International Silver Co. Silver Plated Flatware Serving Piece
Flatware Serving Piece · International Silver Co. (IS), a major American silver manufacturer formed in 1898 through the consolidation of many smaller silver companies in Meriden, Connecticut. It became one of the largest silver producers in the world.
Pattern: Unspecified utility or standard decorative pattern by International Silver Co.
Type
Flatware Serving Piece
Maker
International Silver Co. (IS), a major American silver manufacturer formed in 1898 through the consolidation of many smaller silver companies in Meriden, Connecticut. It became one of the largest silver producers in the world.
Material
Silver Plated (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver), featuring a base metal of nickel alloy with an exterior electroplated layer of pure silver.
Dimensions
Standard serving piece proportions; exact measurements and weight are unverified from the cropped detail view.
Description
A close-up view of the back stamp on a flatware handle manufactured by the International Silver Co. The clear hallmark displays the company name and the iconic crown symbol enclosing the 'IS' monogram, indicating a mid-century silver-plated utility piece.
Key Features
Clear manufacturer's cartouche featuring the 'International Silver Co.' text and the crown-IS hallmark emblem.
Material & Composition
Silver Plated (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver), featuring a base metal of nickel alloy with an exterior electroplated layer of pure silver.
Finish & Decoration
Standard polished silver-plated finish with simple linear borders, typical of mid-20th-century commercial flatware production.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The visible stamp reads 'al Silver Co.' (partially cropped from 'International Silver Co.') alongside a crown logo containing the initials 'IS' inside, which serves as the primary manufacturer mark for International Silver Company products.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured via commercial die-stripping and electroplating techniques common in mass-production American silversmithing during the 20th century.
Functional Features
Designed for general table service utility, featuring an ergonomic handle and reinforced stress points typical of commercial flatware.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid metal handle integrated into the piece, featuring raised border detailing for grip and structural rigidity.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard commercial manufacturing quality with machine stamping, clean lettering impressions, and consistent electroplated finishing.
Authentication Indicators
The hallmark uses authentic typography and the standard crown-IS logo utilized by the International Silver Company, confirming its commercial origin.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in the United States, predominantly associated with the manufacturing hubs of Meriden and Wallingford, Connecticut.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (c. 1930-1960), indicated by the specific style of the International Silver Co. crown and IS trademark stamp.
Age Estimate
Circa 1930-1960, based on the typography and trademark configuration visible in the stamp.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of dining wares in American households during the 20th century, making silver-plated flatware accessible to the general public.
Condition Notes
Moderate surface wear with fine scratches and minor tarnish accumulation visible around the stamped recesses; overall grading is Good to Very Good for a vintage plated item.
Value Estimate
Low market value, typically ranging from $5 to $20 depending on the specific form and completeness of a larger set, as mass-produced silver plate holds primarily utilitarian or sentimental value.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream or specialized polish designed for silver plate. Avoid abrasive scouring pads to prevent wearing through the thin silver-plated surface layer.
Similar Pieces
Comparable silver-plated flatware pieces by Wm. Rogers & Son, Oneida, or Reed & Barton from the same era.
Interesting Facts
The International Silver Company was once the largest producer of silverware in the world, absorbing historic brands like 1847 Rogers Bros. and Holmes & Edwards.