International Silver Co. Old English Reproduction Silverplated Tray
Hollowware (Tray, Platter) · International Silver Company (IS), formed in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut, by the merger of several prominent American silver companies. It became one of the largest manufacturers of silverware in the world during the 20th century.
Pattern: Old English Reproduction line, introduced in the mid-20th century, highly popular for its traditional Georgian-revival aesthetic.
Type
Hollowware (Tray, Platter)
Maker
International Silver Company (IS), formed in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut, by the merger of several prominent American silver companies. It became one of the largest manufacturers of silverware in the world during the 20th century.
Material
Silverplated base metal (likely nickel silver or brass alloy under electroplated silver).
Dimensions
Large serving tray, approximately 45 to 55 cm in length, weight estimated between 1500 to 2500 grams.
Description
An elegant and substantial silverplated serving tray by the International Silver Company, featuring the classic 'Old English Reproduction' pattern. The tray showcases a polished central field surrounded by a heavily embossed and scalloped scroll border. Stamped clearly on the reverse with the maker's monogram and date, it represents mid-century American silverplate manufacturing at its finest, combining historic Georgian styling with mid-century production techniques.
Key Features
Clear 'IS' maker mark, explicit '1957' production or model stamp, ornate cast decorative rim, and classic oval serving form.
Material & Composition
Silverplated base metal (likely nickel silver or brass alloy under electroplated silver).
Finish & Decoration
Mirror polish on the central well with an ornate cast or applied decorative scrolled and scalloped border.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Marked with the 'IS' hallmark inside a rectangle, followed by 'Old English Reproduction', the number '1957', and a small '42' model or size indicator.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed base tray with an applied cast or soldered decorative rim, standard commercial manufacturing techniques of the mid-20th century.
Functional Features
Designed as a large serving tray or platter for tea services, cocktails, or hors d'oeuvres, featuring a raised rim to prevent items from sliding off.
Handle & Grip Details
Integrated rim handles formed as part of the ornate scrolling border design.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard commercial mid-20th-century manufacturing. While machine-pressed rather than hand-raised, the applied borders feature crisp casting details and clean solder assembly.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic mid-20th-century commercial stamping with correct serif typography for the maker and pattern name, consistent with International Silver Company output from the 1950s.
Origin & Manufacturing
Manufactured in Meriden, Connecticut, United States, by the International Silver Company.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern era production (c. 1957) utilizing a traditional Georgian Revival aesthetic.
Age Estimate
Circa 1957, explicitly indicated by the stamped year number.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the post-WWII American suburban lifestyle, where formal entertaining, cocktail parties, and home hosting became symbols of modern prosperity and domestic refinement.
Condition Notes
Good vintage condition. Moderate surface micro-scratches consistent with polishing and use, light tarnish and sulfide discoloration around the rim, with no major base metal bleed-through visible.
Value Estimate
Market value ranges from $50 to $150 USD depending on exact condition, size, and local market demand for vintage silverplate.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild liquid dish soap and warm water using a soft sponge. Polish periodically with a quality silver cream like Wright's Silver Cream, avoiding harsh abrasive pads to protect the silver plating. Store in an anti-tarnish cloth bag or flannel wrap.
Similar Pieces
Similar silverplated trays produced by Wallace Silversmiths, Reed & Barton, and Gorham under their own colonial or reproduction lines.
Interesting Facts
The 'Old English Reproduction' line was a massive commercial success for the International Silver Co., allowing middle-class American households to afford the opulent look of 18th-century British sterling silver during formal dining and entertaining booms of the post-WWII era.