International Silver Co. Art Deco Pattern Sterling Silver Teaspoon
Flatware (Teaspoon) · International Silver Company, a major American silver manufacturer formed in Meriden, Connecticut in 1898 through the merger of several prominent silversmithing firms, highly reputable for both sterling and silver-plated tableware.
Pattern: Unidentified Art Deco motif featuring a stylized fan/sunburst terminal design, produced during the height of the Art Deco popularity in the early 20th century.
Type
Flatware (Teaspoon)
Maker
International Silver Company, a major American silver manufacturer formed in Meriden, Connecticut in 1898 through the merger of several prominent silversmithing firms, highly reputable for both sterling and silver-plated tableware.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity), as indicated by the visible 'STERLING' hallmark stamp on the reverse of the handle.
Dimensions
Standard American teaspoon size, approximately 15 cm (6 inches) in length, with a lightweight feel typical of everyday flatware.
Description
An elegant American sterling silver teaspoon featuring a classic Art Deco sunburst or fan terminal design. The reverse of the slender handle proudly displays the International Silver Company maker's mark and the 'STERLING' stamp. The geometric symmetry and clean fluting exemplify the modernist aesthetic of the interwar period, making it a delightful addition to any Art Deco collection.
Key Features
Stylized fan-shaped Art Deco terminal, clear American sterling hallmark, sleek geometric handle profiling.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity), as indicated by the visible 'STERLING' hallmark stamp on the reverse of the handle.
Finish & Decoration
Polished silver finish featuring a classic Art Deco stylized radiating fan or sunburst motif at the terminal tip with clean, geometric stepped lines.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Clearly marked on the reverse handle with the American 'STERLING' standard word stamp, alongside the maker's logo/trademark hallmark for the International Silver Company.
Construction Details
Die-struck manufacturing, typical of early 20th-century mass-produced American sterling flatware, ensuring uniform shape and precise relief details.
Functional Features
Standard teaspoon bowl designed for stirring hot beverages and consuming desserts or cereal.
Handle & Grip Details
Tapered flat handle with a rounded shoulder and a flared, fan-shaped terminal, designed for comfortable grip in the hand.
Craftsmanship Details
Crisp die-struck relief on the terminal, smooth edge finishing, and balanced weight distribution characteristic of early 20th-century commercial American silversmithing.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic American manufacture indicated by the explicit 'STERLING' stamp and proper International Silver Company hallmark placement, matching the construction standards of the period.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in the United States, specifically associated with the manufacturing traditions of Connecticut silversmiths.
Era & Period
Art Deco (1920-1940), characterized by the stylized geometric fan motif and clean, modern architectural lines.
Age Estimate
Circa 1920-1935, during the popularization of the Art Deco design movement in American silverware.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the widespread adoption of modern industrial design and geometric motifs in everyday domestic tableware during the roaring twenties.
Condition Notes
Very Good vintage condition. Light surface micro-scratches consistent with gentle use and age, with no deep dings, bends, or structural repairs observed.
Value Estimate
Estimated market value ranges between $15 to $35 USD for a single teaspoon, depending on collector demand for specific Art Deco patterns.
Care & Maintenance
Wash by hand in warm soapy water with a mild dish detergent, dry immediately with a soft cotton cloth, and polish occasionally with a trusted cream like Wright's Silver Cream to maintain luster.
Similar Pieces
Similar Art Deco flatware patterns by Gorham, Towle, and Reed & Barton from the same era, distinguished primarily by their specific terminal embellishments.
Interesting Facts
The International Silver Company was once the largest manufacturer of silverware in the world, absorbing historic names like Rogers and Wm. Rogers & Son.