Mid-Century International Silver Co. Sterling Silver Teaspoon in Wild Rose Pattern
Flatware - Teaspoon · International Silver Company (Meriden, CT); established in 1898, it was a conglomerate of several prominent New England silver makers and became the world's largest manufacturer of silver during the early 20th century.
Pattern: Wild Rose pattern; introduced in 1948 and remained in production for several decades as part of their classic floral sterling line.
Type
Flatware - Teaspoon
Maker
International Silver Company (Meriden, CT); established in 1898, it was a conglomerate of several prominent New England silver makers and became the world's largest manufacturer of silver during the early 20th century.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid construction without base metals.
Dimensions
Standard teaspoon length approximately 6 to 6.25 inches. Weight is typically between 30 to 35 grams (roughly 1 troy ounce).
Description
This elegant sterling silver teaspoon showcases the 'Wild Rose' pattern by International Silver. The piece features a graceful, slender neck that flares into a handle terminal adorned with meticulously detailed rose blossoms and trailing foliage. Its design represents the transition from the starkness of wartime to the lush, romantic aesthetic popular in American homes during the late 1940s and 1950s.
Key Features
Highly detailed rose terminal; deep die-stamping; specific contoured handle silhouette unique to the International Silver floral series.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid construction without base metals.
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish on the bowl with a deep-relief floral motif at the handle tip. The 'Wild Rose' design features Art Nouveau-inspired scrolling roses and leaves, typical of post-war romantic floral styles.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Likely stamped 'INTERNATIONAL STERLING' and 'WILD ROSE' on the reverse of the handle. May also include a small maker's mark (a knight's head inside a shield icon).
Construction Details
Machine-made using high-pressure dies (die-struck). This process ensures consistency and precise repetition of the complex floral pattern.
Functional Features
Tapered handle for ergonomic grip; standard oval bowl for versatile use in tea, coffee, or dessert service.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver handle, flared towards the terminal with decorative embossing. Integrated one-piece construction with the bowl.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial die-striking. The detail in the rose petals is crisp, showing the excellence of the steel dies used by International Silver during their peak production years.
Authentication Indicators
Pattern design corresponds exactly to 1948 International silver catalogs; '925/1000' or 'Sterling' stamp is characteristic of American manufacturing of this era.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States; Meriden, Connecticut. Manufactured in high volume by the International Silver factory works.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (Post-WWII era), specifically late 1940s to 1950s context where traditional floral motifs were revived for suburban domesticity.
Age Estimate
Circa 1948–1960 based on the popularity of the Wild Rose pattern during the mid-century bridal silver boom.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of the burgeoning American middle-class prosperity in the 1950s; part of the 'service for twelve' tradition that was standard for social hostesses of the era.
Condition Notes
Good overall condition based on visual; shows typical light surface scratches consistent with use. Tarnish is visible in the recessed areas of the pattern, which actually helps highlight the floral detail.
Value Estimate
$35.00 – $55.00 USD based on current scrap silver prices plus a collector's premium for the pattern.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver polish like Wright’s Silver Cream. Hand wash only with non-lemon detergent. Avoid using rubber bands for storage as they contain sulfur and cause deep black corrosion.
Similar Pieces
Wallace 'Rose Point' (pierced design), Gorham 'Strasbourg' (more scrolling, less floral focus), or Towle 'Old Master'.
Interesting Facts
International Silver's Wild Rose was a 'bridal favorite,' often chosen for wedding registries in the late 40s because it bridged the gap between traditional Victorian florals and modern streamlined shapes.