International Silver Company 'Spring Glory' Sterling Silver Spoon
Flatware (Teaspoon or Place Spoon) · International Silver Company, Meriden, Connecticut. Founded in 1898 through the merger of many top New England silver manufacturers. They were once the world's largest manufacturer of silverware and known for high-quality production.
Pattern: 'Spring Glory' pattern, introduced in 1942. This pattern is a classic of the mid-20th century, known for its elegant floral asymmetrical scrolls along the handle edge.
Type
Flatware (Teaspoon or Place Spoon)
Maker
International Silver Company, Meriden, Connecticut. Founded in 1898 through the merger of many top New England silver manufacturers. They were once the world's largest manufacturer of silverware and known for high-quality production.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid silver construction throughout with no base metals.
Dimensions
Standard teaspoon length is approximately 6 inches (15.2 cm). Weight is approximately 30-35 grams (roughly 1 troy ounce).
Description
An elegant example of American mid-century sterling flatware, this 'Spring Glory' spoon features a lyrical, asymmetrical floral border that seems to 'grow' up the side of the handle. It represents the optimism of American design during the mid-1940s.
Key Features
Signature asymmetrical floral scroll on handle edges; 'Shouldered' transition from bowl to stem; high-relief stamping characteristic of International Silver.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid silver construction throughout with no base metals.
Finish & Decoration
Polished finish with oxidized recesses to highlight the floral relief. The decoration is a late Art Nouveau/Early Mid-Century hybrid floral scroll with a plain center cartouche on the handle stem.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The reverse should be stamped 'INTERNATIONAL STERLING' and 'SPRING GLORY'. Occasionally includes a small 'v' or 'c' mark for specific production runs.
Construction Details
Die-struck/Machine-made. This piece was manufactured using heavy industrial presses and finished with mechanical polishing and hand-buffing.
Functional Features
Standard oval bowl for multipurpose dining; reinforced neck (shouldered) to prevent bending at the stress point between bowl and handle.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver handle with a flared terminal. The grip features a scrolled edge design that is comfortable for the thumb.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship. The die-striking is crisp, and the floral details remain sharp despite age. Symmetric bowl and well-balanced weight.
Authentication Indicators
Pattern design perfectly matches International Silver's 1942 archives. Scale and proportions are consistent with standard 20th-century American production. Tarnish color is consistent with authentic sterling silver oxidation.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States; Meriden, Connecticut. Manufactured in one of International Silver's large-scale industrial factories.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern / WWII Era (1940s). The design reflects a transition from traditional floral motifs to the sleeker lines of the 1940s.
Age Estimate
Circa 1942-1950. The lack of excessive wear and the specific pattern debut suggest an early to mid-20th-century production.
Cultural Significance
Represents the height of the 'Silver Age' in American history when middle-class families aspired to own full sets of sterling flatware for entertaining.
Condition Notes
Good condition with heavy tarnish (sulfide oxidation) especially in the bowl. Visible surface 'heel' wear on the back of the bowl and minor surface scratches (patina). No visible 'garbage disposal' damage.
Value Estimate
$30 - $55 USD. Value is largely driven by its silver weight (melt value) plus a modest collector premium for the specific pattern.
Care & Maintenance
Gently clean with a high-quality silver cream like Wright's. Avoid 'silver dips' which strip the protective oxidation in the recessed floral areas. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth roll.
Similar Pieces
Wallace 'Rose Point' (more ornate), Gorham 'Chantilly' (more classic scroll), Reed & Barton 'Burgundy' (more heavy floral).
Interesting Facts
The 'Spring Glory' pattern was heavily marketed to WWII brides who were looking for a 'timeless' yet modern look for their new households.