R. Wallace & Sons Silver-Plated Spoon (Sectional Plate Line)
Flatware (Spoon / Fork) · R. Wallace & Sons Manufacturing Co. (Wallingford, Connecticut, USA), founded in 1835 by Robert Wallace. Famous for both fine sterling silver lines and durable silver-plated flatware.
Pattern: R. Wallace Sectional Plate Line (Early-to-mid 20th century production)
Type
Flatware (Spoon / Fork)
Maker
R. Wallace & Sons Manufacturing Co. (Wallingford, Connecticut, USA), founded in 1835 by Robert Wallace. Famous for both fine sterling silver lines and durable silver-plated flatware.
Material
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS / Silver Plate). Features extra thick silver plating applied at heavy wear points ('sectional plating'). Contains base metals (nickel, copper, zinc) underneath the silver coating.
Dimensions
Standard table spoon/fork proportions (approx. 6.5 to 7.5 inches / 16.5 to 19 cm length; estimated weight approx. 45-60 grams).
Description
This piece of flatware features the distinctive backstamp of R. Wallace & Sons, marked 'R. WALLACE SECTIONAL'. The 'Sectional' mark denotes a specialized silver-plating process where extra fine silver was electroplated onto primary contact points, such as the back of the bowl or fork heels, to prevent premature wear to the underlying nickel silver base metal during daily use.
Key Features
Oval 'R. WALLACE' maker's cartouche accompanied by the clear 'SECTIONAL' grade stamp.
Material & Composition
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS / Silver Plate). Features extra thick silver plating applied at heavy wear points ('sectional plating'). Contains base metals (nickel, copper, zinc) underneath the silver coating.
Finish & Decoration
Standard polished silver-plate finish with subtle stamped manufacturer cartouche and block lettering on the back of the stem.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'R. WALLACE' within an oval cartouche alongside 'SECTIONAL'. This indicates manufacturing by R. Wallace & Sons and specifies their extra-reinforced silver-plating method.
Construction Details
Die-struck/machine-stamped from base nickel silver alloy base metal, followed by electroplating with fine silver. Reinforced plating layer applied to high-wear contact zones.
Functional Features
Ergonomic flatware handle designed for durability in everyday home and institutional dining.
Handle & Grip Details
Integral silver-plated metal handle; solid single-piece construction stamped directly during production.
Craftsmanship Details
Commercial-grade industrial stamping and electroplating executed to high 20th-century American manufacturing standards.
Authentication Indicators
Clear, authentic deep-struck manufacturer stamps ('R. WALLACE' and 'SECTIONAL') characteristic of genuine R. Wallace & Sons silver-plated flatware.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States, Wallingford, Connecticut (R. Wallace & Sons Manufacturing Company).
Era & Period
Early to Mid-20th Century (circa 1910s–1950s), American Art Deco to Mid-Century era.
Age Estimate
Circa 1910–1940 based on mark style, font typography, and backstamp design.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury in 20th-century American homes, where silver-plated flatware provided middle-class households with elegant table settings at an accessible price point.
Condition Notes
Good vintage condition; visible minor surface scratches, light tarnish, and minor oxidation/patina appropriate for age and use. Silver plate layer appears intact without major base metal exposure.
Value Estimate
$3 - $10 USD for individual replacement pieces, depending on specific pattern rarity and demand.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soap and warm water. Polish gently with a non-abrasive silver cream (e.g., Wright's Silver Cream or Hagerty) using a soft microfiber cloth. Avoid harsh chemical dips or abrasive scrubbing pads which can strip the thin silver plating.
Similar Pieces
1847 Rogers Bros. 'Triple Plate', International Silver Co. 'Sectional Plate', Community Plate (Oneida).
Interesting Facts
Robert Wallace produced the first nickel silver spoon in the United States in 1835 after acquiring the formula from a German chemist, laying the foundation for modern American silver-plated flatware manufacturing.