timeless designs.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The piece is solid silver throughout with no base metal; the 'STERLING' mark confirms its composition of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper for durability.
Dimensions
Measuring approximately 5.75 to 6 inches in length (standard teaspoon size). Estimated weight is between 25 and 32 grams, consistent with the 'heavy' weight category International Silver often utilized for the Richelieu pattern.
Description
This elegant teaspoon in the Richelieu pattern exemplifies the sophistication of American Beaux-Arts silver. The long, slender stem is defined by a continuous row of beads that leads the eye to a beautifully rendered shell motif at the tip. The reflective quality of the sterling silver highlights the depth of the die-work, while the personalized monogram adds a layer of social history, indicating it was likely part of a primary wedding or dowry set.
Key Features
The distinctive beaded border wrapping entirely around the handle and the specific three-lobed shell terminal are the diagnostic features of the Richelieu pattern.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The piece is solid silver throughout with no base metal; the 'STERLING' mark confirms its composition of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper for durability.
Finish & Decoration
Bright mirror polish with a Rococo Revival style. The decoration features a delicate beaded border (perle) framing the stem, culminating in a shell and scroll motif at the terminal (tip). The center of the handle features a custom engraved script monogram 'E'.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The reverse of the handle neck features the 'C' inside a shield mark (Wilcox & Evertsen/International) followed by the 'STERLING' fineness stamp. The mark is deeply struck, characteristic of factory production from the early 20th century.
Construction Details
Die-struck construction. The spoon was machine-stamped from a flat sheet of sterling silver using heavy steel dies to achieve the precise, repeating beaded border and ornate terminal details. It is a single-piece construction (solid).
Functional Features
Ovoid bowl designed for stirring tea or coffee and consuming desserts or breakfast cereals. The handle features a slight lift to allow for ergonomic gripping.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver handle with a spatulate shape. The edges are raised with beading, providing both a tactile grip and structural rigidity to prevent bending of the stem.
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent factory craftsmanship. The die-striking is extremely precise, with even spacing of the beads and a smooth transition from the stem to the bowl, showing the high technical standards of International Silver's Connecticut factories.
Authentication Indicators
Clear 'STERLING' stamp and the recognizable Wilcox/International logo. The weight is substantial, not flimsy, and the crispness of the beading indicates it was struck from original dies rather than being a modern cast reproduction.
Origin & Manufacturing
Manufactured in Meriden, Connecticut, USA. This region was the heart of the American silver industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Era & Period
Late Victorian/Academic Era design. While introduced in 1892, this specific piece reflects the early 20th-century American preference for 'Grand Manner' European styles that persisted through the Edwardian era into the 1930s.
Age Estimate
Circa 1900–1940. The clarity of the hallmark and the style of the monogram 'E' suggest a production date in the first half of the 20th century.
Cultural Significance
During the Gilded Age and subsequent decades, owning a full service of heavy sterling flatware like Richelieu was a primary indicator of middle and upper-class status in American society, used to facilitate elaborate multi-course dining rituals.
Condition Notes
Very Good condition. There are fine surface scratches (patina) consistent with age and regular use. The bowl shows light 'flea bites' near the tip, and the monogram remains crisp, suggesting the piece has not been overly buffed or repaired.
Value Estimate
$35.00 - $55.00 USD. Value is driven by the current spot price of silver plus a premium for the popularity of the Richelieu pattern. Monograms slightly reduce the value for some collectors but add charm for others.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash with mild soap and dry immediately with a soft cloth. Use a high-quality silver cream like Wright's for periodic polishing. Store in a tarnish-resistant chest or Pacific Silvercloth wraps to prevent oxidation.
Similar Pieces
Often compared to Gorham 'Chantilly' (which is more floral/scroll heavy) or Reed & Barton 'Pointed Antique' (which is much plainer). It occupies a middle ground of 'Ornate Federal' style.
Interesting Facts
The Richelieu pattern was named after the famous French Cardinal Richelieu, reflecting the late 19th-century American obsession with French aristocratic styles.