International Silver Royal Danish Pattern Sterling Silver Food Pusher
Flatware - Child's Food Pusher · International Silver Company (Meriden, CT). Formed in 1898 from several smaller silver firms, the company became one of the world's largest manufacturers of sterling and plated silver.
Pattern: Royal Danish, introduced in 1939. Inspired by Danish Modernism and the work of Georg Jensen, it remains one of International Silver's most iconic and collectible patterns.
Type
Flatware - Child's Food Pusher
Maker
International Silver Company (Meriden, CT). Formed in 1898 from several smaller silver firms, the company became one of the world's largest manufacturers of sterling and plated silver.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). It is solid silver throughout, not plated.
Dimensions
Standard size for a child's silver set, approximately 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Estimated weight is 20-30 grams.
Description
This sleek and functional food pusher represents the apex of American mid-century silver design. Part of the famed Royal Danish line, it translates the high-end aesthetic of Scandinavian silversmithing into a practical nursery tool. The piece features a broad, curved blade and a beautifully contoured handle with characteristic openwork scrolls, making it both an art object and a durable heirlooom for early childhood development.
Key Features
Distinctive wide pusher head, signature Royal Danish handle shape with pierced scrollwork, and the 'International Sterling' maker mark.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). It is solid silver throughout, not plated.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror polish with oxidized recesses to highlight the scroll and floral motifs. The style is a Mid-Century Modern interpretation of Scandinavian traditional arts, featuring a flared handle with openwork design elements.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'ROYAL DANISH' and 'INTERNATIONAL STERLING' on the reverse side of the neck. It likely carries the 'IS' logo within a diamond shape.
Construction Details
Die-struck from a single piece of sterling silver sheet. The flat, broad head is shaped specifically for pushing food onto a spoon or fork, typical of nursery flatware.
Functional Features
Features a unique wide, flat, rectangular-to-curved blade edge designed to help toddlers manipulate food on a plate without using fingers.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver handle with an ergonomic flared end. It features the signature pierced/openwork scroll at the tip, facilitating a small child's grip.
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent die-striking quality. The definition of the scrolls and the smoothness of the transition from neck to head indicate high-quality industrial manufacturing and hand-finishing.
Authentication Indicators
The 'International Sterling' stamp is crisp and consistent with authentic Meriden production. The weight and balance feel appropriate for solid silver rather than a base-metal copy.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America, specifically Meriden, Connecticut. Manufactured via industrial die-stamping followed by manual buffing and finishing.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (introduced 1939, popular through the 1950s-70s). The design reflects the influence of the 1937 Paris Exhibition and the rise of Scandinavian minimalism.
Age Estimate
Circa 1940-1960. The crispness of the stamp and the specific pattern production timeline suggest a mid-20th-century manufacture date.
Cultural Significance
Represents the tradition of 'nursery silver,' where high-quality sterling items were gifted to infants as symbols of status and future wealth ('born with a silver spoon').
Condition Notes
Very Good condition. Shows surface micro-scratching consistent with moderate use and cleaning. No visible dents to the pusher head or heavy pitting. Minimal tarnish in the recessed floral decoration.
Value Estimate
$40 - $75 USD. Value is driven by the popularity of the 'Royal Danish' pattern among collectors looking to complete sets.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash with mild soap. Polish with a high-quality paste like Wright's Silver Cream to maintain the contrast between the mirror finish and the oxidized recesses. Store in a tarnish-resistant cloth.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with a master salt spoon or a small sugar shell; however, the broad, flat pushing edge is the definitive characteristic distinguishing a pusher.
Interesting Facts
Despite being an American design, Royal Danish was so heavily influenced by Danish silversmithing that it challenged the sales of imported Danish silver in the U.S. during the mid-20th century.