International Silver Co. Camellia Pattern Silver Plate Lidded Sugar Bowl
Tea/Coffee Service (Sugar Bowl) · International Silver Co. (IS), a dominant American manufacturer formed in 1898 through the merger of several prominent New England silversmiths. The company is renowned for popularizing mass-market silver plate throughout the 20th century.
Pattern: Camellia (Silver Plate Line). Introduced mid-20th century, this pattern features delicate floral sprays and scrollwork typical of mid-market American hollowware.
Type
Tea/Coffee Service (Sugar Bowl)
Maker
International Silver Co. (IS), a dominant American manufacturer formed in 1898 through the merger of several prominent New England silversmiths. The company is renowned for popularizing mass-market silver plate throughout the 20th century.
Material
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). This piece consists of a base metal (likely copper or nickel alloy) coated with a thin layer of fine silver through electrolysis.
Dimensions
Approximately 5 inches in height and 6 inches handle-to-handle. Weight is approximately 350-450 grams, feeling significantly heavier than solid silver due to the dense base metal.
Description
This lidded sugar bowl represents the classic American silver-plated tea service aesthetic of the mid-20th century. Featuring a bulbous body supported by four ornate feet, it is decorated with the 'Camellia' motif of light floral engraving and scrolled accents. The bright mirror finish is designed to provide the luster of sterling at a more accessible price point. It sits atop a galleried tray (also pictured), typical of complete hostessing sets of the era.
Key Features
The cast rosebud finial and the distinctive four-lobed feet with floral motifs are the primary identifier for this International Silver line.
Material & Composition
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). This piece consists of a base metal (likely copper or nickel alloy) coated with a thin layer of fine silver through electrolysis.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror polish finish with applied floral and scroll decoration along the lower body and handles. The lid features a cast floral finial. The style is late Neo-Rococo/Mid-Century Traditional.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Likely stamped on the base with 'IS', 'International Silver Co.', or 'Camellia'. It lacks 'Sterling' marks, indicating it is silver plate rather than solid silver.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed body with machine-cast handles and finial soldered to the main vessel. The interior shows evidence of electroplating rather than hand-raising.
Functional Features
Removable domed lid with a steam-venting fit, twin scrolled handles for passing, and a four-footed base for heat protection on tabletop surfaces.
Handle & Grip Details
Two C-scroll handles with decorative leaf-form thumb rests, cast from white metal and silver-plated before being soldered to the bowl.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial production quality. The floral details are softened by the plating process, and the joinery at the feet shows standard commercial soldering consistent with mass manufacturing.
Authentication Indicators
Absence of a 925 or Sterling mark confirms silver plate; weight distribution and the color of the tarnish (tending toward blue-black) suggest a plated finish over nickel.
Origin & Manufacturing
Meriden, Connecticut, USA. Manufactured in a high-volume industrial factory environment using mechanized production lines.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Traditional (1950s-1970s). This period saw a resurgence in floral, ornate designs meant to mimic 19th-century luxury for a growing middle class.
Age Estimate
c. 1955-1965 based on the profile of the finial and the popularity of the Camellia plating line.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the post-WWII American 'Sunday Dinner' culture, where silver-plated tea sets were essential symbols of domestic hospitality and social status.
Condition Notes
Good. There is visible 'bleeding' (copper or nickel base metal showing through the silver) on the high points of the handles and finial. Minor oxidation in the crevices. Structural integrity is sound.
Value Estimate
Range: $15 - $35. Value is primarily decorative; silver plate has very low scrap value compared to sterling.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a non-abrasive silver cream (like Wright's). Avoid over-polishing, as the silver layer is very thin and can be worn away to the base metal. Store in a dry, flannel-lined chest.
Similar Pieces
Gorham 'Strasbourg' (Hollowware version), Reed & Barton 'Heritage', or Wallace 'Baroque' plated lines. The 'Camellia' is generally lighter and less labor-intensively finished than these competitors.
Interesting Facts
International Silver Co. provided much of the tableware for American hotels and railroads, making their patterns some of the most widely recognized in the United States.