Wallace Brothers Silverplated Spoons in Floral Art Deco Pattern
Flatware (Spoon) · Wallace Brothers (a division or subsidiary related to Wallace Silversmiths, famous American silver manufacturer founded in Wallingford, Connecticut in the 19th century)
Pattern: Unidentified floral and geometric Art Deco / transitional flatware pattern featuring a stepped terminal with floral relief and horizontal banding
Type
Flatware (Spoon)
Maker
Wallace Brothers (a division or subsidiary related to Wallace Silversmiths, famous American silver manufacturer founded in Wallingford, Connecticut in the 19th century)
Material
Silver Plated (Electroplated Nickel Silver or similar white metal base alloy)
Dimensions
Standard teaspoon and soup/place spoon sizes, approximately 15 cm to 18 cm in length, typical lightweight silverplate construction
Description
A matched pair of Wallace Brothers silverplated spoons displaying a charming transitional design. The handles feature a distinctive stepped terminal enclosing a raised floral blossom motif, separated by three horizontal bands from a tapering stem that leads smoothly into standard oval bowls. Showing moderate surface wear and scratches indicative of regular household use, these pieces reflect the accessible, decorative flatware marketed to American households during the mid-20th century.
Key Features
Stepped terminal design, stamped floral panel, three horizontal relief bands, and clear maker's stamp on the lower stem
Material & Composition
Silver Plated (Electroplated Nickel Silver or similar white metal base alloy)
Finish & Decoration
Bright polish finish on the bowls with contrasting textured details in the floral stamped terminal and stepped Art Deco shoulders; features floral motifs enclosed in a rectangular panel at the top, transitioning down a tapered handle with parallel bands
Hallmarks & Stamps
The visible stamp reads 'WALLACE BROTHERS IS' (International Silver / Silverplated) or similar standard maker's mark used by the company for their silverplate lines
Construction Details
Machine-stamped and die-rolled silverplated flatware, typical of mid-20th-century mass-market production
Functional Features
Standard everyday flatware for stirring or consuming liquids and soft foods
Handle & Grip Details
Integrated solid base metal handle with silver plating, featuring a flat tapered profile and decorative stamped terminal
Craftsmanship Details
Standard commercial die-stamping and electroplating typical of mass-produced 20th-century American silverplate, featuring clean lines and uniform repeating patterns
Authentication Indicators
Clear maker's mark 'WALLACE BROTHERS' stamped into the shank, typical die-struck relief patterns, and standard weight distribution for mid-century silverplate
Origin & Manufacturing
United States (Wallingford, Connecticut), produced by Wallace Brothers utilizing industrial manufacturing techniques of the era
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (likely 1930s-1950s), combining late Art Deco geometry with floral motifs popular in domestic flatware
Age Estimate
Circa 1930s to 1950s
Cultural Significance
Reflects the democratization of dining culture in America, where decorative silverplated tableware became accessible to working and middle-class households
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good vintage condition. Moderate surface scratching and scuffing consistent with age and use, minor tarnish, and intact silver plating with no visible base metal show-through on the high points shown in the image.
Value Estimate
Low market value, typically ranging from $2 to $5 per spoon individually in secondary antique and vintage markets, primarily valued for practical use or replacement parts for existing sets
Care & Maintenance
Wash by hand using mild dish soap and warm water, dry immediately with a soft cloth to prevent water spots, and use a gentle silver cream sparingly if needed to preserve the thin plated layer
Similar Pieces
Comparable silverplated spoons from contemporary American makers such as Oneida, Holmes & Edwards, and 1847 Rogers Bros.
Interesting Facts
Wallace Brothers was frequently used as a trade name or secondary mark by R. Wallace & Sons for their more affordable silverplate flatware lines, allowing average families to set elegant tables during the mid-century era