Mid-Century International Silver Co. Sterling Silver Hollowware Plate
Hollowware (Small Plate/Dish) · International Silver Company (Meriden, CT). Established 1898 through the merger of multiple independent silversmiths, it became one of the world's largest producers of fine silver during the 20th century.
Pattern: Plain Modernist / Mid-Century Traditional. The specific pattern name is not explicitly identified due to the item's minimal design, but it aligns with the 'Lord Saybroook' or 'Prelude' accessory styles.
Type
Hollowware (Small Plate/Dish)
Maker
International Silver Company (Meriden, CT). Established 1898 through the merger of multiple independent silversmiths, it became one of the world's largest producers of fine silver during the 20th century.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The base is solid sterling, not weighted or reinforced with other metals, indicated by the 'Sterling' stamp underneath.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of 6-7 inches (bread and butter plate size). Approximate weight is between 120-160 grams depending on the gauge of the sheet silver used.
Description
An elegant example of mid-20th-century American table silver. This plate by International Silver Co. features a luminous, uncluttered surface that celebrates the purity of the metal. Its low-profile design and sturdy construction make it a versatile piece for both formal dining and modernist home decor.
Key Features
Deep-set International Silver hallmark; high-grade sterling composition; minimalist 'Plain' style; factory model number and 'Sterling' designation stamped on the base.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The base is solid sterling, not weighted or reinforced with other metals, indicated by the 'Sterling' stamp underneath.
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish with natural age-related tarnish (patina). The design is minimalist with a simple raised rim, typical of the sleek, functional aesthetics of the mid-20th century American silver market.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The center underside features the faint stamp of the International Silver Co. insignia (the logo featuring 'IS' and the knight motif), followed by the 'Sterling' purity mark and likely a production number 'J14' or similar factory code.
Construction Details
Spun or die-struck from a single sheet of sterling silver. The uniformity of the circular marks on the base suggests mechanical rotating during the finishing process, characteristic of assembly-line manufacturing.
Functional Features
Flat-bottomed circular dish with a slightly flared lip; intended for service of bread, fruit, or as a presentation coaster. The lack of foot suggests a low-profile table presence.
Handle & Grip Details
None. The piece is a simple round form designed to be lifted by the outer rim.
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent factory-level craftsmanship. The edges are rolled and finished smoothly to prevent sharpness, and the thickness of the silver is consistent across the entire diameter.
Authentication Indicators
The hallmark 'Sterling' is consistent with American standards of the 1950s. The 'IS' maker's mark is sharp though slightly worn, confirming industrial stamping rather than contemporary casting.
Origin & Manufacturing
USA, Meriden, Connecticut. International Silver Co. was a powerhouse of New England silversmithing, utilizing both hand-finishing and high-efficiency mechanical presses.
Era & Period
Modern Era (1940-1960). This period favored clean lines and the inherent luster of the metal over the heavy ornamentation seen in the preceding Victorian and Art Nouveau periods.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950. The hallmark style and the simplicity of the form are most consistent with the post-WWII American silver boom.
Cultural Significance
Represents the height of American industrial silver production, where quality was standardized to provide consistent luxury items to a growing post-war market.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The surface shows a consistent 'butler-finish' wear pattern with fine surface scratches (scuffs) and moderate tarnish hotspots. No visible deep dents or structural warping.
Value Estimate
$100 - $185 USD. Value is largely determined by the weight of the silver ('melt value') plus a 20-30% premium for the brand name and condition.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream like Wright's using a soft cotton cloth. Avoid machine washing; store in a Pacific Silvercloth bag to prevent the yellowish sulfur tarnish visible in the image.
Similar Pieces
Gorham 'Chantilly' (more ornate), Reed & Barton 'Francis I' (highly decorative), or Wallace 'Grand Baroque'. This piece is simpler and more affordable than those highly carved patterns.
Interesting Facts
International Silver Co. provided much of the silver for US hotels and luxury liners; this specific residential piece reflects the shift toward high-quality, 'everyday' sterling luxury for the American middle class.