Towle Silversmiths Old Colonial Pattern Sterling Silver Pierced Olive/Nut Spoon
Flatware - Serving Piece (Pierced Spoon for Olives or Nuts) · Towle Silversmiths, originally established as Moulton family silversmiths in 1690 and officially Towle in 1857 in Newburyport, Massachusetts. Towle is one of America's most prestigious and historic sterling manufacturers.
Pattern: Old Colonial, introduced in 1895. It is a classic Victorian/Colonial Revival pattern that remained in production for many decades and is highly sought after for its elegant, understated lines.
Type
Flatware - Serving Piece (Pierced Spoon for Olives or Nuts)
Maker
Towle Silversmiths, originally established as Moulton family silversmiths in 1690 and officially Towle in 1857 in Newburyport, Massachusetts. Towle is one of America's most prestigious and historic sterling manufacturers.
Material
Solid Sterling Silver (.925 purity). No base metals; purely precious metal construction.
Dimensions
Approximately 5.5 to 6 inches in length. Standard weight for this pattern is approximately 25-30 grams (roughly 0.8 to 1.0 troy oz).
Description
An elegant example of American craftsmanship, this Old Colonial spoon by Towle features a minimalist handle that emphasizes the beauty of the high-purity silver. The bowl is the centerpiece, showcasing intricate floral piercings that serve both a decorative and functional purpose. It is a quintessential 'specialty' piece from an era where formal dining required specific utensils for each course.
Key Features
The distinctive Towle 'T-Lion' hallmark, the specific petal-shaped piercings in the bowl, and the absence of shouldered edges on the handle characteristic of the Old Colonial pattern.
Material & Composition
Solid Sterling Silver (.925 purity). No base metals; purely precious metal construction.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish with a pierced bowl featuring a stylized floral and scroll motif. The handle is a 'Fiddle' variant with subtle crowning at the tip, characteristic of the Colonial Revival style. No monograms are present.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The back of the handle is stamped with the Towle hallmark (a large 'T' enclosing a lion rampant) followed by the word 'STERLING'. This specific mark was commonly used by Towle throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Construction Details
Die-struck from a single sheet of sterling silver. The piercings in the bowl were achieved using a secondary stamping or punching process to create the drainage holes.
Functional Features
Pierced bowl designed to drain brine from olives or oil from nuts. The small, deep bowl is shaped specifically for retrieving singular small items from jars or serving dishes.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver handle, integral to the piece (not a hollow-handle construction). It features a smooth, ergonomic taper toward the bolster and a widened, rounded tip.
Craftsmanship Details
The diework is exceptionally clean, with sharp edges on the piercings showing the quality of Towle's steel dies. The weight is balanced, neither too thin nor excessively heavy, indicating professional industrial-age silversmithing.
Authentication Indicators
The hallmark is authentic and correctly struck for Towle. The weight and patina are consistent with period-appropriate .925 sterling. The piercing style matches known Towle die-cut patterns from the 1890s-1900s.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Newburyport, Massachusetts, USA, which was a major hub for American silver manufacturing during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Era & Period
Victorian / Late 19th Century Colonial Revival (c. 1895-1910). The item reflects the American Gilded Age interest in specialized serving pieces for every possible food item.
Age Estimate
Circa 1900-1920. While the pattern was introduced in 1895, the crispness of the mark and the style of the 'Sterling' stamp suggest an early 20th-century production.
Cultural Significance
Represents the height of American Victorian dining etiquette, where 'specialty spoons' (for olives, bon-bons, or sardines) were used as markers of social status and refined domesticity.
Condition Notes
Very Good condition. Shows light surface scratches (swirls) consistent with moderate use and age. No visible terminal wear or structural damage to the piercings. Light tarnish is present in the recessed areas of the hallmarks.
Value Estimate
$45.00 - $75.00 USD. Value is driven by the popularity of the pattern and the functional appeal of the pierced bowl.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash with mild soap; polish with a high-quality silver cream (like Wright's) using a soft cotton cloth. Avoid 'dip' cleaners which can strip the natural patina from the pierced areas.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. 'Faneuil' pierced spoons (similar minimalist handle) or Gorham 'Chantilly' olive spoons (more ornate handle but similar bowl function).
Interesting Facts
The 'Old Colonial' pattern was designed to evoke the simplicity of early American silversmiths like Paul Revere, standing in contrast to the highly ornate, heavy 'Grand Baroque' styles that became popular shortly after.