International Silver Royal Danish Pattern Sterling Silver Teaspoon
Flatware - Teaspoon · International Silver Company (Meriden, Connecticut). Founded in 1898, it became the world's largest silver manufacturer, amalgamating many notable New England silversmiths.
Pattern: Royal Danish (Konge), introduced in 1939. It is one of the most famous Scandinavian-inspired American patterns and was in production for decades.
Type
Flatware - Teaspoon
Maker
International Silver Company (Meriden, Connecticut). Founded in 1898, it became the world's largest silver manufacturer, amalgamating many notable New England silversmiths.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid throughout with no base metal; no mixed materials on this specific piece.
Dimensions
Standard teaspoon length, approximately 6 inches (15.2 cm). Average weight is approximately 30-35 grams (roughly 1 troy ounce).
Description
This Royal Danish teaspoon is a classic example of the 'International Sterling' line. It features the signature openwork terminal and geometric floral design inspired by the works of Georg Jensen. The pattern's clean lines and heavy weight make it a staple of high-end mid-century American dining.
Key Features
Distinguished by the 'heart-shaped' or 'lyre' piercing at the end of the handle and the three-dimensional floral spray just below the piercing.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid throughout with no base metal; no mixed materials on this specific piece.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized and bright-polished finish. Features stylized geometric floral motifs and openwork heart-shaped piercings at the top of the handle, reflecting a fusion of Mid-Century Modern and traditional Danish design.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'INTERNATIONAL STERLING' on the reverse of the handle. May also include the 'Royal Danish' pattern name and a specific maker's mark consisting of a 'C' with an eagle and a crown.
Construction Details
Machine die-struck from sterling silver sheet, then hand-finished and polished. The piercings are machine-cut with subsequent hand-finishing to smooth the internal edges.
Functional Features
Tapered oval bowl for liquids or small food items; reinforced shoulder (neck) for durability during daily use. Rigid stem construction.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver handle with a slight 'fiddle' taper ending in a decorative terminal. Integral construction (not a hollow handle).
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship. The die-striking is crisp, the detail transitions are sharp, and the weight feels substantial in the hand compared to budget sterling lines.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of the 'INTERNATIONAL STERLING' stamp and the specific geometric proportions of the Royal Danish piercing are hallmark indicators of authenticity.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America, specifically Meriden, Connecticut. Produced using American industrial silver-smithing traditions of the mid-20th century.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern / 20th Century Revival. While introduced in 1939, it popularized the 'Danish Modern' look in America throughout the 1940s and 50s.
Age Estimate
Circa 1940-1960. Based on the heavy tarnish and pattern popularity, it is likely a mid-20th-century production.
Cultural Significance
Represented the post-war American shift toward European Modernist design aesthetics, moving away from overly ornate Victorian styles toward cleaner, more architectural forms.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Displays heavy surface tarnish (oxidation) with some yellowish-black sulfide deposits. Likely light surface scratches throughout; no visible structural bends or bowl pits.
Value Estimate
$35.00 - $55.00 USD. Value is largely driven by silver weight and the enduring popularity of the pattern for matching existing sets.
Care & Maintenance
Requires hand polishing with a high-quality silver cream (e.g., Wright's). Due to the heavy tarnish, a silver foam may be necessary. Avoid 'silver dips' which can strip the intentional oxidation from the recesses of the pattern.
Similar Pieces
Georg Jensen 'Acorn' (original Danish inspiration, much more expensive), Gorham 'Strasbourg' (traditional alternative), or Wallace 'Grand Baroque' (ornate alternative).
Interesting Facts
Royal Danish was designed as an American alternative to the high-priced Danish imports of the era. It remains one of the most collected patterns in North American history.