International Silver Royal Danish Sterling Silver Tablespoon
Flatware (Serving Spoon/Tablespoon) · International Silver Company, Meriden, CT. Founded in 1898 as a conglomerate of major American silversmiths, becoming the world's largest manufacturer of silver during the mid-20th century.
Pattern: Royal Danish (1939). Designed by Alfred G. Kintz. It remains one of the most popular and enduring American silver patterns, inspired by Danish modernist silversmithing.
Type
Flatware (Serving Spoon/Tablespoon)
Maker
International Silver Company, Meriden, CT. Founded in 1898 as a conglomerate of major American silversmiths, becoming the world's largest manufacturer of silver during the mid-20th century.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid throughout with no base metals; standard American silver alloy composed of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper.
Dimensions
Estimated length: 8.25 to 8.5 inches. Typical weight for a Royal Danish tablespoon is approximately 65 to 75 grams (approx. 2.1 to 2.4 troy ounces).
Description
The Royal Danish pattern is a masterpiece of American silversmithing, blending the opulence of traditional silverware with the sleek minimalism of Scandinavian design. This tablespoon features a bold, sculptural handle that appears to flow into the bowl, highlighted by elegant openwork piercings. Its heavy weight and substantial feel in the hand exemplify the high-quality standards maintained by International Silver during its golden era.
Key Features
Signature pierced 'heart' openings in the handle, shell terminal motif, and exceptionally heavy gauge thickness compared to contemporary flatware.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid throughout with no base metals; standard American silver alloy composed of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish with oxidized accents in recessed areas. The pattern features a scroll-edge pierced design with a distinctive shell motif at the terminal and shoulders, influenced by the Arts and Crafts and International styles.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped on the reverse of the handle neck: 'INTERNATIONAL STERLING' and 'ROYAL DANISH'. No date letters or assay marks are present, as is standard for 20th-century American production.
Construction Details
Die-struck from a heavy-gauge silver sheet. The piercing in the handle is machine-punched then hand-finished for clarity. Solid single-piece construction.
Functional Features
Large, deep oval bowl intended for serving vegetables or sides; robust handle weight provides excellent balance for heavy lifting.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver handle with an ergonomic flared terminal. Features 'pierced' openwork near the bowl and terminal, typical of the Royal Danish design.
Craftsmanship Details
Highly skilled die-manufacture with superior hand-burnishing. The symmetry and clarity of the pierced elements indicate a high level of factory quality control.
Authentication Indicators
Clear, crisp 'International Sterling' factory stamps; correct pattern-specific piercing geometry; substantial weight characteristic of the sterling version versus silverplated copies.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States; Meriden, Connecticut. Manufactured at the International Silver Co. factory using high-volume industrial die-striking techniques.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern / International Style. Introduced just before WWII, reflecting the 1930s-1940s transition from ornate Rococo to cleaner, geometric Nordic lines.
Age Estimate
Circa 1940–1970. The sharp definition of the stamps and the lack of excessive thinning suggest a mid-century production date.
Cultural Significance
Represents the American 'Trousseau' culture of the mid-20th century where silver sets were essential status symbols for newlyweds. It is a prime example of the International Style in decorative arts.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Visible surface micro-scratching (patina) consistent with light use. No significant dents in the bowl. Tarnish is minimal, appearing only in the deep recesses of the pattern.
Value Estimate
$125 - $185 USD. Value is driven primarily by current silver spot price plus a premium for the highly collectible Royal Danish pattern as a retired/sought-after serving piece.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a liquid silver polish or paste like Wright's. Avoid 'dip' cleaners which can strip the intentional oxidation in the crevices. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth roll to prevent tarnish.
Similar Pieces
Georg Jensen's 'Acorn' (original Danish inspiration), Gorham 'Chantilly' (more Rococo), or International's 'Prelude' (less ornate).
Interesting Facts
Despite being an American design, it was named 'Royal Danish' to capitalize on the popularity of Georg Jensen's Danish imports in the 1930s. It was selected for use in various US Embassies during the mid-20th century.