International Silver Co. Silver Plated Teaspoons in a Floral/Scroll Pattern
Flatware (Teaspoon / Spoon) · International Silver Co. (IS), a major American conglomerate formed in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut, combining numerous silversmithing companies including 1847 Rogers Bros. and Holmes & Edwards. Known for producing vast quantities of popular, high-quality silverplate for the everyday American household.
Pattern: Unidentified mid-century floral or scroll border pattern featuring stylized botanical motifs at the terminal, typical of popular mid-20th-century silverplate flatware lines produced by International Silver.
Type
Flatware (Teaspoon / Spoon)
Maker
International Silver Co. (IS), a major American conglomerate formed in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut, combining numerous silversmithing companies including 1847 Rogers Bros. and Holmes & Edwards. Known for producing vast quantities of popular, high-quality silverplate for the everyday American household.
Material
Silver Plated base metal, most commonly nickel silver or an alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc (often marked as EPNS or with maker's plate marks), featuring a reflective silver-plated surface layer over a durable base.
Dimensions
Standard teaspoon dimensions, approximately 15 cm (6 inches) in length, designed for everyday tea or coffee service use.
Description
A matching pair of vintage silver-plated teaspoons featuring classic mid-20th-century styling. Each spoon presents a bright, polished oval bowl transitioning gracefully into a tapered handle with raised perimeter lines and a delicate floral or leaf motif near the rounded terminal. Showing moderate tarnish and surface patina consistent with vintage household use, these spoons represent the accessible, durable elegance that International Silver brought to family dining tables across America.
Key Features
Distinctive raised floral/foliate terminal decoration, crisp die-struck borders along the handle, clear maker stamp on the upper stem, and classic mid-century proportions.
Material & Composition
Silver Plated base metal, most commonly nickel silver or an alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc (often marked as EPNS or with maker's plate marks), featuring a reflective silver-plated surface layer over a durable base.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror polish bowl with satin or softly highlighted recessed handle centers, bordered by raised edges and accented with stylized floral or foliate relief decoration near the terminal tip. Reflects a mid-century traditional domestic style.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Maker's stamp visible on the upper stem reading 'INTERNATIONAL' or related brand identifiers associated with the International Silver Company manufacturing lines.
Construction Details
Die-struck manufacturing typical of mass-produced mid-20th-century silverplate flatware, ensuring uniform shape, consistent weight distribution, and durable commercial construction.
Functional Features
Standard utility spoons with rounded bowls designed for stirring tea or coffee and consuming small portions; lightweight and ergonomically balanced for daily use.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid plated handles tapering smoothly from the bowl to a rounded, decorated terminal with raised borders and floral motifs for comfortable gripping.
Craftsmanship Details
Efficient industrial die-striking and electroplating showcasing consistent quality control, clean lines, and durable finishing designed for decades of household utility.
Authentication Indicators
Clear factory stamping on the reverse stem, standard weight and gauge for mid-century American silverplate, and appropriate construction seams and finish consistent with International Silver production methods.
Origin & Manufacturing
Manufactured in the United States, predominantly in Connecticut by the International Silver Company, utilizing advanced industrial stamping and plating techniques.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern / Mid-20th Century (circa 1930s-1950s), indicated by the streamlined yet ornamented styling popular in American domestic tableware post-Depression and through the post-war era.
Age Estimate
Circa 1940-1960, based on the styling, maker branding conventions, and typical wear patterns observed on mid-century American silverplate.
Cultural Significance
Symbolizes the democratization of elegant dining in mid-20th-century America, allowing middle-class households to enjoy decorative tableware traditionally reserved for the wealthy.
Condition Notes
Good vintage condition. Moderate tarnish (sulfide discoloration) visible across both spoons, along with minor surface micro-scratches from use and cleaning. The silver plating remains largely intact without significant base metal show-through or deep pitting.
Value Estimate
Modest market value, typically ranging from $5 to $15 for a pair, heavily dependent on current market demand for vintage silverplate flatware and overall condition.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash with mild dish soap and warm water. Polish gently with a quality silver cream or specialized silver polishing cloth to remove tarnish without abrading the thin silver plate layer. Store in anti-tarnish cloth or a dry environment.
Similar Pieces
Alternative patterns by International Silver (such as 1847 Rogers Bros. lines) or comparable silverplate teaspoons by Oneida and Gorham, differing primarily in the specific motif stamped at the handle terminal.
Interesting Facts
The International Silver Company became the largest silver manufacturing enterprise in the world during the early 20th century, supplying millions of households with stylish and affordable silver-plated tableware.