International Silver Co. 'Frontenac' Pattern Silverplate Teaspoon
Flatware (Teaspoon) · International Silver Co., specifically under the 1847 Rogers Bros. brand. International Silver was formed in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut, by merging several independent New England silversmiths.
Pattern: Frontenac; introduced in 1910. It is a discontinued early 20th-century pattern known for its Art Nouveau influenced geometric and floral motifs.
Type
Flatware (Teaspoon)
Maker
International Silver Co., specifically under the 1847 Rogers Bros. brand. International Silver was formed in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut, by merging several independent New England silversmiths.
Material
Silverplate (Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS). This is a base metal alloy (copper, nickel, and zinc) finished with a thin layer of silver through electroplating.
Dimensions
Standard teaspoon length, approximately 6 inches (15.2 cm). Estimated weight is 30-35 grams. It has a narrower, more elongated bowl compared to modern dessert spoons.
Description
A refined example of early 20th-century American silverplate excellence, the Frontenac pattern offers a sophisticated balance of linear discipline and floral delicacy. Its clipped-corner terminal and threaded borders provide an architectural quality, while the laurel-like sprigs add a touch of classical grace, making it a staple of the prosperous middle-class American dinner table of the 1910s.
Key Features
Canted/clipped corners of the handle terminal, double-threaded border, and the central floral square medallion which acts as a visual anchor and distinguishes it from the more common 'Charter Oak' or 'Vintage' patterns.
Material & Composition
Silverplate (Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS). This is a base metal alloy (copper, nickel, and zinc) finished with a thin layer of silver through electroplating.
Finish & Decoration
The item features a bright-cut, die-struck aesthetic with a 'threaded' or beaded border along the handle. Decorative elements include stylized foliate husks (laurels) and a central square medallion containing a floral quatrefoil. The bowl has a slight gold-tinged tarnish, often mistaken for light vermeil but likely aged silver sulfide.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually stamped '1847 ROGERS BROS.' and 'IS' for International Silver. It might also include 'A1' or 'XS TRIPLE' indicating the silver thickness. No lion passant or 925 marks would be present as it is not sterling.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured through a die-striking process. The form is stamped from a sheet of base metal and then electroplated. This was a high-volume industrial technique of the early 1900s.
Functional Features
Standard utility spoon for stirring tea or coffee and consuming desserts. The handle is tapered with a flat back to provide stability when placed on a saucer.
Handle & Grip Details
Integrated solid handle (not hollow) made of the same plated base metal as the bowl. The terminal is a flat-top, clipped corner (canted) style characteristic of Edwardian-era flatware.
Craftsmanship Details
A high-quality industrial product for its time. Symmetry is excellent, and the die-work remains sharp despite a century of wear. It lacks the 'life' of hand-wrought silver but demonstrates the precision of the American industrial revolution.
Authentication Indicators
The pattern design is a catalog match for International Silver's 1910 'Frontenac'. The crispness of the die-struck lines suggests an original production rather than a later low-quality reproduction.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America, likely Meriden or Waterbury, Connecticut. This region was the heart of the American silver manufacturing industry in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Era & Period
Edwardian/Early Art Deco transition (c. 1910). The pattern blends the classical symmetry of the Neoclassical revival with the emerging geometric discipline of Art Deco.
Age Estimate
Circa 1910-1925. The pattern was most popular in the decade following its 1910 launch.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury in early 20th-century America. Silverplate allowed middle-class families to own 'fine' service that mimicked the look of solid sterling silver used by the elite.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Significant surface scratching ('utensil marks') from use. Heavy tarnish/toning in the bowl and between the decorative beads. No obvious 'plate loss' (where base metal shows through) is visible, though the edges may be thin.
Value Estimate
$5.00 - $12.00 USD. As a single plated spoon, value is primarily for pattern matching or sentimental use rather than metal scrap or high-end investment.
Care & Maintenance
Wash with mild dish soap and water. Use a non-abrasive silver cream like Wright's Silver Cream to remove tarnish. Avoid 'dip' cleaners which can strip the thin silver layer and damage the oxidized accents in the pattern recesses.
Similar Pieces
Often compared to Gorham's 'Chantilly' (Sterling) or 'Fairness' patterns; however, the Frontenac's specific square floral medallion is its unique identifier.
Interesting Facts
The '1847 Rogers Bros' brand name was so valuable that International Silver continued using it for decades after the original Rogers brothers had died, as it was synonymous with high-quality electroplating.