International Silver Company 'Lord Saybrook' Sterling Silver Footed Bowl
Hollowware (Small Bowl/Compote) · International Silver Company, based in Meriden, Connecticut. Formed in 1898 as a corporation of numerous independent New England silversmiths; one of the world's largest and most reputable silver manufacturers of the 20th century.
Pattern: Lord Saybrook, a timeless colonial-revival pattern characterized by its clean, unadorned silhouette and subtle stepped base. Introduced in the mid-20th century.
Type
Hollowware (Small Bowl/Compote)
Maker
International Silver Company, based in Meriden, Connecticut. Formed in 1898 as a corporation of numerous independent New England silversmiths; one of the world's largest and most reputable silver manufacturers of the 20th century.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The base is likely solid sterling without weighting, though the thickness of the gauge suggests a robust, high-quality production.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of 4-6 inches and a height of 2-3 inches. Typical weight for this size is approximately 120-180 grams (approx. 4-6 troy ounces).
Description
An elegant and versatile example of American silver craft, this Lord Saybrook bowl represents the mid-century desire for functional luxury. Its simple, unadorned geometry makes it a perfect bridge between traditional 18th-century design and modern minimalism. The heavy gauge of the silver provides a satisfying heft often missing in more modern silver-plated alternatives.
Key Features
The distinctive 'Lord Saybrook' stamp on the base, the stepped concentric circles on the underside of the foot, and the flawless high-shine finish.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The base is likely solid sterling without weighting, though the thickness of the gauge suggests a robust, high-quality production.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish with minimal decoration. The style is Colonial Revival/Mid-Century Traditional, focusing on form and the reflective quality of the silver rather than ornate engraving.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The base features the International Silver Co. 'I-S' insignia inside a shield or circle, the word 'STERLING', and the pattern name 'LORD SAYBROOK'. A production number (e.g., S301) is also visible, which is standard for their hollowware catalog.
Construction Details
Machine-spun from a sheet of sterling silver with a separate footed base that has been machine-soldered to the main body. The edges are finished with a soft roll typical of mid-century industrial silver production.
Functional Features
Multipurpose serving bowl suitable for nuts, candies, or use as a finger bowl. The flared rim allows for easy gripping and adds structural stability.
Handle & Grip Details
No external handles; the bowl is designed to be gripped by the body or the raised footed base.
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent industrial craftsmanship. While not hand-hammered, the symmetry is perfect and the finishing quality on the interior and base shows the high standards maintained by International Silver before the later decline in quality during the late 70s.
Authentication Indicators
The 'STERLING' mark is sharp and deeply struck. The wear patterns on the base (circular scuffing) are consistent with an item that has sat on a dining table for decades. The soldering joint for the foot is clean and consistent with professional industrial standards.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States; specifically Meriden, Connecticut, known as the 'Silver City' due to the consolidation of manufacturers under the International Silver umbrella.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern / Post-WWII Traditionalism (c. 1945-1965). This era favored the 'Old New England' aesthetic as a return to classic American roots.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1965. The clarity of the stamp and the specific 'Lord Saybrook' naming convention align with the company's prosperous post-war production period.
Cultural Significance
Represents the stabilization of the American domestic ideal in the 1950s, where silver hollowware was a staple of the 'proper' dining table and a symbol of domestic success and etiquette.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Excellent condition. There are visible surface 'scuff' marks or micro-scratches consistent with polishing and use. Minor tarnish spots are visible near the foot-to-body join. No major dents or thinning of the base are apparent.
Value Estimate
Market value ranges from $150 to $250 depending on the current spot price of silver and the weight of the specific piece. Retails higher in specialized antique shops ($350+).
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream (e.g., Wright's). Avoid 'silver dips' which can strip the metal’s natural patina too aggressively. Store in a tarnish-resistant flannel bag to minimize the need for frequent abrasive polishing.
Similar Pieces
Gorham 'Puritan' bowl (plain rim/similar scale), Tiffany & Co. 'Windham' bowl, or Reed & Barton Colonial-style compotes. 'Lord Saybrook' is specifically prized for its straightforward, unpretentious elegance.
Interesting Facts
The Lord Saybrook line was one of International Silver's most successful 'bridge' collections, intended to be sold to middle and upper-class families as heirloom-quality wedding gifts during the mid-20th century economic boom.