estateRUTH.

Identification

Set of 6 A.F. Towle & Son Sterling Silver Grapefruit Spoons, Pat. 1895

Photo reference

3 uploaded photos

Overview

The hallmarks—a lion rampant in a square alongside '925/1000' in a quatrefoil—are the distinctive marks of A. F. Towle & Son Co. The 'PAT.

Story

A. F. Towle & Son Co. was a prominent American silversmith operating in the late 19th century. The 'Pat. 1895' mark aligns with the introduction of their Old Colonial pattern, a classic Rococo Revival design. The company was eventually absorbed by Rogers, Lunt & Bowlen (later Lunt Silversmiths) in 1902, making pieces with the original A. F. Towle hallmark historically significant. The secondary market for Victorian and Edwardian sterling silver flatware remains polarized.

Maker / Origin

A.F. Towle & Son Co.

Condition & Value

Based on the seller's description, the spoons are in good vintage condition with light tarnish and minor surface scratches consistent with normal use. Crucially, the set is unmonogrammed, which broadens its appeal to buyers looking to match existing sets.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Market Analysis

The secondary market for Victorian and Edwardian sterling silver flatware remains polarized. Complete services and highly sought-after ornate patterns command strong premiums, while partial sets or less popular designs often trade near their intrinsic silver melt value. Grapefruit spoons, with their distinctive pointed bowls, are popular among collectors of specialized serving pieces, though sets of six typically move best in fixed-price retail environments rather than auction.

Value Drivers

▲ Solid sterling silver construction with a total weight of 156 grams establishes a strong intrinsic melt floor.

▲ Unmonogrammed condition significantly increases appeal to pattern-matching buyers.

▲ Complete set of six matching specialized pieces (grapefruit spoons) drives a premium over single replacements.

Concerns

▼ Unverified exact length — if the spoons are unusually small (demitasse size rather than standard grapefruit), the value could drop toward the $120 melt floor.

▼ Tarnish and surface scratches — if polishing reveals deeper pitting or wear to the bowl tips, the collectible premium will diminish.

Best Venue

List the set on a fixed-price marketplace like eBay or Etsy with a target price of $185 to $225. Ensure the title explicitly mentions 'A. F. Towle', 'Old Colonial Pattern', '1895', and 'No Monogram' to capture search traffic from pattern-matchers. A light, non-abrasive hand polish to remove the tarnish before photographing will help justify the higher end of the range.

Upside Potential

If a motivated buyer is actively seeking to complete an 'Old Colonial' service and requires unmonogrammed grapefruit spoons, the set could realize a price closer to the $300 asking prices observed in the secondary market.

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Also found — market-range context

Related comps outside the valuation band· 13 comps

Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.

  • Main Auction Galleries· 2021-03-28
    Towle "Old Colonial" Sterling Silver Flatware
    Large flatware set, completely different market tier.
    $2,200
  • Invaluable· 2022-04-01
    American Sterling Silver Flatware Set, by A.F. Towle & Son (44pcs)
    Large 44-piece flatware set, completely different market tier.
    $1,063
  • Heritage Auctions· 2007-11-01
    An American Silver Serving Spoon. A.F. Towle & Son Co., Greenfield
    Serving spoon, different form and function.
    $508
  • Heritage Auctions· 2007-11-01
    An American Silver Serving Spoon A.F. Towle & Son Co., Greenfield
    Serving spoon, different form and function.
    $508
  • Sellingantiques.co.uk
    Antique George VI Sterling Silver Grapefruit Spoons - 1946
    Different maker, era, and unspecified quantity.
    $413
  • Antique Cupboard
    Serving Spoon 8 1/2" - Old Colonial by Towle - Sterling
    Serving spoon, different form and function.
    $329
  • Imperial Half Bushel
    4 Gorham 'Old English Tipt' Citrus Spoons, 20th century
    Different maker and quantity (4 instead of 6).
    $180
  • Imperial Half Bushel
    4 Dominick & Haff 'Victoria' Citrus Spoons (1901)
    Different maker and quantity (4 instead of 6).
    $170
  • eBay
    Old Colonial by Towle Sterling Silver Grapefruit Spoon original 5 7/8"
    Single spoon, whereas the subject is a set of 6.
    $105
  • Antique Cupboard
    Grapefruit Spoon GW 5 1/2" - Number 38 Engraved by Towle - Sterling
    Single spoon, whereas the subject is a set of 6.
    $99
  • Harp Gallery· 2021-05-18
    Towle Old Colonial Pair of Sterling Silver 8 5/8" Serving Spoons
    Pair of serving spoons, different form and function.
    $95
  • Antique Cupboard
    Grapefruit Spoon original 5 7/8" - Old Colonial by Towle - Sterling
    Single spoon, whereas the subject is a set of 6.
    $95
  • Ruby Lane
    Towle Sterling "Diane" Grapefruit Spoon
    Single spoon, whereas the subject is a set of 6.
    $75