International Silver Co. 'Frontenac' Pattern Sterling Silver Teaspoon
Flatware - Teaspoon · International Silver Company (specifically the Wilcox & Evertsen plant). Established in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut, International Silver was a conglomerate of the most important American silver houses.
Pattern: Frontenac, introduced in 1902. This was a multi-motif Art Nouveau pattern named after the French colonial governor of North America.
Type
Flatware - Teaspoon
Maker
International Silver Company (specifically the Wilcox & Evertsen plant). Established in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut, International Silver was a conglomerate of the most important American silver houses.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid throughout, with no base metal; however, the heavy tarnish suggests it has been stored in high-sulfur conditions.
Dimensions
Standard teaspoon length approximately 6 inches (15.2 cm); estimated weight 28-35 grams (roughly 1.0 troy oz) based on the heavy-gauge production of this specific pattern.
Description
A classic example of American Art Nouveau silver, the Frontenac pattern is renowned for its lush, high-relief floral designs that wrap elegantly around the handle. This teaspoon represents the high-end production line of International Silver, intended for the affluent middle-class dining tables of the New England elite.
Key Features
Distinctive Lily motif at the terminal, heavy gauge silver construction, and the signature 'Frontenac' scrollwork along the stem of the handle.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid throughout, with no base metal; however, the heavy tarnish suggests it has been stored in high-sulfur conditions.
Finish & Decoration
Art Nouveau style featuring lily-of-the-valley and iris-like floral motifs. The decoration includes repoussé scrollwork, flowing organic lines, and a flared terminal.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The reverse (unseen but inferred by pattern) contains the 'Sterling' stamp and the Wilcox & Evertsen mark (two crossed hammers and a 'W' in a circle) or the International Silver 'IS' hallmark.
Construction Details
Die-struck from heavy-gauge silver. The pattern is high-relief, achieved through precision mechanical stamping followed by factory hand-finishing and polishing.
Functional Features
Ovoid bowl for liquids; flared handle terminal for balanced ergonomic grip; no mechanical features as it is a solid piece of flatware.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver handle with integrated terminal. The handle is tapered with a 'fiddle' style widening at the base to accommodate the ornate Art Nouveau casting.
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent factory craftsmanship. The die-striking is crisp, with no blurring of the floral petals, indicating the use of fresh steel dies and high-pressure manufacturing.
Authentication Indicators
Pattern recognition is definitive for International's Frontenac. The sharpness of the die-work and the transition from stem to bowl are consistent with authentic .925 sterling production rather than silverplate copies.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States; Meriden, Connecticut. Manufactured by the International Silver Co., which dominated American global exports during the early 20th century.
Era & Period
Art Nouveau (1890-1910). The flowing, asymmetrical floral lines and organic 'whiplash' curves are hallmark indicators of this design movement.
Age Estimate
Circa 1902-1920. While the pattern was made longer, the depth of the casting suggests an earlier production run consistent with the peak of Art Nouveau popularity.
Cultural Significance
Art Nouveau silver reflected the Gilded Age's shift toward nature-inspired aesthetics and away from the rigid geometric forms of the early Victorian era.
Condition Notes
Good overall condition but heavily tarnished. There are significant sulfide deposits (dark black areas) in the bowl and crevices. Light surface scratches (patina) consistent with household use. No visible bends or 'garbage disposal' damage.
Value Estimate
$35.00 - $65.00 USD for a single teaspoon in current market conditions. Value increases if the tarnish is professionally removed without damaging the patina.
Care & Maintenance
Requires deep cleaning with a high-quality silver cream like Wright's. Avoid silver dips as they can strip the desirable oxidation (antiquing) from the deep crevices of the floral pattern.
Similar Pieces
Gorham 'Lily' pattern (similar floral theme but more delicate), Wallace 'Grand Baroque' (more Rococo), and Reed & Barton 'Love Disarmed'.
Interesting Facts
Frontenac was one of the most expensive patterns International Silver produced because the high-relief required more silver per piece than standard 'flat' patterns.