International Silver Co. Silver Plate Hollowware Tray/Serving Piece
Hollowware (Tray or Platter) · International Silver Company. Established in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut, it was a coalition of many of New England's most famous silver firms, including Rogers Bros and Meriden Britannia. They produced both high-end sterling and prolific volumes of high-quality silver plate.
Pattern: Undetermined pattern, catalog number 6484. The '22' likely refers to a measurement or production batch. These numerical codes was standard for 20th-century mass production lines.
Type
Hollowware (Tray or Platter)
Maker
International Silver Company. Established in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut, it was a coalition of many of New England's most famous silver firms, including Rogers Bros and Meriden Britannia. They produced both high-end sterling and prolific volumes of high-quality silver plate.
Material
Silver Plate (likely Electroplated Nickel Silver, or EPNS). The surface shows the high-polish sheen of plating over a base metal. There are no 'Sterling' markings, which indicates a silver-clad base metal composition.
Dimensions
Estimated 22 inches in length or diameter based on the '22' stamp. Heavy gauge construction common for commercial and institutional service trays.
Description
A substantial and durable silver-plated serving tray or platter from the mid-20th century. Produced by the International Silver Company, this piece features a clean, unadorned surface that emphasizes the luster of the silver plate. It represents the height of American industrial silver manufacturing, where elegance met mass-market utility.
Key Features
Large scale, industrial-grade plating, and distinctive factory-stamped serial numbers (6484 over 22) used for inventory and catalog ordering.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate (likely Electroplated Nickel Silver, or EPNS). The surface shows the high-polish sheen of plating over a base metal. There are no 'Sterling' markings, which indicates a silver-clad base metal composition.
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish with visible concentric surface scuffs from cleaning. The design shown is plain and minimalist, typical of late Art Deco or Mid-Century Modern utility items.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The piece bears die-stamped numerical marks: '6484' (likely a production or design number) and '22' (often indicating size in inches or a specific series code). It lacks the 'Sterling' or '925' mark, suggesting it is part of a commercial plated line.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed or die-struck from sheet metal. The uniform circular cleaning marks suggest a spun or finished flat surface typical of industrial silver manufacturing techniques.
Functional Features
Flat serving surface with a raised or reinforced rim. Designed for durability and ease of polishing in high-use environments like hotels or formal dining rooms.
Handle & Grip Details
Handles are not visible in the frame, but pieces in this series typically featured integrated rim handles or plain applied borders.
Craftsmanship Details
Superior industrial craftsmanship. While machine-made, the stamping is precise and the piece maintains a heavy, substantial feel characteristic of quality American plating.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of simple numeric die-stamps without a fineness mark (like '925') is a primary indicator of American silver plate from a large manufacturer.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States, Meriden, Connecticut. Manufactured in the specialized factories of the International Silver Company, which dominated US silver production during this period.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (circa 1940-1960). The sans-serif block font of the numerical stamp and the utilitarian nature of the piece align with the post-war industrial era.
Age Estimate
Circa 1940–1965. The style of the numbering and the condition of the plating are characteristic of mid-century commercial silver.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the mid-century American shift toward accessible luxury, where durable silver-plated items allowed middle-class families to emulate the 'solid silver' service of the upper class.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. There is significant surface scratching and 'swirl' marking consistent with the use of abrasive cleaners. Some light pitting or tarnish is visible in the deeper parts of the stamps.
Value Estimate
$25.00 - $65.00. Value is primarily functional rather than as a precious metal investment, as it is silver-plated rather than solid sterling.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a non-abrasive cream like Wright’s Silver Cream. Avoid chemical dips which can strip thin plating. Hand-dry immediately with a soft cloth to prevent water spots.
Similar Pieces
Oneida silver-plated trays or Gorham 'Heritage' plated line. Key differences are the specific factory stamp fonts and slightly different base metal alloys.
Interesting Facts
The International Silver Company provided almost all the silver for the grand American 'luxury' hotels and railroad dining cars during the early to mid-20th century.