International Silver Co. 'Frontenac' Pattern Sterling Silver Teaspoon
Flatware - Teaspoon · International Silver Company (specifically the Wilcox & Evertsen division). Founded in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut, through the merger of various producers. Known for high-quality sterling patterns and mass-market versatility.
Pattern: Frontenac pattern, introduced in 1902. It is a retired pattern known for its Art Nouveau aesthetics.
Type
Flatware - Teaspoon
Maker
International Silver Company (specifically the Wilcox & Evertsen division). Founded in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut, through the merger of various producers. Known for high-quality sterling patterns and mass-market versatility.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid construction without base metal or plating.
Dimensions
Standard teaspoon length, approximately 5.75 to 6 inches (14.6 to 15.2 cm). Estimated weight including handle is roughly 25 to 32 grams (approx. 0.8 to 1.0 troy oz).
Description
An elegant example of Art Nouveau silver, this Frontenac teaspoon captures the turn-of-the-century fascination with the natural world. The handle is adorned with delicate lily blossoms that seem to grow organically out of the stem. The flowing lines and soft curvature of the bowl provide a balanced, graceful silhouette suitable for fine dining or private collections.
Key Features
Dense floral relief at the terminal, sculpted 'pinched' neck where the stem meets the bowl, and the iconic lily-of-the-valley motif which is the signature of the Frontenac pattern.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid construction without base metal or plating.
Finish & Decoration
Art Nouveau style featuring lily-of-the-valley and foliate scrolls. The finish is traditionally mirror-polished with naturally occurring oxidation in the recesses of the floral relief to enhance the multi-dimensional effect.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Likely stamped on the reverse stem with the 'Sterling' mark and the Wilcox & Evertsen / International Silver logo (often a 'W' or 'I' within stylized shapes). No British-style city or date assay marks as it is American-made.
Construction Details
Die-struck from a heavy-gauge sterling silver sheet. The design is pressed into the metal using high-pressure steel dies to ensure crisp detail across production runs.
Functional Features
Ovoid bowl for stirring and light consumption of desserts or liquids. Tapered handle with a wide, decorative terminal for ergonomic grip.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver handle integrated with the bowl (one-piece construction). The grip features a flared terminal typical of the Edwardian era's move toward ornate, nature-inspired motifs.
Craftsmanship Details
Superior machine-press work with manual finishing/buffing. The detail in the floral relief demonstrates the high-quality die-making capabilities of the Wilcox & Evertsen workshop.
Authentication Indicators
The crispness of the 'Frontenac' lily-of-the-valley design is characteristic of original International Silver dies. Appropriate wear at the 'heel' of the bowl where it rests on a table surface.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America, likely manufactured in Meriden, Connecticut, by the International Silver Co. production facilities.
Era & Period
Art Nouveau / Edwardian (early 20th Century). Defined by flowing organic lines, floral naturalism, and a departure from strict Victorian geometry.
Age Estimate
Circa 1902–1915. Most pieces of this pattern date to the first two decades of the 20th century when Art Nouveau was at its peak commercial popularity.
Cultural Significance
Represents the middle-to-upper class transition into the 20th century, where specialized flatware sets were a hallmark of social status and proper etiquette in American households.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Visible moderate tarnish (sulfide layer) which can be easily removed. Minor surface micro-scratching indicative of age and light use. No apparent bowl thinning or handle bending.
Value Estimate
$45 - $75 USD. Value is driven by the popularity of the pattern and silver spot prices. Single teaspoons are often used to complete vintage sets.
Care & Maintenance
Hand-wash with mild soap. Use a quality silver cream (e.g., Wright's) with a soft cotton cloth. Avoid machine dishwashing as high heat and harsh detergents can pit the silver surface and cause 'white' spotting.
Similar Pieces
Wallace 'Violet', Gorham 'Lily', or Kirk Stieff 'Repousse'. Frontenac is distinguished by its more asymmetric, whiplash-style floral curves compared to the symmetrical Repousse.
Interesting Facts
The Frontenac pattern is highly sought after by collectors who favor floral themes. It is one of the more 'sculptural' patterns produced by International Silver, as the flowers are almost three-dimensional.