International Silver Company 'Frontenac' Pattern Sterling Silver Berry/Salad Serving Spoon
Flatware - Serving Piece (Berry or Salad Serving Spoon) · International Silver Company (specifically the Wilcox & Evertsen division). International Silver was a dominant American conglomerate founded in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut, encompassing several prestigious workshops.
Pattern: 'Frontenac' pattern, introduced in 1903. It is a 'Lily' or floral-themed Art Nouveau pattern that has remained highly collectible for its multi-motif variations.
Type
Flatware - Serving Piece (Berry or Salad Serving Spoon)
Maker
International Silver Company (specifically the Wilcox & Evertsen division). International Silver was a dominant American conglomerate founded in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut, encompassing several prestigious workshops.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid silver construction throughout with no base metals or weighted elements.
Dimensions
Approximately 8.5 to 9 inches in length. Estimated weight is between 90 and 110 grams (approximately 3 to 3.5 troy ounces) depending on the specific gauge used.
Description
An exquisite example of American Art Nouveau silver, the Frontenac Serving Spoon is a celebration of botanical elegance. Its highlight is the magnificent bowl, meticulously shaped into a multi-lobed leaf with realistic veining. The handle is equally ornate, featuring scrolled leafage and a fanned shell at the crown. This piece represents the late-Gilded Age fascination with specialized dining implements for every course.
Key Features
Unique leaf-shaped scalloped bowl; heavy relief floral and shell handle; 'Frontenac' pattern marks; high-quality die-work characteristic of early 20th-century International Silver.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid silver construction throughout with no base metals or weighted elements.
Finish & Decoration
Polished finish with recessed oxidation to highlight the Art Nouveau floral details. The decoration features an ornate terminal with a shell and acanthus leaf motif, while the bowl is shaped like a scalloped leaf with embossed veining.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The reverse should bear the 'Sterling' mark, often accompanied by the 'W' over 'E' within a circle (Wilcox & Evertsen) or the International Silver 'IS' logo, along with the pattern name 'Frontenac'.
Construction Details
Die-struck from a single heavy-gauge silver sheet. The bowl is shaped using a secondary pressing process to create the scalloped leaf form and internal veining definition.
Functional Features
Features an oversized, deep, scalloped leaf-shaped bowl designed for serving soft fruits, berries, or salad greens without bruising the food.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver handle with a flared terminal. The grip is contoured for ease of use during serving and features deep-relief decorative casting on both the front and back.
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent industrial craftsmanship. The die-work is deep and precise, creating a three-dimensional feel that mimics hand-chasing, showcasing the peak of American silver manufacturing.
Authentication Indicators
Correct pattern-specific hallmarks; proper weight-to-size ratio for American sterling of this era; natural wear patterns consistent with a serving piece from the early 1900s.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in the United States, specifically Meriden, Connecticut, at the International Silver Company factories which utilized advanced industrial die-striking technology.
Era & Period
Art Nouveau (1890-1910). This period is defined by organic, flowing lines and botanical motifs, which are clearly visible in the leaf-shaped bowl and floral handle.
Age Estimate
Circa 1903-1915. While the pattern was made for several decades, the depth of the casting and specific hallmark styles usually suggest an early 20th-century production.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the highly codified dining etiquette of the early 20th century where wealth was demonstrated through the possession of specialized silver for specific foods like berries.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The piece shows significant tarnish (sulfide deposits) particularly in the bowl, but no visible dents or deep metal fatigue. The definition of the pattern remains crisp.
Value Estimate
$175.00 - $350.00 USD. Value is driven by the popularity of the pattern and the substantial silver weight of the serving-sized piece.
Care & Maintenance
Requires hand-cleaning with a high-quality silver cream (e.g., Wright's). Avoid silver dips which can strip the intentional oxidation in the deep crevices of the floral design.
Similar Pieces
Whiting 'Lily', Gorham 'Chantilly' (though less floral), or Wallace 'Grand Baroque'. Frontenac is distinguished by its unique leaf-shaped bowl which 'Lily' often shares.
Interesting Facts
The Frontenac pattern is famous among collectors for being a 'multi-motif' pattern, meaning different pieces in the set featured different floral designs (e.g., Irises, Lillies, Poppies).