International Silver Co. 'Joan of Arc' Pattern Sterling Silver Teapot
Tea Service (Teapot) · International Silver Company (Meriden, CT), a major American manufacturer formed in 1898 through the merger of multiple New England silversmiths.
Pattern: Joan of Arc, designed by Alfred G. Kintz, introduced in 1940. It is one of the most popular mid-century Louis XV revival styles and remains highly collectible.
Type
Tea Service (Teapot)
Maker
International Silver Company (Meriden, CT), a major American manufacturer formed in 1898 through the merger of multiple New England silversmiths.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Typical of American mid-20th-century tea sets, the piece is solid sterling throughout, excluding any necessary handle insulators.
Dimensions
Standard size approx 9-10 inches in height. Estimated weight: 650 to 850 grams (approx 20-27 troy ounces) depending on specific model size.
Description
An elegant example of mid-century American sterling, this Joan of Arc teapot features a graceful pear-shaped body defined by vertical lobing. The rocaille shell motifs and scrolled spout embody the 'New French' style that became ubiquitous in mid-century fine dining.
Key Features
Scrolled 'Joan of Arc' style handle, lobed body construction, and the signature textured pine-cone/pineapple finial atop the lid.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Typical of American mid-20th-century tea sets, the piece is solid sterling throughout, excluding any necessary handle insulators.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish with classic French-style lobed paneling and shell-motif accents. Features a pineapple-inspired finial on a domed lid and scrolling foliate decoration on the spout and handle.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually found on the base: 'International Stering' with the 'Joan of Arc' pattern designation and factory item number. May include the company's eagle-and-knight heraldry mark.
Construction Details
Spun and die-struck body with cast handle, spout, and finial components soldered to the main vessel. Fine seam work visible only on internal inspection.
Functional Features
Gooseneck pouring spout for precision, hinged dome lid with stay-cool heat stops in the handle (usually ivory or high-density plastic), and a wide base for stability.
Handle & Grip Details
Cast silver C-scroll handle with decorative thumb rest and insulating spacers to prevent heat transfer from the body to the hand.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship. Excellent symmetry in the die-struck panels and clean solder seams at the spout and handle joins.
Authentication Indicators
Visual silhouette perfectly matches the 1940 International silver catalog. Wear patterns on the bottom and finger contact points on the handle suggest authentic age.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States, Meriden, Connecticut. Produced at the primary International Silver factory using industrialized silversmithing techniques.
Era & Period
Modern / Mid-Century Louis XV Revival (c. 1940-1960). It reflects the 1940s American preference for romantic French Rococo aesthetics.
Age Estimate
Circa 1940-1960. The crispness of the lobed panels suggests an early-to-mid production period.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-WWII American aspirational lifestyle, where sterling tea services were the centerpiece of formal social interaction and a symbol of domestic stability.
Condition Notes
Heavy tarnish and surface oxidation throughout, requiring professional polishing. Visible dings on the lower body. Likely Good condition once cleaned, though tarnish may hide scratches.
Value Estimate
$800 - $1,200 (auction value based on silver weight) / $1,500 - $2,200 (retail antique dealer pricing).
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream (e.g., Wright's). Since the piece is heavily tarnished, a professional silver dip may be used briefly followed by thorough rinsing. Store in Pacific silver cloth.
Similar Pieces
Wallace 'Grand Baroque' (more ornate), Gorham 'Chantilly' (simpler), or Lunt 'Eloquence'. International Silver's 'Prelude' is another common competitor from the same era.
Interesting Facts
The Joan of Arc pattern was so successful that it was produced in both flatware and a full range of hollowware, becoming a staples of wedding registries for decades.