Wallace Grande Baroque Sterling Silver Oval Pierced Basket with Repousse Decorations
Hollowware/Bread Basket · Wallace Silversmiths, founded in Wallingford, CT in 1835 by Robert Wallace; legendary for high-relief American silver.
Pattern: Grande Baroque, designed by William S. Warren, introduced in 1941; remains one of the world's most collected patterns.
Type
Hollowware/Bread Basket
Maker
Wallace Silversmiths, founded in Wallingford, CT in 1835 by Robert Wallace; legendary for high-relief American silver.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity); solid silver throughout with no base metal.
Dimensions
Standard oval size approximately 10-12 inches in length; typical weight for this model is 250-350 grams.
Description
An exquisite example of America's fascination with Rococo design, this Grande Baroque basket features the signature '3-D' floral clusters and ornate piercings that made Wallace famous.
Key Features
3D-effect floral repousse, model number 3810, lattice piercework, and the distinctive Acanthus leaf border.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity); solid silver throughout with no base metal.
Finish & Decoration
Features high-relief repousse floral motifs, acanthus leaf scrolls, and shell patterns with a high-polish finish and pierced lattice openwork on the rim.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Visible stamp: 'WALLACE STERLING 3810'. Includes the Wallace stag/shield mark; 3810 is the specific hollowware model number.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed for pattern depth with hand-chased finishing and machine-stamped piercings; rolled edges for structural integrity.
Functional Features
Pierced rim provides ventilation for hot bread/rolls; shallow oval form serves as a versatile side dish or centerpiece.
Handle & Grip Details
No separate handles; features a wide, integrated flared rim for gripping.
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent die-sinking depth; the 'baroque' style is achieved through precise high-pressure stamping that mimics hand-raising.
Authentication Indicators
The 'Wallace Sterling 3810' mark is crisp and authentic; pattern details match official 1940s production archives; wear patterns on bottom consistent with age.
Origin & Manufacturing
Wallingford, Connecticut, USA; manufactured by Wallace Silversmiths using advanced 20th-century die-striking techniques.
Era & Period
Mid-Century American Baroque Revival (post-1941); reflects 18th-century French Rococo influences.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1970 based on the 'Sterling' mark style and the height of the Grande Baroque line's popularity.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-WWII American 'Luxury Standard'; used by middle-to-upper class families to signal status and tradition during formal dining.
Condition Notes
Good; light surface scratches and tarnish visible; no major dents or 'bruises' in the repousse work observed.
Value Estimate
$400 - $650 USD depending on weight and current spot silver price; highly sought after in the secondary market.
Care & Maintenance
Hand-wash with mild soap; use silver cream for recessed areas to maintain highlights. Store in Pacific Silvercloth to prevent tarnish.
Similar Pieces
Reed & Barton 'Francis I' (heavier, different fruit motifs) or Gorham 'Chantilly' (simpler, more elegant lines).
Interesting Facts
The Grande Baroque pattern was so successful it required Wallace to expand their factory multiple times to keep up with wedding registry demand.