International Silver Co. Silver Plated Teaspoon with EPNS Mark
Flatware - Spoon (Teaspoon) · International Silver Co. (IS), a major American manufacturer formed in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut, combining various prominent silver companies like Rogers & Brother and Holmes & Edwards. Known for mass production of affordable, high-quality silverware.
Pattern: Utility or standard commercial flatware pattern, widely produced during the mid-20th century.
Type
Flatware - Spoon (Teaspoon)
Maker
International Silver Co. (IS), a major American manufacturer formed in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut, combining various prominent silver companies like Rogers & Brother and Holmes & Edwards. Known for mass production of affordable, high-quality silverware.
Material
Silver Plated (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver), consisting of a nickel-brass-zinc base metal core coated with a thin layer of pure silver.
Dimensions
Standard teaspoon dimensions, approximately 15 cm (6 inches) in length, weighing roughly 20-30 grams.
Description
A classic mid-20th-century silver-plated teaspoon by the International Silver Company. The reverse of the handle prominently displays the maker's identification and 'EP A1' quality mark, indicating standard electroplated nickel silver construction. It exhibits heavy surface scratching and tarnish consistent with decades of use and storage, showcasing the typical aging pattern of utility silver plate.
Key Features
Clear maker markings including 'EP' and 'AI' designations, standard utilitarian size, and durable nickel-silver base metal structure.
Material & Composition
Silver Plated (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver), consisting of a nickel-brass-zinc base metal core coated with a thin layer of pure silver.
Finish & Decoration
Standard commercial polish with minor surface scuffs. Plain utilitarian handle without complex ornamentation, typical of everyday dining flatware.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Impressed maker marks reading "INTERNATIONAL" or maker initials, along with the designation "EP" (Electro Plated) and "AI" indicating A-1 silver plating quality, which signifies standard heavy silver plate.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured via die-cutting and stamping from sheet metal, followed by electroplating in a chemical bath.
Functional Features
Standard bowl and handle designed for stirring tea or coffee, and general domestic dining use.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid metal handle integrated seamlessly into the bowl of the spoon, featuring a flat, tapered profile for a comfortable grip.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial mass-production quality featuring clean die-cut edges, uniform bowl stamping, and standard commercial-grade electroplating thickness.
Authentication Indicators
The punch-stamped hallmarks are cleanly indented into the metal substrate, featuring the typical industrial lettering used by International Silver Company during the mid-20th century.
Origin & Manufacturing
Manufactured in the United States by the International Silver Company, utilizing industrial mass-production stamping and plating techniques.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (c. 1930-1960), reflecting the height of mass-produced silver-plated tableware for middle-class households.
Age Estimate
Circa 1940s to 1960s, indicated by the specific font style and standard EP A1 stamping format.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of dining wares, making silver-appearing tableware accessible to everyday families during the mid-20th century economic expansion.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good condition. The surface shows extensive fine scratching, scuffs, and moderate tarnish/oxidation (sulfide deposits). The underlying base metal is not yet visibly exposed through the plating, though micro-wear is present across the high-friction areas.
Value Estimate
Low market value, typically ranging from $2 to $5 USD as an individual replacement piece, driven primarily by utilitarian rather than collector demand.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a gentle commercial silver polish such as Wright's Silver Cream using a soft cloth. Store in anti-tarnish cloth or bags to prevent further sulfide tarnish accumulation.
Similar Pieces
Standard silver-plated teaspoons by contemporary makers like Oneida, Wm. Rogers & Son, and Holmes & Edwards.
Interesting Facts
International Silver Company was once the largest manufacturer of silverware in the world, supplying households across America with durable, accessible tableware throughout the 20th century.