Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Wheat Motif Serving Piece c. 1950s
Flatware - Decorative Specialty Serving Piece · Tiffany & Co., founded in 1837 in New York. Tiffany is the premier American luxury house, known for setting the 925/1000 sterling silver standard in the United States. This piece represents their mid-20th-century naturalist style.
Pattern: Wheat / Nature series. While not a primary named flatware set like 'Chantilly', it belongs to a mid-century botanical collection often used for cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, or specialized serving sets.
Type
Flatware - Decorative Specialty Serving Piece
Maker
Tiffany & Co., founded in 1837 in New York. Tiffany is the premier American luxury house, known for setting the 925/1000 sterling silver standard in the United States. This piece represents their mid-20th-century naturalist style.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid composition throughout the stem and head. The silver has a naturalistic weight, likely cast.
Dimensions
Estimated length of 5-8 inches depending on specific function (e.g., pickle fork vs. stuffing spoon). Estimated weight: 35-60 grams. Substantial for its size.
Description
An exquisite example of Tiffany & Co.'s ability to transform nature into functional art. This serving piece features a meticulously rendered head of wheat, complete with individual grains and protective awns. The stem mimics a natural stalk with delicate leaves emerging from the side, creating a piece that feels pulled directly from a field. It reflects the American post-war desire for elegance that felt grounded and organic rather than stiffly traditional.
Key Features
Highly realistic botanical texture, purposeful oxidation for 3D effect, and the signature 'stalk' stem that creates a seamless flow from handle to head.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid composition throughout the stem and head. The silver has a naturalistic weight, likely cast.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized and high-polish combination. The recessed areas of the wheat grains are purposefully oxidized (darkened) to provide depth and realism, while the raised surfaces are polished. Nature-inspired, naturalist style.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Likely stamped 'TIFFANY & CO. STERLING' on the reverse of the stem or the flat portion of the leaf. American sterling system used exclusively for this era.
Construction Details
Cast silver with hand-finishing. The organic details of the wheat husk suggest a 'lost wax' casting method to capture the botanical texture, followed by manual polishing of the highlights.
Functional Features
Features a realistic wheat-head finial and smaller side leaves which may provide extra grip. The stem is tapered and rounded for ergonomics.
Handle & Grip Details
Integrated organic handle. The entire piece is silver; the grip is textured by the 'stalk' and 'leaf' elements, providing a non-slip surface for serving.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality casting with exceptional attention to the 'beard' of the wheat. The transition from the smooth stalk to the textured head is seamless, indicating superior hand-finishing.
Authentication Indicators
The crispness of the casting detail is a major indicator; reproductions often lack the sharp definition seen in the wheat grains. The 'rainbow' patina in the oxidation is also characteristic of aged Tiffany sterling.
Origin & Manufacturing
USA; New York City workshop. Manufactured using high-end industrial casting techniques refined by artisan finishers.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern Naturalism (c. 1945-1965). This period moved away from Art Deco geometry toward organic, sculptural forms inspired by the outdoors.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1960. The botanical realism and specific oxidation style are hallmarks of Tiffany's post-war giftware and flatware production.
Cultural Significance
Represents the shift in mid-century American dining where formal gold-standard services were supplemented with more casual, whimsical, yet high-status nature-themed pieces.
Condition Notes
Excellent condition. Shows light surface tarnish and micro-scratches consistent with careful use. The oxidation in the wheat crevices remains deep and intact. No signs of bending or metal fatigue. (Grade: Excellent)
Value Estimate
$250 - $450 USD depending on the specific serving function of the head (spoon vs fork vs spreader). Individual specialty pieces from Tiffany fetch high premiums.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash only. Use a soft silver cloth like Hagerty's. Do not use silver 'dips' as they will strip the dark oxidation from the wheat crevices, destroying the item's visual depth.
Similar Pieces
Georg Jensen's 'Cactus' or 'Acorn' patterns offer a similar botanical vibe but with a Danish Modern aesthetic. Alternatively, Gorham's 'Garden' series.
Interesting Facts
Wheat has historically been a symbol of abundance and fertility in silver design. Tiffany popularized these botanical motifs in the mid-century to appeal to the 'Suburbanite' luxury market of the 1950s.