International Silver Co. Gadroon Pattern Sterling Silver Bread and Butter Plate
Hollowware (Bread and Butter Plate / Side Plate) · International Silver Company, founded in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut. Historically a consortium of several reputable American silversmiths, including Rogers and Wilcox, known for producing high-quality sterling and silverplated tablewares.
Pattern: Gadroon / A205 Pattern, featuring a classic rope or cable-twist border. Introduced in the early-to-mid 20th century, this pattern remained a staple of American formal dining sets for decades.
Type
Hollowware (Bread and Butter Plate / Side Plate)
Maker
International Silver Company, founded in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut. Historically a consortium of several reputable American silversmiths, including Rogers and Wilcox, known for producing high-quality sterling and silverplated tablewares.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity), solid composition with no base metals. Weighs approximately 70-100 grams for a standard 6-inch plate.
Dimensions
Diameter approximately 6 inches (15.2 cm). Typical weight for this specific model (A205) is roughly 2.5 to 3.2 troy ounces per plate.
Description
A classic example of American mid-century utility meets elegance, this International Silver plate serves as a quintessential bread and butter dish. The gadroon border provides a timeless architectural texture that complements both ornate and minimalist table settings. The mirror-like surface of the sterling silver reflects light beautifully, making it a favorite for formal dinner service.
Key Features
The 'A205' model number is the primary diagnostic trait for this specific International Silver hollowware series. The gadroon edge is consistently spaced and well-defined, a hallmark of superior die-striking quality.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity), solid composition with no base metals. Weighs approximately 70-100 grams for a standard 6-inch plate.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish on the well and rim. The piece features a classic gadroon border (a series of convex curves or ropes) which is a Neoclassical and Georgian-Revival motif. The overall style is Mid-Century Traditional.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'A 205' (item/design number), the International Silver Co. logo (a set of three marks in cartouches: an 'I', a 'C' with an eagle, and a 'Co'), and 'STERLING' indicating 92.5% silver content.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed or die-struck from a flat sheet of sterling silver, ensuring uniform thickness and perfect circularity. The gadroon edge is rolled and integrated into the body of the plate.
Functional Features
Features a slightly recessed central well and a raised rim for serving bread, butter, or small appetizers without spillage. Non-weighted, solid silver construction.
Handle & Grip Details
No handles or grips; simple flat form with a raised, decorative rim for easy lifting from the table surface.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial production. The symmetry is perfect, and the thickness is balanced to prevent warping while remaining light enough for service. The stamping of the hallmark is clean and centered on the base.
Authentication Indicators
The hallmarks are crisp and strike-depth is appropriate for machine-stamping. The wear patterns on the base and well are consistent with domestic use rather than commercial polishing.
Origin & Manufacturing
Meriden, Connecticut, USA. International Silver Co. was one of the largest and most significant silver manufacturers in the world during the 20th century.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern period (1940s–1960s). While the decoration is Georgian-Revival, the manufacturing style and hallmark font are typical of mid-20th-century American production.
Age Estimate
Circa 1945–1965 based on the style of the hallmark stamps and the popularity of the 'A' series design numbers in that era.
Cultural Significance
Represents the height of the 20th-century American middle-to-upper-class dining experience, where a full set of sterling hollowware was a standard wedding gift and a symbol of domestic stability and hospitality.
Condition Notes
Very Good Condition. Shows light surface 'patina' consisting of fine micro-scratches consistent with use and stacking. No deep gouges, dents, or signs of 'silver rot' (corrosion). Minimal tarnish in the crevices of the gadroon border.
Value Estimate
$60 to $120 USD depending on the current spot price of silver and the specific market. Often sold in sets of 4, 8, or 12 which carry a slight premium.
Care & Maintenance
Polish with a high-quality cream like Wright's Silver Cream using a soft sponge. Store in acid-free flannel rolls or Pacific Silvercloth to prevent tarnish. Avoid dishwasher use, as high heat and harsh detergents can pit the silver surface.
Similar Pieces
Gorham 'Chantilly' bread plates (more ornate), Reed & Barton 'Francis I' (heavier repoussé), or Wallace 'Grand Baroque' (higher relief decoration).
Interesting Facts
International Silver Co. was formed by the merger of 14 separate silver companies. Because they were so large, they often supplied silver for grand hotels, ocean liners, and the US military, though this specific plate is a residential luxury line.