Wallace Silversmiths Sterling Silver Sauce Ladle
Flatware - Serving Piece (Sauce Ladle) · Wallace Silversmiths, founded in 1835 by Robert Wallace in Wallingford, Connecticut. Known for exceptional craftsmanship, innovative production methods, and iconic American sterling silver patterns.
Pattern: Unidentified standard or transitional Wallace decorative pattern featuring scrolled shoulder accents and fluting, popular in mid-20th-century production.
Type
Flatware - Serving Piece (Sauce Ladle)
Maker
Wallace Silversmiths, founded in 1835 by Robert Wallace in Wallingford, Connecticut. Known for exceptional craftsmanship, innovative production methods, and iconic American sterling silver patterns.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness), composed of 92.5 percent pure silver and 7.5 percent copper for durability.
Dimensions
Approximate length is 6 inches (15 cm) with a round bowl diameter of approximately 2 inches, standard for an individual or small sauce ladle.
Description
An elegant sterling silver sauce ladle crafted by the renowned Wallace Silversmiths. It features a bright polished finish, a gracefully curved handle with refined decorative scrollwork at the shoulders and terminal, and a classic round bowl suited for serving sauces or gravies.
Key Features
Clear Wallace maker's mark and 'STERLING' stamp, classic mid-century serving form, and harmonious decorative shoulder scrolls.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness), composed of 92.5 percent pure silver and 7.5 percent copper for durability.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror polish finish on the bowl and handle face, highlighted by subtle scroll motifs, fluting, and shoulder banding near the terminal.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped with the maker's logo consisting of the 'WALLACE' text and the stag/shield trademark, followed by the word 'STERLING'.
Construction Details
Die-struck handle with a separately formed and soldered bowl, typical of commercial mid-20th-century American flatware manufacturing.
Functional Features
Features a rounded, deep bowl designed for ladling gravies, sauces, dressings, or cream from a small boat or pitcher.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver handle with a contoured, ergonomic shape tapering toward a flared, decorated terminal.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality commercial American silversmithing, featuring clean die-striking, secure bowl-to-handle solder joints, and even hand-finished polishing.
Authentication Indicators
The crisp 'WALLACE STERLING' stamp on the neck matches authenticated mid-20th-century pieces, and the weight and metal color are consistent with genuine sterling silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in the United States, specifically in Wallingford, Connecticut, by Wallace Silversmiths.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern / Post-War Era (c. 1940s-1960s), evidenced by the standard Wallace script and stamp style.
Age Estimate
Circa mid-20th century, roughly 1945 to 1970.
Cultural Significance
Represents the traditional mid-20th-century American formal dining culture, where matching sterling serving pieces completed formal holiday and everyday tablescapes.
Condition Notes
Very good vintage condition with minor surface micro-scratches consistent with gentle use and polishing over time. No major dents, deep gouges, or structural repairs.
Value Estimate
Estimated market value ranges between $45 to $90 USD, depending on current silver weight, specific pattern rarity, and retail venue.
Care & Maintenance
Wash by hand in warm soapy water with a mild detergent and dry immediately with a soft cloth. Use a specialized silver polish like Wright's only when necessary to remove tarnish. Store in an anti-tarnish cloth or pouch.
Similar Pieces
Comparable to gravy and sauce ladles by Gorham, Tiffany & Co., and Reed & Barton from the same era.
Interesting Facts
Wallace Silversmiths became famous for introducing the revolutionary 'Third Dimension' carving technique in patterns like Grand Baroque, giving their flatware deep, sculptural relief.