International Silver Co. Deep Silver Silver-Plated Salad Serving Spoon
Flatware - Salad Serving Spoon / Cold Meat Server · International Silver Co. (IS), a major American conglomerate formed in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut. The 'Deep Silver' branding was their premium silver-plate line, marketed for its thick electroplating and durability.
Pattern: Likely 'Wakefield' or a similar mid-century modernist pattern from the Deep Silver collection; these designs were often simple and streamlined to compete with Scandinavian contemporary styles.
Type
Flatware - Salad Serving Spoon / Cold Meat Server
Maker
International Silver Co. (IS), a major American conglomerate formed in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut. The 'Deep Silver' branding was their premium silver-plate line, marketed for its thick electroplating and durability.
Material
Silver Plate (Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS). Specifically 'Deep Silver' which utilizes an extra-thick layer of silver over a base metal (usually a copper-nickel-zinc alloy) with inlaid silver at wear points.
Dimensions
Estimated length of 9 to 10 inches (approx. 23-25 cm). Weight is typical for a large plated serving piece, roughly 80-100 grams. This is a standard serving size for a salad set.
Description
This is a robust and elegant mid-century salad serving spoon by International Silver. Characterized by its clean lines and functional notched bowl, it represents the high-end of American silver-plate production from the 1950s. The 'Deep Silver' line was designed to look and feel like sterling while offering the structural strength of a base metal core.
Key Features
The 'DEEP SILVER' and 'INLAID' stamps are the primary identifiers. The bowl features a unique four-tine crest at the tip which serves as a hybrid between a spoon and a fork.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate (Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS). Specifically 'Deep Silver' which utilizes an extra-thick layer of silver over a base metal (usually a copper-nickel-zinc alloy) with inlaid silver at wear points.
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish with modernist, minimalist decoration. The piece features a high-relief crown or 'spork' style tined bowl end for gripping salad greens. The handle is slender with a subtle flared terminal and no ornate scrollwork, reflecting Mid-Century Modern aesthetics.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The reverse of the handle is stamped 'DEEP SILVER' and 'INLAID'. This indicates the International Silver brand and their proprietary manufacturing process where sterling silver was inlaid at the back of the bowl and handle for longevity.
Construction Details
Die-struck and machine-stamped with mechanical polishing. The 'Inlaid' process involves soldering small pieces of sterling into the base metal blanks before the final silver plating to prevent 'wear-through' at the points that touch the table.
Functional Features
Features a notched bowl (four tines) designed to drain dressing and spear vegetables while the spoon-like base holds smaller components. Integrated one-piece handle construction.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid metal handle (plated nickel silver), integrated with the bowl. The handle has a classic flat-surface grip with gently rounded edges and a flared, plain end.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship. While not hand-wrought, the die-striking is crisp, and the 'inlay' technology demonstrates a sophisticated level of 20th-century metallurgical engineering.
Authentication Indicators
Clear manufacturer branding on the reverse. The weight, color of the tarnish (typically blueish-black on plate), and machine-precise edges are all consistent with authentic International Silver plated goods.
Origin & Manufacturing
Meriden, Connecticut, USA. International Silver was once the largest silver manufacturer in the world, centralizing various New England workshops.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (c. 1950-1970). The lack of Victorian ornamentation and the focus on the 'Inlaid' technology brand place it firmly in this mid-to-late 20th-century American manufacturing era.
Age Estimate
Circa 1955-1965. This aligns with the peak popularity of the 'Deep Silver' line and 'Inlaid' marketing campaigns used to differentiate luxury plate from cheaper alternatives.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war American shift toward 'modern living' where housewives desired the prestige of silver service but with more durable, machine-age materials suited for more frequent entertaining.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. There is significant tarnish (sulfide oxidation) and potential carbon spotting on the bowl. Surface scratches are visible. No significant 'plate loss' is immediately apparent, though the dark areas may indicate heavy oxidation or 'pitting' from acidic food contact.
Value Estimate
$10 - $25 USD. As a single plated serving piece with moderate tarnish, it holds more functional and sentimental value than investment value. Full sets of this pattern typically sell for $50-$150 depending on piece count.
Care & Maintenance
Polish with a high-quality non-abrasive cream like Wright's Silver Cream. Avoid 'dip' cleaners which can strip the thin silver layer over time. Hand wash only; dishwasher detergents are too abrasive for silver-plated items and will dull the finish.
Similar Pieces
Oneida Community Plate 'Affection' pattern or Gorham Silver Plate. These are similar in quality and market position, though International Silver’s 'Deep Silver' line was specifically positioned as a premium tier above standard EPNS.
Interesting Facts
The 'Inlaid' process was a significant marketing tool for International Silver, promising that the silver layer would never wear through to the base metal at the 'heel' and 'tip'—the two most common points of friction.