Towle Silversmiths. The name evokes images of gleaming silverware, elegant dining tables, and cherished family heirlooms passed down through generations. For over three centuries, Towle has been synonymous with quality and craftsmanship in the world of sterling silver and flatware. But in a world of ever-changing markets and evolving consumer tastes, a question naturally arises: Is Towle Silversmiths still in business? The answer, while not entirely straightforward, is yes, but with a significant nuance.
The Legacy of Towle: A Glimpse into History
To understand the current state of Towle, it’s crucial to appreciate its rich and storied history. The company’s roots trace back to 1690 in Newburyport, Massachusetts, when William Moulton, the patriarch of a distinguished family of silversmiths, began his craft. Initially focused on creating practical household items, the business evolved over time, embracing new styles and techniques.
The 19th century marked a period of significant growth and innovation for Towle. Under the leadership of Anthony F. Towle and William P. Jones, the company began to specialize in sterling silver flatware. They introduced iconic patterns that captured the Victorian era’s opulence and the Art Nouveau movement’s flowing lines. These patterns, such as “Old Newbury” and “King Richard,” became instantly recognizable symbols of American elegance and quality.
Towle continued to thrive throughout the 20th century, adapting to changing tastes and economic conditions. The company produced numerous popular flatware patterns, appealing to a wide range of consumers. Their marketing campaigns emphasized the enduring value of sterling silver as a timeless investment and a symbol of family heritage. Towle’s silverware graced the tables of countless American homes, becoming a staple of weddings, holidays, and special occasions.
Acquisitions and Transformations: Navigating the Modern Market
The late 20th and early 21st centuries brought significant changes to the landscape of the silver and flatware industry. Increased competition from overseas manufacturers, fluctuating silver prices, and shifting consumer preferences led to consolidation and restructuring within the sector. Towle was not immune to these forces.
In 1990, Towle Silversmiths was acquired by Syratech Corporation. This marked a shift in ownership and a new chapter in the company’s history. Syratech continued to produce Towle flatware patterns, but also expanded the brand’s product line to include other tabletop items and giftware.
Later, in 2006, Syratech Corporation was acquired by Lifetime Brands, Inc., a global provider of kitchenware, tableware, and other home products. This acquisition brought Towle under the umbrella of a larger organization with a broader portfolio of brands.
The Current Landscape: Towle Under Lifetime Brands
Today, Towle Silversmiths operates as a brand within the Lifetime Brands portfolio. Lifetime Brands continues to manufacture and market Towle flatware patterns, both classic designs and newer creations. The company leverages its global sourcing and distribution network to reach a wider audience.
While the Towle name still represents quality and craftsmanship, it’s important to recognize that the company’s structure and operations have evolved significantly since its early days as an independent silversmith. The focus is on balancing the brand’s rich heritage with the demands of the modern market.
What Products Does Towle Offer Today?
Under Lifetime Brands, Towle offers a range of products that include:
- Sterling silver flatware: Classic and contemporary patterns.
- Stainless steel flatware: More affordable options for everyday use.
- Silver-plated flatware: Combining elegance with practicality.
- Serving pieces: Complementing flatware sets for formal occasions.
- Giftware: Silver picture frames, baby gifts, and other commemorative items.
Towle’s current product line reflects a commitment to offering a variety of styles and price points, catering to different consumer preferences. The focus remains on quality and design, upholding the brand’s reputation for excellence.
The Enduring Appeal of Sterling Silver
Despite the availability of more affordable materials, sterling silver continues to hold a special allure for many consumers. Its inherent beauty, durability, and investment value make it a prized possession. Sterling silver flatware can be passed down through generations, becoming a tangible link to family history.
Towle recognizes the enduring appeal of sterling silver and continues to offer a selection of its most iconic patterns in this precious metal. These patterns represent a timeless investment and a symbol of enduring elegance.
How to Identify Authentic Towle Silverware
For collectors and enthusiasts, identifying authentic Towle silverware is essential. Towle has used various hallmarks and markings throughout its history to identify its products. These markings can provide valuable information about the pattern, date of manufacture, and origin of the piece.
Researching Towle hallmarks and patterns is a crucial step in identifying authentic pieces. Numerous resources are available online and in libraries that provide detailed information about Towle’s markings.
Key identification marks include:
- The Towle name or logo.
- Sterling silver markings (e.g., “Sterling,” “925/1000”).
- Pattern names or numbers.
- Date marks (used in some periods).
Comparing the markings on a piece of silverware with known Towle hallmarks can help determine its authenticity. Consulting with an expert in antique silver can also be beneficial, especially for valuable or rare pieces.
Caring for Your Towle Silverware
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and value of Towle silverware. Sterling silver is a relatively soft metal that can tarnish over time. Regular cleaning and polishing are necessary to prevent tarnish and keep the silver looking its best.
Here are some tips for caring for your Towle silverware:
- Wash silverware by hand with mild soap and water.
- Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads.
- Dry silverware thoroughly after washing.
- Polish silverware regularly with a silver polishing cloth or cream.
- Store silverware in a tarnish-resistant cloth or box.
By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that your Towle silverware remains a cherished possession for years to come.
Where to Buy Towle Silverware Today
Towle silverware is available through various retail channels, including:
- Department stores: Major department stores often carry a selection of Towle flatware patterns.
- Specialty retailers: Some retailers specialize in silver and tableware, offering a wider range of Towle products.
- Online retailers: Numerous online retailers sell Towle silverware, providing convenience and selection.
- Authorized dealers: Lifetime Brands maintains a network of authorized dealers who sell Towle products.
When purchasing Towle silverware, it’s essential to buy from reputable sources to ensure authenticity and quality. Checking customer reviews and verifying the retailer’s credentials can help avoid counterfeit or substandard products.
The Future of Towle: Maintaining Relevance in a Changing World
The future of Towle Silversmiths, as a brand within Lifetime Brands, depends on its ability to adapt to the evolving needs and preferences of consumers. Maintaining a balance between heritage and innovation is crucial for long-term success.
Towle can leverage its rich history and reputation for quality to appeal to consumers who value tradition and craftsmanship. At the same time, the brand can explore new designs, materials, and marketing strategies to attract a younger generation of customers.
Embracing sustainable practices and ethical sourcing can also enhance Towle’s appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. By demonstrating a commitment to social responsibility, Towle can strengthen its brand image and build customer loyalty.
Ultimately, the success of Towle Silversmiths will depend on its ability to remain relevant and desirable in a competitive market. By staying true to its core values of quality, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance, Towle can continue to grace the tables of homes around the world for generations to come.
In conclusion, while Towle Silversmiths may not exist as an independent entity in the same way it once did, the brand lives on under the ownership of Lifetime Brands. Its legacy of crafting beautiful and enduring silverware continues, offering consumers a range of options from sterling silver heirlooms to more accessible stainless steel designs. The key is understanding the brand’s evolution and appreciating its continued commitment to quality and design within the framework of a larger corporate structure.
Is Towle Silversmiths still operating as an independent company?
Towle Silversmiths, as a fully independent entity, no longer exists. The company, with its rich history and heritage of crafting fine silverware, was acquired by Lifetime Brands, Inc. in 2006. This acquisition marked a significant shift in Towle’s operational structure, moving from a family-owned business to a part of a larger corporation focused on various homeware products.
While the Towle name continues to be used, it now functions as a brand within the Lifetime Brands portfolio. The products bearing the Towle name are still being produced and sold, but the overall control and direction of the brand are determined by Lifetime Brands’ strategies and business objectives, rather than a separate Towle Silversmiths organization.
What types of products does Towle currently offer?
Under Lifetime Brands, Towle primarily focuses on silverware, flatware sets, and stainless steel cutlery. Their product line includes various patterns, ranging from traditional and ornate designs to more contemporary and streamlined styles. They cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences, offering both everyday flatware and more formal sets suitable for special occasions.
Beyond flatware, Towle’s current offerings also include some barware items and occasional giftware pieces. However, the emphasis is undeniably on cutlery. The brand continues to leverage its reputation for quality and craftsmanship, although the extent of handcrafting compared to historical practices may vary.
Where can I purchase genuine Towle silverware today?
Towle silverware, as a brand under Lifetime Brands, is widely available through various retail channels. You can find it at major department stores such as Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, and Dillard’s, both in their physical locations and online. Additionally, online retailers like Amazon and Wayfair carry a substantial selection of Towle flatware patterns and sets.
Furthermore, Lifetime Brands has its own online store where Towle products are available for purchase. It’s always advisable to verify the seller’s authenticity and reputation when buying online, especially from third-party marketplaces. Checking customer reviews and ensuring secure payment options are good practices to follow.
Does Lifetime Brands maintain the same level of quality as the original Towle Silversmiths?
Maintaining the exact same level of quality as the original Towle Silversmiths is a complex issue. While Lifetime Brands aims to uphold a certain standard, changes in manufacturing processes, materials, and global sourcing may affect the overall quality compared to earlier Towle pieces. Older Towle silverware, particularly antique sterling silver pieces, often carries a higher value due to its historical significance and the meticulous craftsmanship of the past.
Modern Towle products are generally considered to be of good quality, but discerning consumers might notice differences in the weight, finish, and overall feel compared to vintage Towle items. Lifetime Brands likely balances quality with production costs to remain competitive in the current market. Examining product specifications and reading customer reviews can provide valuable insights into the perceived quality of current Towle offerings.
How can I identify vintage or antique Towle silverware?
Identifying vintage or antique Towle silverware requires careful examination of hallmarks and maker’s marks. These marks, typically located on the back of the handle or other discreet areas of the silverware, provide crucial information about the piece’s origin and manufacturing period. Towle used various hallmarks throughout its history, so consulting a reference guide or online resource dedicated to Towle hallmarks is essential.
Look for specific hallmarks that indicate the metal content (e.g., “Sterling” for 92.5% silver) and the Towle maker’s mark, which evolved over time. The presence of certain hallmarks can help narrow down the piece’s production era. Additionally, the pattern name is often stamped on the silverware. Comparing the pattern to known Towle designs and researching its production dates can further aid in identification.
Is vintage Towle silverware a valuable collectible?
Vintage Towle silverware can indeed be a valuable collectible, depending on several factors. Sterling silver pieces, especially those in rare or discontinued patterns, tend to command higher prices. The condition of the silverware is also paramount; pieces with minimal wear and tear, free from dents or excessive scratches, are more desirable to collectors.
The historical significance and provenance of the silverware also play a role in its value. Pieces with documented ownership by notable individuals or those associated with significant historical events may fetch a premium. Consulting with a professional appraiser specializing in antique silverware can provide an accurate assessment of a specific piece’s value based on current market conditions.
What are some popular and iconic Towle silverware patterns?
Towle has produced numerous popular and iconic silverware patterns throughout its history. One of the most recognizable is “Old Master,” known for its elaborate floral design and timeless elegance. “Craftsman,” with its simple, clean lines, represents a more modern and understated aesthetic that resonated with a different era.
Other notable patterns include “Candlelight,” “King Richard,” and “French Provincial.” Each pattern reflects the design trends and aesthetic preferences of its time, contributing to Towle’s diverse and enduring legacy in the world of silverware. These patterns continue to be sought after by collectors and those who appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of fine silverware.