International Silver Company 'Richelieu' Pattern Silver-Plated Gravy Boat and Attached Underplate
Hollowware - Gravy Boat / Sauce Boat with Attached Tray · International Silver Company (IS). Formed in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut, by the merger of many smaller New England silversmiths. The 'IS' logo signifies a major mid-20th-century mass producer of quality household silver and silver plate.
Pattern: Richelieu pattern (Catalog No. 2806). Introduced in the mid-20th century, this pattern was a flagship ornate silver-plated line designed to mimic high-end European baroque styles.
Type
Hollowware - Gravy Boat / Sauce Boat with Attached Tray
Maker
International Silver Company (IS). Formed in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut, by the merger of many smaller New England silversmiths. The 'IS' logo signifies a major mid-20th-century mass producer of quality household silver and silver plate.
Material
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS) or 'Silver Plate'. The base metal is a copper-nickel-zinc alloy, electrochemically coated with a thin layer of fine silver. This is indicated by the 'IS' mark and the specific tarnish pattern (yellowish base metal showing through worn areas).
Dimensions
Standard large size: approximately 9 inches in length for the underplate and 3.5 to 4 inches in height. Weight is roughly 500-700 grams due to the heavy base metal construction.
Description
An elegant and substantial gravy boat in the Richelieu pattern. This piece features a gracefully flared pouring rim and a deep polished bowl, permanently mounted to a scalloped oval underplate. The tray is heavily decorated with a high-relief border comprising gadrooning and rocaille elements, characteristic of the ornate 'Grand Baroque' style popular in mid-century America. Its reflective surfaces and iridescent tarnish provide a dramatic visual impact.
Key Features
The attached underplate is the primary diagnostic feature for this model. The 'Richelieu' shell-and-scroll border is distinctively heavy and more complex than more common patterns like 'Chantilly'.
Material & Composition
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS) or 'Silver Plate'. The base metal is a copper-nickel-zinc alloy, electrochemically coated with a thin layer of fine silver. This is indicated by the 'IS' mark and the specific tarnish pattern (yellowish base metal showing through worn areas).
Finish & Decoration
Ornate Rococo-Revival style. The underplate features a heavy gadroon border (diagonal ribbing) interspersed with C-scrolls and stylized shell/acanthus leaf motifs at the points. The gravy boat itself has a smooth, mirror-polished interior with an iridescent tarnish layer.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Typically marked on the underside of the base with the 'IS' logo, 'International Silver Co.', the pattern name 'Richelieu', and the catalog number '2806'. It lacks the 'Sterling' or '925' mark, identifying it as silver plate.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured through die-striking and spinning. The gravy boat is soldered to the center of the underplate, a common design feature for mid-century American serving ware to prevent spills and handle loss.
Functional Features
Single-pour spout, deep reservoir for sauces, and an attached underplate to catch drips. Lacks a handle (common in this specific 'boat' style where the whole piece or base is held/tilted).
Handle & Grip Details
This specific design is handle-less, meant to be gripped by the body or the underplate. The lack of a handle emphasizes the sleek, fluid lines of the boat shape.
Craftsmanship Details
Extensive die-striking shown in the crispness of the underplate border. The soldering of the bowl to the base is clean, showing high industrial manufacturing standards for the 1950s, though it lacks the hand-chased finish of premium sterling items.
Authentication Indicators
The lack of 'Sterling' stamps confirms it is plated. The 'IS' maker's mark is consistent with authentic International Silver mass production. The weight and mold-seam quality are typical for mid-28th-century EPNS.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States, specifically Meriden, Connecticut. Manufactured by the International Silver Company, which was once the world's largest producer of silver and silver plate.
Era & Period
Mid-Century American Traditional (c. 1940s-1960s). It reflects a 20th-century revival of 18th-century French Rococo and English Georgian aesthetics for the suburban middle-class market.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1965. The condition of the plating and the specific shell-and-scroll motif are hallmark aesthetics of post-WWII American dining sets.
Cultural Significance
Represents the formalization of the American family dinner in the mid-20th century. Such pieces were status symbols of hospitality and 'proper' etiquette in the burgeoning American suburbs.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. There is significant 'rainbow' or iridescent tarnish (sulfide buildup) inside the bowl. Notable 'plate loss' and pitting are visible on the underplate, where the silver coating has thinned, exposing the yellowish-grey nickel silver base metal. Structure appears sound.
Value Estimate
$25.00 - $60.00 USD. Value is limited by the fact that it is silver-plated rather than sterling and shows visible plating wear (rub-through) on the underplate.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream (e.g., Wright's) using a soft sponge to remove the heavy tarnish. Avoid 'silver dips' as they may accelerate plate loss on the worn edges. Store in a tarnish-resistant bag or chest.
Similar Pieces
Wallace 'Grand Baroque' (usually sterling), Gorham 'Strasbourg', and International Silver 'Joan of Arc'. The main difference is that many competitors used separate boat-and-tray configurations, whereas this is a single unit.
Interesting Facts
The Richelieu pattern was marketed as 'the height of luxury' for homeowners who wanted the look of sterling silver without the massive price tag. It was often sold in department stores and as wedding registry gifts.