International Silver Co. Joan of Arc Pattern Sterling Silver Cream Soup Spoon
Flatware - Cream Soup Spoon · International Silver Company, formed in 1898 from a merger of several New England silversmiths. They became one of the world's largest producers of high-quality silverware, based in Meriden, Connecticut.
Pattern: Joan of Arc, introduced in 1940. This is a very popular French-styled pattern that remains highly collectible and was in production for many decades.
Type
Flatware - Cream Soup Spoon
Maker
International Silver Company, formed in 1898 from a merger of several New England silversmiths. They became one of the world's largest producers of high-quality silverware, based in Meriden, Connecticut.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid composition throughout; no base metals or plating.
Dimensions
Approximately 6 to 6.25 inches in length. Standard weight for a sterling cream soup spoon is roughly 30-40 grams.
Description
A graceful and feminine sterling silver cream soup spoon in the celebrated Joan of Arc pattern. The design features a delicate interplay of sweeping curves, laurel-like borders, and a prominent shell motif at the tip. Its balanced proportions and French-inspired elegance make it a staple of mid-century formal dining sets.
Key Features
Round bowl shape, shell-and-scroll handle terminal, fleur-de-lis accent near the neck, and the signature 'v-shape' ridge that leads into the bowl.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid composition throughout; no base metals or plating.
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish on the bowl with an oxidized/antiqued finish in the recessed areas of the handle to highlight the detail. Decorative elements include shells, scrolls, and fleur-de-lis motifs in the French Rococo style.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The back of the handle should bear the 'International Sterling' mark, often accompanied by the 'Joan of Arc' pattern name. It may feature a small knight's helm or crown symbol used by the company during the mid-20th century.
Construction Details
Die-struck construction from a solid sterling silver sheet. The bowl is shaped and the handle detail is impressed using high-pressure steel dies, followed by hand-finishing and polishing.
Functional Features
Round, deep bowl specifically designed for consuming cream-based or clear soups from a shallow bowl (rather than an oval soup spoon for stews).
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver handle, flared toward the end with a lobed/scalloped terminal. The grip features a central cartouche often left blank for monograms.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality die-work with excellent symmetry. The transition from the handle to the bowl is smooth, and the decorative embossing is deep and well-defined, characteristic of International Silver's best production years.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of the 'International Sterling' mark is the primary indicator. The weight, cold feel of the metal, and the characteristic oxidation patterns in the deep-relief handle design are consistent with genuine sterling flatware of this period.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America, specifically Meriden, Connecticut, at the International Silver Company's factories.
Era & Period
Late Art Deco transition to Mid-Century Modern (1940s). While created during the WWII era, the design is a 'Rococo Revival' style, looking back at French historical decorative arts.
Age Estimate
Circa 1940-1960. The crispness of the detail and the specific patina suggest a mid-20th-century production.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the mid-20th century American aspiration toward European-style formal dining. It represents the peak of American household silver ownership before the shift toward stainless steel in the 1970s.
Condition Notes
Very Good condition. Shows light surface scratches (swirls) consistent with light use and polishing. No visible pockmarks in the bowl or significant dents. Tarnish is minimal.
Value Estimate
$45 - $75 USD per spoon, depending on the current spot price of silver and the demand in the secondary antique market.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft cloth and a high-quality silver cream like Wright's. Avoid the dishwasher as high heat and detergents can pit the silver and strip the desired oxidation in the handle details. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth chest or roll.
Similar Pieces
Wallace 'Grand Baroque' (more ornate/heavy), Gorham 'Chantilly' (simpler/slimmer), or Reed & Barton 'French Renaissance'.
Interesting Facts
The Joan of Arc pattern was one of International Silver's 'Big Five' patterns, which were their most successful and widely distributed designs in history. It was often marketed as the 'quintessential romantic pattern' for 1940s brides.