International Silver Company 'Winthrop' Pattern Revolving Butter Dish or Bread Plate
Hollowware - Plate/Tray · International Silver Company, founded in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut. A conglomerate of many prominent New England silversmiths, the company became the world's largest manufacturer of silver during the early to mid-20th century.
Pattern: 'Winthrop' Pattern, likely produced for the International Silver Co. '1847 Rogers Bros' line. The pattern features a gadroon border with floral/shell corner accents. First introduced in the mid-20th century.
Type
Hollowware - Plate/Tray
Maker
International Silver Company, founded in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut. A conglomerate of many prominent New England silversmiths, the company became the world's largest manufacturer of silver during the early to mid-20th century.
Material
Silver Plate (Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS). Based on the heavy tarnish color (iridescent/yellowish hue) and visual texture, this is likely a high-quality silver plate over a base metal alloy.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of 6 to 9 inches (standard for a bread plate or base of a revolving butter dish). Estimated weight between 250-400 grams depending on base metal thickness.
Description
A classic example of mid-century American silver plate, this plate features the 'Winthrop' gadroon border. It is a sturdy, functional piece designed for everyday elegance. The plate displays a heavy, multi-colored tarnish known as 'rainbow toning,' which indicates it has been stored in a high-sulfur environment for many years.
Key Features
Gadroon-and-shell scalloped rim, deep well, and heavy-gauge construction. The 'Winthrop' pattern is distinct for its balanced neoclassical elements.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate (Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS). Based on the heavy tarnish color (iridescent/yellowish hue) and visual texture, this is likely a high-quality silver plate over a base metal alloy.
Finish & Decoration
Gadroon-style corded edge with shell and foliage accents. Surface shows a mirrored polish currently obscured by heavy patina and oxidation. Stylistically Colonial Revival/Neo-Classical.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Expected marks on the reverse would include 'International Silver Co.', 'IS', or '1847 Rogers Bros' along with the pattern name 'Winthrop'. No marks are visible on the top surface.
Construction Details
Machine-stamped or die-struck from a flat sheet of nickel silver and then electroplated. The decorative border is likely integrated into the mold rather than applied.
Functional Features
Wide flat well for serving food items; the raised lip prevents spills. If this is the base of a revolving butter dish, it would have originally been paired with a dome lid.
Handle & Grip Details
None; this is a rimmed plate design. The rim is textured to provide a better grip for handling.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial manufacturing. The symmetry of the gadrooning suggests precision machine-cut dies rather than hand-chasing.
Authentication Indicators
The border pattern is a hallmark design of the International Silver Co catalog. The tarnish pattern is consistent with silver-plated nickel silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Meriden, Connecticut, USA. Manufactured in the centralized factories of the International Silver Company, known for durable and affordable household silver.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (1940-1960). This period saw a massive surge in Colonial Revival styles in American households following WWII.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950. The wear patterns and pattern design coincide with post-war American dining trends.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Silver for Everyone' movement in America, where middle-class families could afford formal-looking table services that mimicked the solid sterling silver of the upper class.
Condition Notes
Good structural condition but Poor surface condition. Heavy oxidation, sulfur tarnish, and numerous surface scratches from utensil use ('spider webbing'). No visible dents or plate loss (bleeding), though polishing would be required to confirm.
Value Estimate
$10.00 - $25.00 USD. Value is limited due to being a plated item in a common pattern with heavy tarnish.
Care & Maintenance
Requires a thorough cleaning with a non-abrasive silver cream (like Wright's). Due to the heavy oxidation, a silver dip might be used briefly, though hand-rubbing is safer for the plate layer.
Similar Pieces
Gorham 'Chantilly' silver plate trays or Wallace 'Grand Baroque' silver plate servers. The Winthrop is generally less ornate than Baroque styles but more formal than plain 'Paul Revere' styles.
Interesting Facts
The '1847 Rogers Bros' brand within International Silver was named to capitalize on the reputation of the Rogers brothers who pioneered electroplating in America in 1847.