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Wallace Sterling Silver

Wallace Silversmiths Co. is one of America's oldest and most fabled producers of flatware, dating back to the early 19th century. Robert Wallace founded the company after an apprenticeship under a renowned spoon maker. He bought a ramshackle gristmill and began fabricating spoons, as this was his area of expertise.

One of the major early innovations for Wallace Silversmiths Co. came when Robert was shopping in New York City and discovered a cutlery set by Dixon & Sons forged from a nickel alloy called German silver. Wallace was greatly impressed by the luster and strength of this alloy and purchased the formula from the German chemist Dr. Louis Feuchtwanger for the then-exorbitant sum of $20.

With this new patent, Wallace compounded the first German silver made in America, which would go on to enjoy great popularity throughout the United States. By the time Robert Wallace died in 1892, Wallace Silversmiths Co. had grown to the largest manufacturer of flat tableware in the world, and one renowned for its craftsmanship and quality.


Quick Facts

  • At the turn of the 20th century, Wallace Silversmiths Co. used approximately 1.5 tons of nickel silver and 3 tons of steel daily in their flatware production
  • When Robert Wallace first founded the company, it produced only several dozen spoons a day. Now, Wallace Silversmiths Co. makes thousands of pieces of cutlery each day
  • William Warren was the most famous designer at Wallace Silversmiths Co. throughout the '30s. He was the creative force behind the company's beloved three- dimensional flatware patterns including Rose Point and Grand Baroque

Recommended Items at Auction

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(3) Wallace Poppy Sterling Silver Serving Bowls/Dish
Jun 17, 2:00 PM CDT
(3) Wallace Poppy Sterling Silver Serving Bowls/Dish
by SebastianCharles Auctions
Est: $400- $600
$4003 Bids
(4) Wallace Sterling Silver Goblets
Jun 17, 2:00 PM CDT
(4) Wallace Sterling Silver Goblets
by SebastianCharles Auctions
Est: $400- $600
$3752 Bids
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6-piece Baroque By Wallace Silver Plate Tea Set
Jun 26, 10:00 AM EDT
6-piece Baroque By Wallace Silver Plate Tea Set
by Berner's Auction Gallery
Est: $10- $10,000
$11 Bid
WALLACE 'BAROQUE' SILVERPLATE WINE BOTTLE COOLER
Jun 22, 9:00 AM CDT
WALLACE 'BAROQUE' SILVERPLATE WINE BOTTLE COOLER
by Austin Auction Gallery
Est: $100- $200
$800 Bids
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STERLING. (5) Pc. R. Wallace & Sons Sterling Tea
Jun 29, 10:00 AM EDT
STERLING. (5) Pc. R. Wallace & Sons Sterling Tea
by Clarke Auction Gallery
Est: $800- $1,200
$4000 Bids
(6) WALLACE STERLING SILVER WATER GOBLETS
Jun 22, 9:00 AM CDT
(6) WALLACE STERLING SILVER WATER GOBLETS
by Austin Auction Gallery
Est: $1,000- $2,000
$7000 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Wallace Sterling Silver


Austin Auction Gallery

Austin Auction Gallery

Clarke Auction Gallery

Clarke Auction Gallery

Berner's Auction Gallery

Berner's Auction Gallery