R. Wallace & Sons Manufacturing Co. Silver Soldered Hollowware Piece
Hollowware · R. Wallace & Sons Manufacturing Co. (later Wallace Silversmiths), founded in Wallingford, Connecticut in 1835 by Robert Wallace. Known for high-quality hotel, restaurant, and domestic silver as well as fine sterling flatware.
Pattern: Standard Hotel and Institutional Line, pattern number 027
Type
Hollowware
Maker
R. Wallace & Sons Manufacturing Co. (later Wallace Silversmiths), founded in Wallingford, Connecticut in 1835 by Robert Wallace. Known for high-quality hotel, restaurant, and domestic silver as well as fine sterling flatware.
Material
Silver Plated over a base metal (typically nickel silver or white metal), denoted by the 'Silver Soldered' stamp indicating heavy commercial-grade plating and durable construction.
Dimensions
Standard hotel-ware sizing, dimensions and weight cannot be fully determined from the base photo alone.
Description
A durable piece of commercial-grade silver-soldered hollowware manufactured by R. Wallace & Sons. The base clearly displays the maker's hallmark along with the pattern code 027 and the critical 'Silver Soldered' indicator, pointing to its intended use in high-end dining establishments, railway cars, or grand hotels.
Key Features
Clear 'R.WALLACE' maker's stamp, shape/pattern number '027', and 'SILVER SOLDERED' designation for institutional durability.
Material & Composition
Silver Plated over a base metal (typically nickel silver or white metal), denoted by the 'Silver Soldered' stamp indicating heavy commercial-grade plating and durable construction.
Finish & Decoration
Polished silver-plated finish, smooth industrial utilitarian design common for hospitality or institutional hollowware.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'R.WALLACE', followed by the pattern or shape number '027', and 'SILVER SOLDERED' indicating commercial-grade silver plate meant for heavy use.
Construction Details
Commercial machine-manufactured construction using heavy gauge base metals, silver-soldered seams to ensure structural integrity under heavy daily institutional use.
Functional Features
Designed for heavy-duty commercial hospitality service (hotels, restaurants, clubs), featuring reinforced soldered joints for longevity.
Handle & Grip Details
Integrated metal handles or body construction typical of heavy-duty hollowware pieces.
Craftsmanship Details
Sturdy, industrial-grade construction focused on durability and longevity rather than delicate artistic hand-chasing, built to withstand commercial service.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic period commercial stamp with serif lettering characteristic of R. Wallace & Sons hotel-ware lines from the early 20th century.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Wallingford, Connecticut, USA by R. Wallace & Sons, capitalizing on American industrial silversmithing innovations.
Era & Period
Early to Mid-20th Century (c. 1900-1950), based on the typography of the maker's mark and the 'Silver Soldered' designation.
Age Estimate
Circa 1910-1940, based on standard marks used during the height of the American hotel silver era.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the golden age of American railway travel, luxury hotels, and formal dining culture in the early-to-mid 20th century.
Condition Notes
Moderate to heavy tarnish (dark sulfide oxidation and copper bleed-through tones on the base), surface scratching consistent with utilitarian use, but structure remains intact. Grade: Good.
Value Estimate
Estimated between $25 to $75 USD depending on the specific form of the hollowware piece and current collector demand for hotel silver.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with gentle silver cream like Wright's Silver Cream, avoid abrasive scouring pads that wear through the thin silver plating, and store in a low-humidity environment.
Similar Pieces
Hotel-ware hollowware by competitors like International Silver (IS), Gorham, Reed & Barton, and Meriden Britannia Co.
Interesting Facts
Hotel silver was heavily reinforced and silver-soldered to withstand thousands of industrial dishwashing cycles and rigorous daily handling in bustling hospitality environments.