Mid-Century American Silver Plated Cordial Glass by International Silver Co.
Hollowware (Stemware, Cordial/Liqueur Glass) · International Silver Company, a major American conglomerate founded in 1898 in Meriden, CT, known for mass-producing high-quality plated and sterling wares.
Pattern: Unidentified Mid-Century Modern minimalist line; likely part of a cocktail or hospitality set produced between 1940 and 1965.
Type
Hollowware (Stemware, Cordial/Liqueur Glass)
Maker
International Silver Company, a major American conglomerate founded in 1898 in Meriden, CT, known for mass-producing high-quality plated and sterling wares.
Material
Silver Plate on white metal (EPBM or EPNS). The presence of heavy mottled tarnish and the visible base metal on high-friction areas suggest a thin silver electroplate over a nickel or brass alloy.
Dimensions
Estimated height: 3.5 to 4.5 inches; Diameter of rim: 1.5 to 2 inches. Estimated weight: 60-90 grams. Compact size intended for high-proof spirits or liqueurs.
Description
This diminutive vessel is a classic example of Mid-Century industrial silver plating. Featuring a flared bell bowl resting atop a gracefully tapered stem and a simple circular foot, the item represents the shift toward functionalism in 20th-century American dining. While currently obscured by heavy atmospheric tarnish, its underlying form remains elegant and reminiscent of the 'cocktail culture' of the mid-1900s.
Key Features
Distinctive bulbous swell in the stem, wide flared mouth for easy sipping, and a total lack of decorative motifs which identifies it as a modern-era piece.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate on white metal (EPBM or EPNS). The presence of heavy mottled tarnish and the visible base metal on high-friction areas suggest a thin silver electroplate over a nickel or brass alloy.
Finish & Decoration
Originally mirror polished. Minimalist, unadorned surface typical of the Mid-Century Modern aesthetic, emphasizing form and silhouette over ornate engraving or chasing.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamps likely located on the underside of the base (not fully visible here). Expected markings include 'IS', 'International Silver Co.', or 'International S. Co. Silverplate'. No purity hallmarks (like '925') are visible, reinforcing its plated status.
Construction Details
Machine-made and factory-assembled. The piece consists of three main components: a die-stamped cup, a machine-turned or cast stem, and a spun or stamped circular base, joined by machine soldering.
Functional Features
Tapered bell-shaped bowl designed to concentrate the aroma of liqueurs; slender stem to prevent hand heat from warming the chilled contents.
Handle & Grip Details
The stem features a 'baluster' or 'teardrop' swell, designed for a delicate two-finger grip. The stem appears to be solid or heavy-gauge metal rather than hollow, providing counterbalance.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard industrial quality. The symmetry is excellent, typical of machine-made pieces, but it lacks the 'soul' or fine hand-finishing (planishing marks) found in artisanal or older hand-raised silverware.
Authentication Indicators
The construction method (soldered components) and the specific oxidation pattern on the surface are consistent with mid-priced silver plate from the 20th century. High-quality sterling would typically have sharper definitions and less 'patchy' corrosion.
Origin & Manufacturing
USA, Meriden, Connecticut. International Silver was the world's largest manufacturer of silverware during this era, utilizing assembly-line techniques to bring 'luxury' looks to the middle class.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (c. 1945-1965). The clean lines, lack of Victorian frills, and utilitarian manufacturing style are hallmark indicators of this period's industrial design.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950. The silhouette matches post-WWII barware trends when entertaining at home became a pillar of American social life.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the post-war 'American Dream' where formal dining sets and specialized barware (like cordial glasses) became accessible symbols of domestic sophistication for the rising middle class.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. The item suffers from heavy tarnish and oxidation (black/sulfide film). There is evidence of 'bleeding' where the silver plate has worn away, revealing a yellowish base metal on the stem and foot. No major structural dents are visible.
Value Estimate
$5.00 - $15.00 USD. As a single plated cordial glass in need of polishing, the value is primarily decorative/nominal. A full set of 6-8 in a presentation box would carry higher collector interest.
Care & Maintenance
Requires a gentle silver polish (e.g., Wright's Silver Cream) and a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive sponges, as the silver plate layer is likely very thin. Store in a tarnish-resistant chest or Pacific Silvercloth wrap.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. produced similar silhouettes in sterling silver which would be significantly heavier and hallmarked. Reed & Barton's 'Modern' line offered similar plated cordials but often with a weighted base.
Interesting Facts
International Silver Co. provided much of the hollowware for major US hotels and railroads during the mid-20s, often using these same streamlined shapes for durability and stackability.