3pc Waldo Rialto Aluminum Bronze Teaspoons & US Silver Sauce Ladle Holmes Edward

Description

Three late 19th century gold tone flatware pieces, 2 teaspoons by the Waldo Foundry and Holmes & Edwards in the 1894 “Rialto” pattern designed by Sidney Smith; and a sauce ladle by the U.S. Silver Company (which became part of the International Silver Co). “The Waldo Foundry was established in 1893 in Bridgeport, Connecticut. A series of patents were filed by Dr. Leonard Waldo of Bridgeport, Conn. And Frank A. Gooch of New Haven regarding the “Process of Reducing Aluminum”. The result was an alloy of aluminum and copper commonly called aluminum-bronze. “ ‘Gold aluminum’ is one of the latest aluminum alloys that has been put upon the market. The alloy resembles gold in color, and is being worked into spoons, forks, etc. It is claimed that it is easily cleaned, and retains its polish with much less care than sterling silver. The Holmes & Edwards Silver Co. of Bridgeport, Conn., is now making some beautiful tableware in “gold aluminum,” which sells at sights thoughout the country. The Waldo Foundry of the same city produces the metal.” Many pieces of aluminum bronze flatware were offered as a premium with grocery purchases. The Foundry closed sometime between 1902 and 1905. The Holmes & Edwards Silver Co began its activity in 1882 succeeding to Rogers & Brittin. The initial business was the production of low priced plated flatware using its own blanks or simply plating blanks of other manufacturers.
The qualitative leap in Holmes & Edwards production occurred with the acquisition of the invention patents obtained by William A. Warner of Syracuse for a technique of inlaying blocks of sterling silver at the wear points on the back of spoons and forks prior to plating them.
Warner went to work for Holmes & Edwards and his patents (December 9, 1884 and March 2, 1886) brought to the firm a gold medal at the Columbian Exposition in 1893 and a prominent place in silverplate industry.
The Holmes & Edwards plant was taken over in 1898 by the International Silver Company, continuing to operate in Bridgeport until 1931 when it moved to Meriden.
In 1956 the trademark ""SILVER INLAID"" was changed to ""HOLMES & EDWARDS DEEPSILVER"" and in 1960 to ""INTERNATIONAL DEEPSILVER"".
Silver inlaid production was discontinued in 1972 and later marketed by Wallace International Silversmiths Inc.
Trade marks used by Holmes & Edwards: STRATFORD SILVER CO, ORIENTAL MEXICAN CRAIG, HESCO, VIANDE, AZTEC COIN METAL.”

Condition

Good Overall – Spots/ tarnish

Dimensions

Ladle - 6.75” x 2.5” / Teaspoon - 5.75” x 1.25” (Length x Width)