International Silver Co. Gadroon Pattern Silverplate Round Entrée Dish
Hollowware (Entrée Dish / Vegetable Server) · International Silver Company (Meriden, Connecticut), founded in 1898. It was the world's largest manufacturer of silver and silverplate, aggregating many small 19th-century New England companies.
Pattern: Gadroon (or English Gadroon), characterized by the repeated rope-like ribbing. This is a classic Neoclassical design maintained in production throughout the mid-20th century.
Type
Hollowware (Entrée Dish / Vegetable Server)
Maker
International Silver Company (Meriden, Connecticut), founded in 1898. It was the world's largest manufacturer of silver and silverplate, aggregating many small 19th-century New England companies.
Material
Silverplate (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver). The base metal is likely a copper-nickel alloy, electroplated with a thin layer of pure silver.
Dimensions
Approximately 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) in diameter. Weight is typically heavy for its size (approx 1.5 - 2 lbs) due to the dense nickel silver base metal.
Description
This is a classic round entrée dish consisting of a base plate and a reversible domed cover. The design is defined by its restraint, relying on the light-catching qualities of the gadroon border. It represents the height of mid-century American aspiration, intended to bring 'Old World' elegance to a suburban dinner party.
Key Features
Reversible lid functionality, heavy gadrooned 'rope' border, and the dual-handle lid configuration which is less common than the single top-knob style.
Material & Composition
Silverplate (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver). The base metal is likely a copper-nickel alloy, electroplated with a thin layer of pure silver.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror polish with hand-chased gadroon borders. The style is Neoclassical Revival, designed to emulate 18th-century Georgian English silver.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Expect stamps on the underside such as 'International Silver Co.', 'EPNS', or the 'IS' insignia. It may also feature the 'Gadroon' pattern name and a catalog number.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed body with machine-rolled gadroon borders. The handles are cast and soldered to the lid. Generally mass-produced but finished with industrial hand-polishing.
Functional Features
Includes a dual-purpose lid with two loop handles; historically, these lids could be inverted to serve as a second open serving dish.
Handle & Grip Details
Dual cast silverplate loop handles on the cover, soldered securely. Designed for a firm grip even when wearing serving gloves.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial production. The symmetry is perfect, and the soldering of the handles is clean, though it lacks the 'personality' and hammer marks of hand-wrought sterling.
Authentication Indicators
The uniform machine-rolled border and the style of the 'IS' (International Silver) stamps typically found on the bottom are the Primary indicators of 20th-century silverplate origin.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States, Meriden, Connecticut. Manufactured in high volume to meet the mid-century demand for formal entertaining sets.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Neoclassical Revival (c. 1940-1960). It mimics the earlier Regency and George III periods popular in American formal dining.
Age Estimate
Circa 1945–1955. The handle style and the specific crispness of the gadroon edging are typical of post-WWII American silverplate production.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the formalization of the American middle class in the mid-20th century, where 'Sunday Best' dinnerware became a standard domestic requirement.
Condition Notes
Good condition. Displays visible surface scratches (scuffs) from cleaning and use. Tarnish is visible in the recesses of the gadrooning and around the handles. No visible 'bleeding' (base metal showing through).
Value Estimate
$40 - $85 USD. Factors including the completeness (must have both base and lid) and the lack of 'bleeding' (copper/nickel showing through) sustain its value.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a liquid silver polish like Wright’s Silver Cream and a soft cotton cloth. Avoid abrasive sponges which will strip the thin silver plating and reveal the yellow/white metal underneath.
Similar Pieces
Gorham 'Chantilly' silverplate servers (more floral) or Reed & Barton 'King Francis' (more ornate). This gadroon version is the most minimalist and 'English' in style.
Interesting Facts
International Silver Company products were so ubiquitous that they provided the silver for major hotels, railroads (The Pullman Company), and even the U.S. Navy.