International Silver Co. Gadroon Border Silver Plate Oval Platter
Hollowware / Serving Platter · International Silver Company, founded in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut. It was a conglomerate of various independent New England silversmiths and became the largest silver manufacturer in the world.
Pattern: Gadroon Border (often associated with the Countess or Windsor lines), a classic motif featuring repetitive slanted curves or 'godron' edging. It is a staple decorative style in mid-century silver production.
Type
Hollowware / Serving Platter
Maker
International Silver Company, founded in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut. It was a conglomerate of various independent New England silversmiths and became the largest silver manufacturer in the world.
Material
Silver Plate on white metal/nickel silver base. Hand-stamped 'SILVERPLATE' and 'EP' (Electroplate) indicators are present. The base metal is a non-precious copper-nickel-zinc alloy.
Dimensions
Estimated 14-16 inches in length and 10-12 inches in width. Weight is likely substantial (800-1100g) due to the heavy nickel-silver base metal used for durability in catering and home dining.
Description
An elegant and functional oval serving platter by the renowned International Silver Company. Featuring a timeless gadroon border that provides a sophisticated frame for any culinary presentation, this piece exemplifies mid-century American hospitality. Its sturdy construction and classic proportions make it a staple for both formal dinners and holiday gatherings.
Key Features
The distinctive spiral-patterned gadroon edge; the International Silver Co. 'IS' hallmark; the heavy-gauge base metal which provides a 'luxury' weight typically only found in sterling silver pieces.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate on white metal/nickel silver base. Hand-stamped 'SILVERPLATE' and 'EP' (Electroplate) indicators are present. The base metal is a non-precious copper-nickel-zinc alloy.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror polish finish with a classic Georgian-style gadroon (rope-like) border. The design reflects the Neoclassical revival popular in the early to mid-20th century, focusing on symmetrical, understated elegance.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The underside shows the 'I S' logo within circles, representing International Silver Co. It includes the text 'SILVERPLATE' and likely a catalog/inventory number (appearing as 7312 or similar). No sterling marks (925 or lion passant) are present.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed or die-struck from a single flat sheet of base metal. Edge detailing is rolled and reinforced. The silver layer is applied via electroplating (the process of coating the base metal in a thin layer of fine silver using electric current).
Functional Features
Wide oval rim for ease of carrying; slightly recessed center to contain juices or sauces; felt padding dots applied to the underside to prevent scratching table surfaces (likely an aftermarket addition).
Handle & Grip Details
This model is a handleless rim-style platter. The grip is achieved via the raised, reinforced gadroon edge, which provides texture for fingertip stability during service.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial manufacturing. The plating is thick enough to withstand decades of polishing, and the die-striking of the gadroon border is crisp and well-defined, showing the quality of International Silver's professional-grade machinery.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of the 'IS' mark and the word 'SILVERPLATE' are definitive indicators of its origin and material. The typeface used for the stamps is consistent with 1940s-50s manufacturing standards.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States, Meriden, Connecticut. International Silver Co. was famous for bringing high-quality silver designs to the American middle class through mass production.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (circa 1940-1960). This style was heavily influenced by 18th-century English Georgian silver but manufactured with industrial American precision.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950. The font of the stamps and the specific composition of the platting suggest post-WWII American manufacture.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Golden Age' of American formal dining, where silver-plated hollowware allowed middle-class families to emulate the sophisticated table settings of the aristocracy at an affordable price.
Condition Notes
Good condition. Micro-scratches (swirl marks) are visible on the polished surface from cleaning and use. Minor tarnish spots and surface 'pitting' are evident. No significant 'bleeding' (where the base metal shows through the silver) is visible in the image.
Value Estimate
$25 - $60 USD. Silver-plated hollowware has a high supply and currently moderate demand; value is primarily functional and aesthetic rather than based on precious metal content.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft cloth and non-abrasive silver cream (e.g., Wright's). Avoid 'silver dips' which can strip the thin plating. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth bag to prevent tarnish. Do not put in a dishwasher.
Similar Pieces
Wallace 'Baroque' plated platters (more ornate floral borders); Reed & Barton 'Winthrop' platters (simpler beaded edges); Gorham 'Heritage' plated line.
Interesting Facts
International Silver Co. produced the silver service used on many famous US Navy ships and commercial airlines during the mid-20th century. The 'IS' mark is one of the most common marks found in American households today due to their massive production volume.