International Silver Co. DeepSilver "Silver Fashion" Silverplate Teaspoon
Flatware - Teaspoon · International Silver Company (IS). Established in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut, IS was the world's largest manufacturer of silverware for decades, consolidating many historic New England silversmiths.
Pattern: DeepSilver 'Silver Fashion' pattern. Introduced in 1960 and discontinued in 1982. This pattern is noted for its sleek, asymmetrical Mid-Century Modern profile.
Type
Flatware - Teaspoon
Maker
International Silver Company (IS). Established in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut, IS was the world's largest manufacturer of silverware for decades, consolidating many historic New England silversmiths.
Material
DeepSilver Plate (Electroplated Nickel Silver). 'DeepSilver' was a premium branding for IS, featuring a heavier layer of silver and specialized inlay/reinforcement at wear points.
Dimensions
Standard teaspoon length, approximately 6 to 6.125 inches (15.2 cm). Estimated weight is 30-35 grams.
Description
A classic example of late Mid-Century Modern flatware, the 'Silver Fashion' pattern by International Silver offers a clean, sophisticated look. The spoon features a subtle, asymmetrical floral or leaf motif that sweeps along the side of the handle, moving away from the rigid symmetry of Art Deco or Victorian styles. It is finished in the company's premium DeepSilver plate, intended to last for generations of daily use.
Key Features
Asymmetrical handle design; signature 'DeepSilver' branding; distinctive leaf-furl motif on the left side of the handle terminal.
Material & Composition
DeepSilver Plate (Electroplated Nickel Silver). 'DeepSilver' was a premium branding for IS, featuring a heavier layer of silver and specialized inlay/reinforcement at wear points.
Finish & Decoration
Satin finish stem with a mirror-polished bowl. The design is Mid-Century Modern with a flourish of stylized leaves or wheat-like flowing lines along one side of the handle, exhibiting an asymmetrical aesthetic.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped on the back of the neck: 'INTERNATIONAL DEEPSILVER'. This mark was specifically used for their high-end silverplate lines to distinguish them from standard EPNS.
Construction Details
Machine-made using die-striking. This process involves high-pressure stamping of the pattern into a base metal blank (typically nickel silver), followed by electroplating and polishing.
Functional Features
Tapered neck for balance; the bowl is shaped for standard dining use. The 'DeepSilver' process included reinforced silver at the primary contact points on the back of the bowl and handle to prevent 'silver loss' or wear-through.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid metal handle (monobloc) integrated with the bowl. Features a gently curving, flared terminal that is slightly weighted for ergonomic comfort.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship. The die-striking is crisp, with no burrs or sharp edges. The finish is consistent with the premier plating standards of the mid-20th century American silver industry.
Authentication Indicators
The 'DeepSilver' stamp is clearly legible and matches the known marking system for International Silver during the 1960s. Pattern details align perfectly with cataloged 'Silver Fashion' examples.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; manufactured in Meriden, Connecticut, by the International Silver Company factories.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (1960s). The design reflects the space-age shift toward organic asymmetry and streamlined forms common in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
Age Estimate
Circa 1960-1970. The hallmark and specific pattern introduction date of 1960 place this squarely in the mid-20th century.
Cultural Significance
Represents the shift in American domestic life from formal, heavy sterling sets to durable, stylish silverplate that could be used daily by the expanding middle class in suburban households.
Condition Notes
Good condition. The surface shows fine 'use marks' or scratches consistent with regular dining. Light tarnish is present (black/yellow spots) which can be removed. No evidence of 'bleeding' (base metal showing through silver).
Value Estimate
Consumer value: $5.00 - $12.00 per individual spoon. Value is primarily functional or for set replacement rather than investment, as it is silverplate and not solid sterling.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream (e.g., Wright's) using a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid automatic dishwashers, as harsh detergents and high heat can dull the silver and eventually strip the plating.
Similar Pieces
Oneida Community 'Affection' pattern (similar MCM style); Gorham 'Stegor' line. Unlike sterling patterns like 'Chantilly', these plated pieces focus on texture and line over ornate relief.
Interesting Facts
The 'DeepSilver' line was marketed as 'Silverplate with a block of sterling silver inlaid at the points of most wear,' a unique selling point that helped IS compete with sterling silver during the economic boom of the 60s.