International Silver Company 'Chippendale' Silverplate Scalloped Dish
Hollowware (Serving Tray, Bonbon Dish, or Appetizer Plate) · International Silver Company (IS), founded in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut. It was a conglomerate of various independent silver companies and became the world's largest manufacturer of silver and silver-plated items in the early 20th century.
Pattern: 'Chippendale' pattern (Silverplate line). This pattern is inspired by 18th-century English furniture designer Thomas Chippendale, characterized by scalloped edges and shaped borders. It is a classic design that remained in various forms of production for decades.
Type
Hollowware (Serving Tray, Bonbon Dish, or Appetizer Plate)
Maker
International Silver Company (IS), founded in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut. It was a conglomerate of various independent silver companies and became the world's largest manufacturer of silver and silver-plated items in the early 20th century.
Material
Silverplate (Electroplated Nickel Silver or EPNS). The 'IS' mark without a 'Sterling' stamp indicates a base metal (usually a nickel-copper-zinc alloy) that has been electroplated with a thin layer of pure silver.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter approximately 8 to 10 inches (20-25 cm). Weight is typical for silverplate hollowware, likely between 300 to 500 grams. It appears to be a medium-sized serving piece or bread plate.
Description
This elegant silver-plated dish by International Silver Company showcases the timeless 'Chippendale' aesthetic. With its distinctive scalloped rim and radial fluting, it captures light beautifully across its polished surface. While functional for serving, its primary appeal lies in its clean, neoclassical silhouette that complements both traditional and modern table settings. As a piece of 'IS' hollowware, it represents the era of American manufacturing where high-quality plated goods made sophisticated dining accessible to a broad audience.
Key Features
Scalloped 'Chippendale' rim, radial fluted design, International Silver Company 'IS' crown hallmark, and '6321' model number. The pattern-specific 'Chippendale' stamp is the primary identifier.
Material & Composition
Silverplate (Electroplated Nickel Silver or EPNS). The 'IS' mark without a 'Sterling' stamp indicates a base metal (usually a nickel-copper-zinc alloy) that has been electroplated with a thin layer of pure silver.
Finish & Decoration
Bright mirror polish with a lobed and scalloped rim. The dish features radial indentations or 'fluting' that divide the plate into sections. The style is 20th-century Georgian Revival, emphasizing clean lines and elegant silhouettes over ornate repoussé work.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped on the underside with 'IS' (International Silver) inside a stylized crown/crest, 'INTERNATIONAL SILVER COMPANY', the pattern name 'CHIPPENDALE', and the production number '6321'. The absence of a '.925' or 'Sterling' mark confirms it is plated.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed or die-struck from a flat sheet of base metal. The rim is likely finished with a machine-applied bead or smooth edge. This is a mass-produced industrial item rather than a hand-raised piece.
Functional Features
Features a raised, scalloped edge to contain food or items. Shallow depth makes it suitable for serving candies, breads, or as a decorative 'catch-all' tray. Low-profile design is stable on flat surfaces.
Handle & Grip Details
This piece is handle-less (rim-held). The grip is provided by the scalloped indentations along the perimeter, which allow for easy lifting from a table.
Craftsmanship Details
The piece demonstrates high-quality industrial craftsmanship. The symmetry of the scallops and the clarity of the fluting indicate well-maintained dies and a professional-grade finishing process typical of the IS Meriden factory.
Authentication Indicators
Hallmarks are consistent with mid-20th century American silverplate production. Wear patterns (directional scratches) are authentic to a piece that has been used for dining. The weight and 'feel' of the stamping are standard for the International Silver Company's mass-market lines.
Origin & Manufacturing
USA, Meriden, Connecticut. Manufactured by International Silver Co., which was the dominant force in American silver production throughout the 20th century.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Georgian Revival (approx. 1940s-1970s). This period saw a massive surge in affordable silver-plated dining sets designed to replicate the luxury of 18th-century English aesthetics for the modern household.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1970. Based on the stamping style, the design of the 'IS' logo, and the popularity of the 'Chippendale' silverplate line during the post-WWII American suburban boom.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury in American 20th-century life, where silver-plated hollowware served as a symbol of domestic stability and social etiquette in middle-class homes.
Condition Notes
Good to Fair condition. The surface shows significant micro-scratching (swirl marks) consistent with heavy use and frequent polishing. There are visible deeper scratches in the center. Tarnish is light but present in crevices. No obvious 'bleeding' (base metal showing through silver), but the plating may be thinning near the raised edges.
Value Estimate
$15.00 - $35.00. Value in the current market for silverplate is largely decorative/functional; it does not hold significant investment value compared to Sterling Silver but is a desirable item for vintage table styling.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soap and warm water. Use a non-abrasive silver cream (like Wright's) only when necessary, as over-polishing will eventually wear through the silver layer to the base nickel. Store in a tarnish-resistant cloth bag or chest.
Similar Pieces
Gorham 'Chippendale' (available in both Sterling and Plated), Reed & Barton 'Winthrop' pattern, or Oneida 'Du Maurier'. Unlike Sterling pieces, this 'IS' version is valued for utility rather than metal weight.
Interesting Facts
International Silver Co. provided much of the silverplate used by major hotels and railroads during the 20th century. The 'Chippendale' pattern was so popular that it was produced across many of their sub-brands (like Rogers and Webster-Wilcox) with slight Variations.