International Silver Punctured Olive Spoon, Frontenac Pattern, Sterling Silver
Flatware - Specialty Serving Piece (Olive Spoon) · International Silver Company (specifically the Wilcox & Evertsen division), a conglomerate of the finest American silversmiths formed in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut.
Pattern: Frontenac Pattern, introduced in 1902 by Wilcox & Evertsen (International Silver Co.). It is one of the most famous floral and lily-inspired patterns of the Art Nouveau period.
Type
Flatware - Specialty Serving Piece (Olive Spoon)
Maker
International Silver Company (specifically the Wilcox & Evertsen division), a conglomerate of the finest American silversmiths formed in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The piece is solid silver throughout with no base metal or secondary materials.
Dimensions
Approximately 5.5 to 6 inches in length. Weight is typically between 15 and 20 grams. The bowl is characterized by a central oval piercing used for draining brine.
Description
A stunning example of American Art Nouveau silver, the Frontenac olive spoon represents the pinnacle of decorative utility. The handle features a lush, three-dimensional arrangement of lilies that seems to grow naturally from the stem. The teardrop-shaped bowl is expertly pierced, making it as functional as it is beautiful, perfect for the refined service of hors d'oeuvres.
Key Features
High-relief floral motifs, distinctive central oval piercing in the bowl, and the 'Frontenac' lily design which is highly sought after by collectors of floral silver.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The piece is solid silver throughout with no base metal or secondary materials.
Finish & Decoration
High-relief Repoussé decoration in the Art Nouveau style featuring lilies and flowing foliage. It features a mirror-polished bowl and hand-chased floral details on the handle, with intentional oxidation in the recessed areas to enhance the depth of the floral motifs.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Typically marked on the back of the stem with 'STERLING' and the International Silver Co. insignia or the specific Wilcox & Evertsen 'W-E' logo. Often includes a 'Pat. 1902' stamp.
Construction Details
Die-struck construction for the handle to achieve the deep, consistent floral relief, with the bowl being pierced/punched after casting or striking to create the central drainage hole.
Functional Features
Punctured (pierced) bowl designed to secure an olive or cocktail onion while allowing the brine or liquid to drain back into the jar or service dish. Long, slender handle for reaching into narrow vessels.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver handle with a flared terminal depicting high-relief lilies. The handle transitions into a slender, decorated mid-section for better grip and aesthetic flow.
Craftsmanship Details
Exceptional die-work that mimics hand-chasing. The transition from the heavy floral handle to the thin stem shows excellent structural balance and high-quality finishing typical of early International Silver Co. output.
Authentication Indicators
Hallmark alignment on the reverse of the stem, crispness of the die-struck pattern (not blurred like a cast copy), and correct proportions for an early 20th-century specialty spoon.
Origin & Manufacturing
Manufactured in Meriden, Connecticut, USA, which was known as the 'Silver City' during the peak of American silver production.
Era & Period
Art Nouveau (1890-1910). The Frontenac pattern is a quintessential example of this era's focus on organic, flowing floral forms and romantic naturalism.
Age Estimate
Circa 1902-1920. Based on the pattern introduction date and the popularity of specialty olive spoons during the height of Edwardian entertaining.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the formal dining rituals of the Gilded Age and Edwardian era, where specialized utensils were created for every conceivable food item to demonstrate the host's wealth and social standing.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The item shows moderate tarnish (sulfide deposits) consistent with age, but the high-relief details remain crisp. No visible thinning of the silver or cracks around the piercing.
Value Estimate
$65 - $110 USD depending on the weight and the clarity of the hallmarks. Specialty serving pieces in popular patterns like Frontenac command a premium over standard flatware.
Care & Maintenance
Hand polish with a soft cloth and non-abrasive silver cream (like Wright's). Avoid silver dips which can strip the beautiful antiqued oxidation in the floral crevices. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth roll to prevent tarnish.
Similar Pieces
Whiting 'Lily' Olive Spoon (more slender lilies), Gorham 'Buttercup' (different flower), or Towle 'Old Master' (more baroque, less organic).
Interesting Facts
The Frontenac pattern is often confused with Lily patterns by other makers (like Whiting), but it is prized for its specific, denser floral arrangement. It was named after Louis de Buade de Frontenac, a prominent figure in New France.