International Silver Company Silver Plate Spoon Handle Back
Flatware (Spoon / Serving Piece) · International Silver Company (Meriden, Connecticut, USA). Formed in 1898 through the consolidation of numerous independent New England silversmiths, including Holmes & Edwards, Rogers Bros, and Meriden Britannia Co., becoming the world's largest manufacturer of silver and silver plate.
Pattern: Traditional/Neo-Rococo Style Flatware Pattern featuring subtle scrollwork and stepped fiddle/molded borders on the stem and handle tip.
Type
Flatware (Spoon / Serving Piece)
Maker
International Silver Company (Meriden, Connecticut, USA). Formed in 1898 through the consolidation of numerous independent New England silversmiths, including Holmes & Edwards, Rogers Bros, and Meriden Britannia Co., becoming the world's largest manufacturer of silver and silver plate.
Material
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS / Silver Plate). The base metal is a brass alloy of copper, zinc, and nickel, electrochemically plated with a thin outer layer of fine silver.
Dimensions
Estimated stem width: 0.5 - 1.2 cm (0.2 - 0.5 inches); estimated full piece length: 15 - 21 cm (6 - 8 inches); estimated total weight: 35 - 60 grams.
Description
This piece shows the reverse backstem of a silver-plated flatware item produced by the renowned International Silver Company. Featuring a stepped, reeded edge design with a stylized rococo scroll tip, the stem carries clear die-struck maker's marks and trade symbols along its central spine. The surface displays authentic age-appropriate patina and mild tarnish typical of vintage electroplated tableware.
Key Features
Distinctive sequence of stamped cartouche symbols alongside the maker name on the stem reverse; classic fiddle-shaped flared stem with molded thread border.
Material & Composition
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS / Silver Plate). The base metal is a brass alloy of copper, zinc, and nickel, electrochemically plated with a thin outer layer of fine silver.
Finish & Decoration
Polished finish with localized tarnish/patina; features molded linear borders, flared shoulders, and low-relief scroll motifs at the terminal tip.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped on the reverse stem with a series of cartouches containing symbolic manufacturer logos (including a diamond/shield shape, crescent, and circular marks) followed by a recessed rectangular mark reading 'INTERNATIONAL' or a associated trade line mark.
Construction Details
Die-struck / drop-forged single-piece construction from base nickel silver sheet, followed by precision edge trimming, hand/machine buffing, and electroplating.
Functional Features
Ergonomic flatware handle designed with broad terminal end for balance and secure grip during dining or serving.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid base-metal core flatware stem with integral handle, featuring reeded outer borders and a contoured heel transition leading into the bowl/tines.
Craftsmanship Details
High-volume industrial die-striking with clear, crisp mark placement; uniform electroplating layer applied over well-finished nickel silver blanks.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic die-struck 'INTERNATIONAL' hallmark stamp with crisp borders; characteristic base-metal feel and tarnish patterns consistent with mid-century silver plate.
Origin & Manufacturing
Meriden / Wallingford, Connecticut, United States by International Silver Company.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century Traditional (c. 1930s-1960s), showing Classic Revival and Neo-Rococo aesthetic influences.
Age Estimate
Circa 1935–1965 based on the style of the maker's stamp, pattern design, and manufacturing technique.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the mid-century American middle-class home dining culture, where electroplated silver flatware made elegant table settings accessible without the extreme cost of solid sterling silver.
Condition Notes
Good vintage condition. Surface shows light wear, fine usage scratches, and natural tarnish/oxidation in protected recessed areas. No major structural bending or base-metal bleed ('bleeding') observed on visible sections.
Value Estimate
$3 - $10 USD for individual single flatware pieces in silver plate; $30 - $80 USD for full service sets depending on completeness and condition.
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with warm water and mild dish soap. Polish using a non-abrasive silver cream (e.g., Wright's Silver Cream) with a soft cotton cloth. Avoid harsh chemical dips or dishwasher cleaning to preserve the plated layer.
Similar Pieces
1847 Rogers Bros 'First Lady' or 'Heritage' patterns; Holmes & Edwards Inlaid Silverplate; Wm. A. Rogers silver-plated flatware pieces.
Interesting Facts
International Silver Co. produced flatware for millions of American homes, major hotel chains, ocean liners, and even military mess halls during WWII, making their patterns iconic staples of 20th-century American dining culture.