International Silver Co. Wild Rose Pattern Sterling Silver Cream Soup Spoon
Flatware - Spoon (Cream Soup Spoon variant) · International Silver Co., formed in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut. It was a conglomerate of various prestigious New England silversmiths and became one of the world's largest sterling silver producers.
Pattern: Wild Rose pattern, introduced in 1921. It is a classic floral repoussé design and remains a popular collectible for those seeking a highly textural, romantic aesthetic.
Type
Flatware - Spoon (Cream Soup Spoon variant)
Maker
International Silver Co., formed in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut. It was a conglomerate of various prestigious New England silversmiths and became one of the world's largest sterling silver producers.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness). The piece is solid silver throughout, with no base metal or core material.
Dimensions
Approximately 6 to 6.25 inches in length. Standard cream soup spoons of this era typically weigh between 30 and 42 grams (approx. 1.0 to 1.35 troy ounces).
Description
An exquisite example of American repoussé flatware, this Wild Rose spoon showcases a dense, overflowing garden of roses along its handle. The contrast between the ornate, textured stem and the smooth, reflective circular bowl makes it a standout piece for any formal table setting. It represents the height of American industrial silver manufacturing where artistry met mass-production precision.
Key Features
Continuous floral motif covering the entire handle top, deeply recessed 'oxidized' background, and a perfectly circular bowl characteristic of the cream soup form.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness). The piece is solid silver throughout, with no base metal or core material.
Finish & Decoration
The handle features high-relief floral repoussé and chasing depicting wild roses with an oxidized/antiqued background to highlight the depth of the petals. The bowl is finished in a high-mirror polish. The design is in the Art Nouveau / Romantic Revival style.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The back of the stem is stamped 'INTERNATIONAL STERLING' and includes the manufacturer's mark. It also bears the specific 'Wild Rose' pattern stamp or associated trademark used by International Silver Co. for this line.
Construction Details
Die-struck construction. The elaborate decoration is formed by heavy mechanical presses using hardened steel dies, followed by hand-finishing for detail and polishing.
Functional Features
Rounded bowl specifically designed for sophisticated cream-based soups or bouillons. The deep bowl allows for a generous sip while the handle length is proportioned for use with a soup plate.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver handle with a flared end. The dense floral texture provides an excellent ergonomic grip and hides fingerprints effectively.
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent die-stamping quality. The relief of the flowers is exceptionally high, emulating the look of hand-chased silver at a more accessible price point for the 1920s consumer.
Authentication Indicators
Clear 'STERLING' mark, correct font for International Silver Co. stamps, and pattern-accurate floral clusters. The wear pattern is consistent with genuine silver rather than plated alternatives.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; manufactured in Meriden, Connecticut, by the International Silver Company factories.
Era & Period
Early 20th Century / Art Nouveau Influence. Although introduced in 1921 (early Art Deco period), its design language is firmly rooted in the Late Victorian and Art Nouveau floral naturalism.
Age Estimate
Circa 1921-1950. The crispness of the stamp suggests a mid-20th-century production.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the early 20th-century American obsession with specialized dining implements, where a middle-class household might own over 12 different types of spoons for specific courses.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Visible light surface scratches (swirl marks) in the bowl consistent with regular dining use. The hallmarks are clear and legible. No signs of disposal damage or severe tarnish.
Value Estimate
$35.00 - $65.00 USD per spoon. Value varies based on current silver spot price and the presence of monograms (this piece appears unmonogrammed, which increases value).
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a high-quality paste like Wright's Silver Cream. Avoid chemical dips as they will strip the 'oxidized' dark finish in the crevices that gives the flowers their depth. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth roll.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with Kirk 'Repousse' or Stieff 'Rose'. Difference: Wild Rose (International) has a specific arrangement of petals and more defined leaf borders compared to the more chaotic Baltimore styles.
Interesting Facts
The Wild Rose pattern was one of the most successful 'floral' patterns of the 1920s, designed to compete with the heavy repoussé styles of Baltimore silversmiths like Kirk and Stieff.