American Presidents on Silver

 Founded in 1890 by Timothy Tuttle, it has one claim to fame which is unusual in American silver; its method of marking each piece of its sterling. Every piece made bears a crescent and the initials of the incumbent President of the United States on the date of manufacture. This practice began about 1923 and still exists.– Above is a photo of Tuttle’s sterling flatware in the “Onslow” pattern, on display in the opening credits for the 1933 movie, “Dinner at Eight” – An opening I can really appreciate for a film. It shows how to set a table! 🍽️

The Tuttle name has been a rather shadowy one to American Silver lovers. Company records are sketchy as to complete pattern production and Wallace which owns the company cannot supply a full accounting of the inventory of Tuttle. In fact, it is only since 1955 when Wallace silversmiths bought the company and began to heavily advertise some of the patterns that the name has become familiar. The company is not particularly historic. It was founded in 1890 by Timothy Tuttle, but it has one claim to fame which is unusual in American silver; its method of marking each piece of its sterling. Every piece made bears a crescent and the initials of the incumbent President of the United States on the date of manufacture. This practice began about 1923 and still exists. All pieces also carry a pine tree in a circle, a copy of the early American coin the Pine Tree shilling.

Although Wallace seems not to have complete records of Tuttle patterns certainly the company never produced in great quantities. Tuttle reorganized in 1909 which speaks to some difficulties and may account for low production. Some of the patterns are highly individualistic and imaginative - the Paul Laremie and its slightly more elaborate reincarnation as Crest of Arden was stylized and ahead of its time. It is as different in feeling from Hannah Hull as two patterns made by the same company could ever be. 

The patterns of the 1920s are typical and mundane but in 1967 under the aegis of Wallace the company made BEAUVOIR, a still grossly under-appreciated silver pattern. As the company advertised it boasts "masterful sculpting" which is entirely true, its "massive weight" is also true. It is a magnificent pattern, all swags and florals, quite dramatic and beautiful. Another truth about Tuttle production is that most patterns are very heavyweight silver. The company made only sterling, never plated ware, and as with all specialists they did it very well.

The recent trend toward Georgian silver patterns proves that Tuttle was covering all bases when it released its Onslow pattern, a beautifully balanced example. This pattern completely embodies Tuttle's original philosophy. Timothy Tuttle was essentially a copyist. Unlike most American silversmiths who eventually outgrew their roots and moved toward their own styles - and in most cases surpassed the originals - Tuttle always returned to his early inspiration, and so much of the company's silver is traditional.

There is research to be done on Tuttle, a company which started late, and which has many gaps in its recorded history. Wallace, which owns it, is in difficulties itself but it has done very well by Tuttle. In recent years it has efficiently promoted Onslow, Hannah Hull and Beauvoir. Collectors should gear up for Tuttle - it's one of those companies little noticed but which will be long remembered, if not for its imagination at least for its quality. – From the 1993 book, “1830's-1990's American Sterling Silver Flatware,” by Maryanne Dolan

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