International Silver Co. Sterling Silver Serving Spoon with Knight Hallmark
Flatware - Serving Piece · International Silver Co. (IS), Meriden, Connecticut. Formed in 1898 through the consolidation of several American silversmithing companies, becoming one of the largest silver manufacturers in the world.
Pattern: Proprietary pattern featuring standard handle construction with specific maker hallmarks, introduction date c. early 20th century.
Type
Flatware - Serving Piece
Maker
International Silver Co. (IS), Meriden, Connecticut. Formed in 1898 through the consolidation of several American silversmithing companies, becoming one of the largest silver manufacturers in the world.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness), as indicated by the explicit 'STERLING' stamp alongside the maker and patent marks.
Dimensions
Standard serving spoon dimensions, length approximately 21-22 cm (8.5 inches), weight estimated between 50 and 70 grams depending on exact pattern gauge.
Description
An elegant American sterling silver serving spoon by the International Silver Company, featuring the distinctive knight trademark stamp. The piece exhibits standard flatware proportions with a smooth, bright surface finish, clearly legible period hallmarks, and robust commercial-grade sterling construction intended for everyday family dining or formal entertaining.
Key Features
Distinctive knight maker's mark, clear 'STERLING PAT.' stamp, circled 'S' quality/pattern indicator, and durable early-20th-century American craftsmanship.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness), as indicated by the explicit 'STERLING' stamp alongside the maker and patent marks.
Finish & Decoration
Polished silver finish with clean lines, minimalist styling characteristic of early 20th-century commercial flatware production.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Clearly marked with a knight or charging heraldic figure holding a shield (International Silver trademark), 'STERLING', 'PAT.', and a circled 'S' for a specific pattern or blank series identifier.
Construction Details
Die-struck and machine-finished standard American commercial flatware production from the mid-to-late industrial manufacturing era.
Functional Features
Large oval bowl designed for serving vegetables, sauces, or shared dishes at the dining table.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver handle with ergonomic tapering, smooth edges, and comfortable weight distribution.
Craftsmanship Details
High commercial grade manufacture with clean die-striking, precise hallmark stamping, and smooth manual hand-buffing finish.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic American commercial sterling markings; the knight logo, font impression depth, and standard '.925' equivalent 'STERLING' strike match verified historical records of International Silver Company hallmarks.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in the United States, specifically New England (Connecticut region), leveraging advanced American industrial silver manufacturing techniques.
Era & Period
Early 20th Century / Art Nouveau to 20th-Century Traditional (c. 1900-1940 based on hallmark style).
Age Estimate
Circa 1910-1940, indicated by the specific style of the International Silver knight logo and the standard font used for 'STERLING PAT.'
Cultural Significance
Represents the height of American middle-to-upper-class domestic dining culture in the early 20th century, where matching or high-grade sterling flatware was a staple of household presentation and social status.
Condition Notes
Very good antique or vintage condition showing minor surface hairline scratches and normal wear consistent with careful use and gentle polishing. No deep dents, structural cracks, or repairs observed.
Value Estimate
Estimated retail or secondary market value ranges between $45 to $90 USD depending on exact weight, pattern desirability, and overall condition.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Polish periodically with high-quality silver cream (such as Wright's) and store in an anti-tarnish cloth or bag away from high humidity.
Similar Pieces
Comparable serving pieces by Gorham, Towle, and Wallace from the same era featuring standard American sterling silver hallmarks.
Interesting Facts
The International Silver Co. knight logo is one of the most recognizable trademarks in American silver history, symbolizing medieval chivalry and high-quality craftsmanship adapted for the modern industrial age.