Tuttle Sterling Silver Lamerie Pattern Teaspoons
Flatware - Teaspoons · Tuttle Silversmiths, Boston, MA. Founded in 1890, Tuttle is an American heritage brand known for its high-quality reproductions and its unique custom of dating pieces using presidential initials.
Pattern: Lamerie pattern, introduced in 1960. It was inspired by the Rococo designs of the 18th-century master silversmith Paul de Lamerie.
Type
Flatware - Teaspoons
Maker
Tuttle Silversmiths, Boston, MA. Founded in 1890, Tuttle is an American heritage brand known for its high-quality reproductions and its unique custom of dating pieces using presidential initials.
Material
Sterling Silver (purity .925). Solid throughout without base metal; strictly weight-bearing silver following US Hallmarking Acts.
Dimensions
Standard American teaspoon size, approximately 6 inches (15.2 cm). Estimated weight is about 30-35 grams per spoon.
Description
A pair of sophisticated sterling silver teaspoons in the Lamerie pattern by Tuttle. These spoons capture the opulence of the 18th-century Baroque-to-Rococo transition, featuring deep-relief floral scrolls that extend from the neck to the crown of the handle. They represent the pinnacle of American mid-century flatware production, intended for formal dining and high-tea settings.
Key Features
Signature Tuttle 'Pine Tree' mark and the rare use of presidential initials for dating purposes, which is unique in American silver history.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (purity .925). Solid throughout without base metal; strictly weight-bearing silver following US Hallmarking Acts.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror polish finish with elaborate Rococo revival scrollwork and floral motifs. The decoration is a relief style, mimicking the ornate hand-chasing of the 1700s.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'TUTTLE' with a pine tree mark and 'STERLING'. Visible on the back of the neck is the 'LBJ' or 'RR' type presidential symbol, which Tuttle uses to indicate the production period.
Construction Details
Precision die-struck manufacturing with hand-finished polishing and detailing to ensure crispness of the Rococo pattern.
Functional Features
Ovoid bowls designed for stirring and sipping; the robust weight centers the balance in the hand for ergonomic everyday use.
Handle & Grip Details
Heavily ornamented solid sterling handles with a flared, scalloped end. No secondary materials like wood or plastic are present.
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent die-striking quality; the edges are smoothly finished without burrs, and the weight feels substantial compared to lower-tier silver brands.
Authentication Indicators
Clear, deep 'Sterling' stamps and the distinct pine tree logo. The wear pattern is consistent with machine-pressed silver rather than hand-wrought pieces.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America, Boston, Massachusetts. Manufactured by Tuttle Silversmiths (later a subsidiary of Wallace/Lifetime Brands).
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (1960s-1970s) Rococo Revival; a period where American households favored traditional, high-prestige patterns.
Age Estimate
Circa 1963-1969 based on the visible mark. The presidential dating system (specifically looking for the initials of the sitting president) confirms the exact window.
Cultural Significance
Represents the status of American manufacturing in the mid-century, where high-end brands created 'heirloom quality' items for the growing post-war middle class.
Condition Notes
Very Good condition. Surface exhibits light micro-scratching consistant with normal usage and several dark tarnish spots on the back of the bowls; structural integrity is excellent with no bends.
Value Estimate
$40–$65 per spoon in the current secondary market, depending on the current spot price of silver and collector demand for the specific presidential mark.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash with mild detergent; use high-quality silver cream like Wright's for tarnish removal; store in Pacific Silvercloth to prevent oxidation.
Similar Pieces
Wallace Grand Baroque (more common, less heavy) and Reed & Barton Francis I (more floral, less symmetrical scrolls).
Interesting Facts
Tuttle is famous because every piece produced contains a hallmark referencing the current President of the United States, starting with Calvin Coolidge (CC).