International Silver Co. 'Royal Danish' Style Footed Silver Plate Bowl
Hollowware (Footed Bowl/Compote) · Attributed to International Silver Company, a major American manufacturer established in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut. They were once the largest silver manufacturer in the world, known for high-quality electroplated and sterling products.
Pattern: Likely a variant of the 'Royal Danish' or similar Scandinavian-inspired mid-century pattern, characterized by scalloped lobing and stylized floral/leaf applications common in the 1940s-60s.
Type
Hollowware (Footed Bowl/Compote)
Maker
Attributed to International Silver Company, a major American manufacturer established in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut. They were once the largest silver manufacturer in the world, known for high-quality electroplated and sterling products.
Material
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). The visible gray-blue tarnish and heavy polishing wear suggest a base metal of nickel silver beneath a layer of pure silver plating.
Dimensions
Estimated 9 to 11 inches in diameter and 5 to 6 inches in height. Weight is approximately 800-1200 grams, typical for heavy silver-plated hollowware of this era.
Description
This footed silver-plated bowl features a dramatic scalloped rim decorated with applied floral clusters. The interior of the bowl is divided into smooth lobes that converge at the center, creating a sunburst effect. This piece represents the mid-century American desire for 'Scandinavian Style' silver that offered both elegance and durability for entertaining.
Key Features
Scalloped rim with applied leaf and flower motifs, lobed interior sections, and a pedestal base with matching decorative elements.
Material & Composition
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). The visible gray-blue tarnish and heavy polishing wear suggest a base metal of nickel silver beneath a layer of pure silver plating.
Finish & Decoration
Features a lobed, scalloped interior with an applied floral and leaf border. The style is a mid-century interpretation of 'Danish Modern' combined with Neo-Rococo elements. It has a high-polish finish originally, now heavily tarnished (patinated).
Hallmarks & Stamps
Marks are not fully visible in the image but would typically be found on the underside of the base, likely including 'IS', 'International Silver Co.', or 'EP' (Electroplate) alongside a pattern number.
Construction Details
Manufactured using a combination of spinning (for the main bowl) and casting (for the applied rim and foot). The base is likely hollow and soldered to the bowl assembly.
Functional Features
Wide shallow bowl suitable for serving fruit, salads, or as a decorative centerpiece. The pedestal base provides elevation for table presentation.
Handle & Grip Details
No handles present; the wide scalloped rim serves as the primary grip surface for handling.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial quality; the applied rim is neatly soldered, though mass-produced. The stamping of the lobes shows good symmetry, indicating high-quality steel dies were used in production.
Authentication Indicators
The construction method (soldered cast rim and spun body) is consistent with International Silver's mass-market hollowware. The tarnish color is indicative of silver-plate rather than sterling silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
USA, Meriden, Connecticut. Produced using industrial electroplating techniques characteristic of American factory production in the mid-20th century.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (Late 1940s-1960s). The design movements influenced by Georg Jensen's work led American companies like International Silver to produce these 'International Style' pieces.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1965. The presence of the specific lobed pattern and the wear on the plating are consistent with post-WWII American household hollowware.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war boom in home entertaining where silver-plated sets were essential status symbols for the American suburban dinner table.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Dark heavy tarnish (sulfide deposits) is present across the surface. There are visible surface scratches and 'plate loss' appearing as darker or yellowish areas where the underlying nickel silver is exposed.
Value Estimate
$25 - $65 USD. Value is constrained by being silver-plate rather than sterling and the current condition/tarnish level.
Care & Maintenance
Requires a high-quality silver cream (e.g., Wright's) and a soft cloth to remove heavy oxidation. Avoid abrasive 'dip' cleaners which can strip the thin silver plating from the base metal.
Similar Pieces
Reed & Barton 'Francis I' (more ornate), Wallace 'Grand Baroque' (more floral), or Gorham 'Chantilly' plated hollowware.
Interesting Facts
The 'Royal Danish' pattern was one of the most successful sterling patterns in history, leading most manufacturers to create silver-plated hollowware 'coordinates' to match the flatware for middle-class consumers.