International Silver Company 'Interlude' Pattern Silverplate Teaspoon
Flatware - Teaspoon · International Silver Company (founded 1898 in Meriden, CT), specifically under the 'International DeepSilver' brand. Known for high-quality silverplate production in the United States.
Pattern: Interlude (DeepSilver line). Introduced in 1965. Currently discontinued.
Type
Flatware - Teaspoon
Maker
International Silver Company (founded 1898 in Meriden, CT), specifically under the 'International DeepSilver' brand. Known for high-quality silverplate production in the United States.
Material
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS) with DeepSilver extra plating. Base metal is usually a copper-nickel-zinc alloy; no solid silver content (aside from the surface plate).
Dimensions
Standard teaspoon length, approximately 6.0 to 6.25 inches (15.2 cm). Weight is approximately 32-35 grams.
Description
This is a quintessential example of mid-century American flatware design. The 'Interlude' pattern by International Silver offers a clean, architectural aesthetic that transitioned smoothly from daily family dining to formal gatherings. Its 'DeepSilver' plating was marketed as having an extra layer of silver at the points of most wear, ensuring a long life even with frequent use. The profile is sleek, reflecting the shift toward minimalism and away from the heavy ornamentation of the Victorian or Art Deco eras.
Key Features
Distinguished by the 'DeepSilver' stamp, the architectural raised border on the handle, and the squared-off tip. A hallmark of the transition to simplified 1960s design.
Material & Composition
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS) with DeepSilver extra plating. Base metal is usually a copper-nickel-zinc alloy; no solid silver content (aside from the surface plate).
Finish & Decoration
Satin/Mirror combo finish. Minimalist Mid-Century Modern style with a simple raised ridge along the handle borders ending in a subtly flared, squared-off terminal. Monogram-free.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'INTERNATIONAL DEEPSILVER' and 'IS' logo on the back of the neck. DeepSilver was a premium branding for heavier silver plating.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured through die-striking. High-pressure stamping for consistency, finished with electroplating. One-piece solid metal construction.
Functional Features
Standard oval bowl for tea/coffee or dessert. Tapered neck for ergonomic balance. Dishwasher safe but hand washing recommended for plating longevity.
Handle & Grip Details
Slightly contoured handle with a subtle central ridge. Integrated solid handle (not hollow). No non-metal components.
Craftsmanship Details
Refinement of industrial manufacturing; very high precision in the die-striking process results in perfect symmetry and uniform weight across pieces in the set.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of the 'DeepSilver' and 'IS' stamps correctly identifies the maker and the specific product line from International Silver Co.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America, likely manufactured in the Meriden or Wallingford, Connecticut factories of International Silver.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (post-war era). Stylistic indicators include the clean lines, lack of ornate floral motifs, and 'Space Age' simplicity popular in the mid-1960s.
Age Estimate
Circa 1965-1980. The pattern was most popular in the late 60s following its 1965 debut.
Cultural Significance
Represents the peak of American middle-class domesticity in the 1960s, where high-quality plated sets were a staple wedding registry item that mimicked the look of luxury sterling without the prohibitive cost.
Condition Notes
Good overall condition with visible surface scratches ('patina' from use). Minor oxidation spots/pitting noted on the neck and bowl. No evidence of 'bleeding' (base metal showing through).
Value Estimate
$3.00 - $8.00 USD. As a silverplate piece in a common pattern, its value is strictly as a replacement piece for existing sets rather than as a precious metal investment.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild detergent and warm water. Use a non-abrasive silver cream like Wright's for tarnish. Avoid rubber bands or latex, which react with silver to cause permanent black spotting.
Similar Pieces
Oneida Community 'Paul Revere' (more colonial), Gorham 'Stegor' lines (more futuristic). Alternative within International Silver: 'Silver Fashion' or 'Empress'.
Interesting Facts
International Silver's 'DeepSilver' was reinforced with an inlay of sterling silver at the back of the bowl and handle on many pieces to prevent the most common sites of wear-through, which was a significant innovation in silverplate durability.