International Silver Co. Lord Saybrook Sterling Silver Vegetable Bowl
Hollowware (Vegetable Bowl / Serving Dish) · International Silver Company (founded 1898, Meriden, CT). It was a conglomerate of the finest New England silversmiths including Meriden Britannia and Rogers Bros. Highly reputable for mid-century luxury goods.
Pattern: Lord Saybrook pattern, introduced circa 1940. It is a classic Neoclassical/Colonial revival design that remained a staple of American dining rooms for decades.
Type
Hollowware (Vegetable Bowl / Serving Dish)
Maker
International Silver Company (founded 1898, Meriden, CT). It was a conglomerate of the finest New England silversmiths including Meriden Britannia and Rogers Bros. Highly reputable for mid-century luxury goods.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The piece is solid silver throughout, not plated.
Dimensions
Standard oval or round vegetable bowl size, typically 9 to 11 inches in diameter. Estimated weight: 350-450 grams (approx. 11-14 troy ounces).
Description
An elegant example of American mid-century hollowware, this sterling silver bowl by International Silver Co. features the 'Lord Saybrook' motif. The design balances a clean, reflective central well with an ornate, embossed rim of scrolling foliage and blossoms. Its heavy gauge and classic proportions make it a quintessential piece of formal Americana dinnerware.
Key Features
The International Knight hallmark is the primary identifier. The pattern is distinguished by the combination of a beaded inner border and the high-relief floral scrollwork on the outer flange.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The piece is solid silver throughout, not plated.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror-polished center with a repoussé and chased floral/scroll aesthetic on the wide rim. It features a distinct beaded border (gadrooning) separating the well from the rim and decorating the foot ring.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped with the International Silver Co. 'Knight' hallmark (a helmet or knight's head), followed by 'STERLING' and the design/catalog number '746'.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed body with die-rolled decorative borders. The foot ring is soldered to the base. It exhibits the high-consistency manufacturing standards of 20th-century American industrial silversmithing.
Functional Features
Wide decorative rim for easy passing at the table; deep well intended for side dishes or rolls; stable circular foot ring for heat elevation.
Handle & Grip Details
No dedicated handles; the wide, flared rim serves as the grip area. The rim is integrated into the body casting.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial production. The chasing on the rim is crisp and the beaded border is perfectly uniform, illustrating the precision of die-struck silver from this period.
Authentication Indicators
The hallmark 'Knight' symbol is crisp and correctly placed next to the weight standard. The '746' model number is consistent with International Silver's mid-century cataloging system for the Lord Saybrook series.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States; Meriden, Connecticut. Manufactured by International Silver Co., once the largest silver manufacturer in the world.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (Colonial Revival). This style rose in popularity during the 1940s and 50s as a return to traditional American aesthetic values.
Age Estimate
Circa 1940-1960. The style of the 'STERLING' stamp and the specific catalog number '746' correspond to the mid-century production peak of the Lord Saybrook line.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'American Dream' era of formal entertaining, where sterling hollowware served as the centerpiece for holiday meals and a symbol of domestic stability.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Visible surface micro-scratching indicative of light use and frequent polishing. No major dents or deep gouges visible in the image. High tarnish resistance shown in the bright sections.
Value Estimate
$400 - $650 USD depending on exact weight and current silver spot price. Value is primarily based on silver melt value plus a 20-30% premium for the maker and pattern.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash in warm soapy water only. Use a high-quality silver cream like Wright's or Hagerty to maintain the mirror shine. Avoid 'silver dips' which can strip the oxidation that gives the rim detail its depth.
Similar Pieces
Gorham 'Chantilly' bowls or Wallace 'Grand Baroque' bowls. The International 'Prelude' pattern is a common alternative, though it features a simpler, more modern floral edge.
Interesting Facts
International Silver Co. was formed by the merger of 14 different silver companies. The Lord Saybrook pattern was used in countless American weddings as a high-end gift during the post-war era.