International Silver 'Spring Glory' Sterling Silver Spoon
Flatware (Spoon, likely Teaspoon or Place Spoon) · International Silver Company, Meriden, Connecticut. Formed in 1898 from a consortium of famous makers like Rogers and Simpson, Hall & Miller, it became one of the world's largest silver manufacturers.
Pattern: 'Spring Glory' pattern, introduced in 1942. It is a highly recognizable Mid-Century pattern known for its asymmetrical floral sprays.
Type
Flatware (Spoon, likely Teaspoon or Place Spoon)
Maker
International Silver Company, Meriden, Connecticut. Formed in 1898 from a consortium of famous makers like Rogers and Simpson, Hall & Miller, it became one of the world's largest silver manufacturers.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The piece is solid sterling silver throughout without a base metal.
Dimensions
Standard teaspoon length is approximately 6 inches (15.2 cm). Estimated weight is between 28 to 35 grams depending on the specific spoon size.
Description
An elegant example of International Silver's 1940s aesthetic, this Spring Glory spoon features a graceful asymmetric leaf design climbing a reeded handle. The pattern captures the optimism of spring through clean lines and stylized botanical elements, making it a favorite for 'mix-and-match' Mid-Century tablescapes.
Key Features
The distinctive 'IS' shield hallmark and the specific asymmetric leaf cluster near the base of the handle are the primary diagnostic traits of the Spring Glory pattern.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The piece is solid sterling silver throughout without a base metal.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized and polished finish. The design features a stylized Art Deco/Mid-Century Modern floral motif with a series of vertical parallel lines (reeding) along the handle, terminating in an open-leaf spray.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'STERLING' in a vertical recessed cartouche on the neck. Adjacent is the 'IS' mark inside a shield, representing the International Silver Company insignia.
Construction Details
Die-struck construction from silver blanks. The decorative elements are pressed into the metal using heavy steel dies, a hallmark of high-quality mid-20th-century production.
Functional Features
Tapered neck for ergonomic grip, deep bowl for liquid retention, and a reinforced drop where the handle meets the bowl.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver handle with an architectural, streamlined profile. No non-silver components.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship. The precision of the reeding and the detailed veining in the leaves demonstrate the excellence of the International Silver Company's die-making department.
Authentication Indicators
The recessed 'STERLING' stamp and 'IS' shield are consistent with authentic International Silver production. The sharpness of the die-struck leaves indicates an original production rather than a cast reproduction.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America, specifically Meriden, Connecticut, the 'Silver City.'
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern / World War II era (Introduced 1942). Reflects the transition from late Art Deco to the more organic, streamlined modernism of the 1940s.
Age Estimate
Circa 1942-1960. Based on the hallmark style and pattern introduction date.
Cultural Significance
Spring Glory reflects the American shift away from ornate European styles toward a domestic 'Modern' aesthetic that prioritized utility and understated elegance.
Condition Notes
Very Good condition. Shows moderate surface tarnish (sulfide patina) and 'butler's wear' (fine micro-scratches from use). The stamps remain crisp and deep.
Value Estimate
$35 - $55 USD for a single teaspoon, depending on weight and market demand. Full sets or serving pieces carry a higher premium per ounce.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream like Wright's. Avoid chemical dips which can strip the intentional oxidation from the recessed floral details. Store in a tarnish-resistant chest or roll.
Similar Pieces
Wallace 'Rose Point' (more ornate), Gorham 'Strasbourg' (traditional), or International's own 'Prelude' pattern which shares a similar Mid-Century floral theme.
Interesting Facts
The Spring Glory pattern was launched during WWII; despite metal restrictions, it became one of the most successful commercial patterns of the decade due to its modern, clean look.