Overview
This is a stunning example of the 'Iris' pattern, widely considered the masterpiece of American Art Nouveau flatware.
Preliminary identification
Whiting Manufacturing Co. 'Iris' Sterling Silver Spoon, c.1900
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Story
The turn of the 20th century saw a radical shift away from rigid Victorian styles toward the fluid, 'whiplash' curves of the Art Nouveau movement. Introduced around 1900, this pattern captured the world's obsession with the organic world and the influence of Japanese art.
Maker / Origin
Whiting Manufacturing Co. was one of the elite American silversmiths of the 19th and early 20th centuries, eventually becoming part of the Gorham empire.
Condition & Value
The detail on the iris petals appears quite crisp in the photos, suggesting it hasn't been over-polished. There are minor surface scratches consistent with a piece that is over 120 years old. Excellent detail preservation significantly helps maintain the value of this specific pattern.
Full Research
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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
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Market Analysis
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Value Drivers
- ▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
- ▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
- ▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact
Concerns
- ▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
- ▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
- ▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Comparable Sales
5 compsRegional auction
· Jun 2024Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
$1,280
SOLD
Dealer archive
· Mar 2024Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
$1,450
SOLD
Marketplace sale
· Jan 2024Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
$980
SOLD
Estate platform
· Oct 2023Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
$1,150
SOLD
Auction result
· Aug 2023Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.
$1,375
SOLD