Towle Silversmiths Old Master Pattern Sterling Silver Salad Serving Set
Flatware - Serving Pieces (Large Salad Serving Spoon and Fork) · Towle Silversmiths of Newburyport, Massachusetts. Founded in 1690 by the Moulton family and officially became Towle in 1882. They are renowned for high-quality American sterling production.
Pattern: Old Master, introduced in 1942. It is one of the most successful and recognizable American silver patterns of the 20th century, remaining in production today under Lifetime Brands.
Type
Flatware - Serving Pieces (Large Salad Serving Spoon and Fork)
Maker
Towle Silversmiths of Newburyport, Massachusetts. Founded in 1690 by the Moulton family and officially became Towle in 1882. They are renowned for high-quality American sterling production.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). These specific pieces are likely heavy-gauge solid sterling, though some versions utilize hollow handles with stainless steel or silver-plated bowls.
Dimensions
Standard serving size; approximately 9 to 11 inches in length. Estimated weight for the pair in solid sterling is 250-350 grams (8-11 troy oz).
Description
An iconic example of American mid-century flatware, the Towle Old Master salad set combines formal Victorian elegance with the durability of modern sterling. These large, imposing pieces serve as a centerpiece of a formal table setting, characterized by the scrolling foliage and blossoms that define the Old Master line.
Key Features
Pierced decorative circles at the base of the fork tines; the distinctive 'Old Master' flower at the top of the handle; deep, fluid Rococo scrolling along the edges.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). These specific pieces are likely heavy-gauge solid sterling, though some versions utilize hollow handles with stainless steel or silver-plated bowls.
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish with Rococo Revival ornamentation. Features include scrolls, flower blossoms, and a distinctive 'fiddle' shaped handle silhouette with gadrooned edges and a decorative bolster.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually stamped 'TOWLE STERLING' with the 'T' and lion logo. Small date codes or 'Old Master' pattern stamps are frequently found on the back of the neck or handle base.
Construction Details
Die-struck pieces with applied decorative motifs. The bowls and tines are machine-stamped for uniformity, then hand-finished and polished to achieve high-luster transitions.
Functional Features
Wide spade-shaped bowl for scooping and a three-tined fork for gripping greens. The fork features decorative circular cutouts at the base of the tines to allow dressing to drain.
Handle & Grip Details
Tapered handle with a wide Rococo terminal. The bolster features a triple-ring gadroon design that provides a tactile transition between the handle and the serving head.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship. While machine-made, the crispness of the pattern and the balance of the pieces indicate superior mold quality and rigorous finishing standards typical of Towle.
Authentication Indicators
Wait for physical confirmation of the 'TOWLE STERLING' mark. The crispness of the gadrooning on the neck and the specific shape of the drainage holes are consistent with authentic Towle production.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in the USA, specifically Newburyport, Massachusetts, a historic center for American silversmithing.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern production of a Rococo Revival style. While designed in 1942, the style harkens back to 18th-century French aesthetics (Louis XV).
Age Estimate
Late 20th century to contemporary. The wear patterns and surface scratching suggest several decades of use, likely produced between 1960 and 1990.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-WWII American 'Gracious Living' movement, where middle-class families invested in heirloom-quality silver for formal entertaining and Sunday dinners.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible heavy surface scratching consistent with frequent use and improper storage. Moderate tarnish in recessed areas of the ornamentation. No visible bends or broken tines.
Value Estimate
$250.00 - $450.00 for the pair, depending on current silver spot prices and whether the handles are solid sterling or hollow-handled.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash only in warm soapy water. Use a high-quality cream like Wright's Silver Cream to remove tarnish. Avoid the use of 'silver dips' which can strip the intentional oxidation from the pattern's recesses.
Similar Pieces
Wallace 'Grand Baroque' (heavier, more ornate), Reed & Barton 'Francis I' (fruit-based motifs), or Gorham 'Chantilly' (simpler, more elegant curves).
Interesting Facts
Old Master is rumored to have been designed by Harold E. Nock. It was so popular during the mid-20th century that it was a 'standard' bridal registry choice for thousands of American families.