International Silver Co. Sterling Silver Tea and Coffee Service Ensemble
Tea and Coffee Service · International Silver Company (specifically the Meriden Britannia and Wilcox lineages). Established in 1898 in Meriden, CT, International Silver was a conglomerate of the most prestigious American silver houses of the 19th century.
Pattern: Colonial fluted pattern with neoclassical gadrooning, model reference 3531.
Type
Tea and Coffee Service
Maker
International Silver Company (specifically the Meriden Britannia and Wilcox lineages). Established in 1898 in Meriden, CT, International Silver was a conglomerate of the most prestigious American silver houses of the 19th century.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) indicated by the 'STERLING' stamp. The coffee pot features an insulating high-quality wood handle (likely ebony or mahogany with a dark stain).
Dimensions
Standard full-size service. Coffee pot is approximately 10-12 inches high; creamer and sugar bowl are 4-5 inches high. Estimated total weight for the three pieces is 35-45 troy ounces.
Description
An elegant three-piece sterling silver service consisting of a coffee/tea pot, creamer, and open sugar bowl. The set exhibits the restrained luxury of American Colonial Revival design, characterized by graceful fluting and a tapered urn silhouette. Its high-polish finish and stark wood handle provide a beautiful visual contrast, making it a centerpiece of timeless sophistication.
Key Features
Vertical gadroon fluting, wooden heat-insulated handle, double-beaded pedestal foot, and the '3531' pattern identifier mark.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) indicated by the 'STERLING' stamp. The coffee pot features an insulating high-quality wood handle (likely ebony or mahogany with a dark stain).
Finish & Decoration
Bright mirror polish with vertical gadroon fluting at the base of the bodies. The style is Colonial Revival/Neoclassical, featuring a beaded rim on the pedestal bases and a characteristic urn-shaped finial.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'STERLING' followed by the production number '3531'. Below this is the 'IS' hallmark with an eagle and crown, signifying the International Silver Company's premium sterling line, often used for Meriden-produced wares.
Construction Details
Spun and raised sterling silver bodies with cast pedestals, spouts, and handles. The spout is hand-soldered to the main body, a sign of higher-end manufacturing compared to single-mold pieces.
Functional Features
Gooseneck spout for dripless pouring, hinged lid with finial on the coffee pot, and open-top designs for the creamer and sugar bowl. Heat stops (insulators) are integrated into the handle sockets of the coffee pot.
Handle & Grip Details
The coffee pot has a hand-carved dark wood scroll handle, pinned into silver sockets to prevent heat transfer. Creamer and sugar bowl feature solid silver 'C' scroll handles.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality machine-assisted hand finishing. The precision of the fluting and the seamless joinery of the spout indicate a high level of craftsmanship from the peak era of American silver production.
Authentication Indicators
Clear, deep stamps for 'STERLING' and the 'IS' logo. Correct construction for the period including pinned wood handles rather than plastic. Natural patina in the recesses of the fluting.
Origin & Manufacturing
Meriden, Connecticut, USA. Meriden was known as the 'Silver City' during this period due to the concentration of elite silversmithing workshops within the International Silver Co. umbrella.
Era & Period
Early 20th Century Colonial Revival (1910-1930). This era looked back to the silver designs of Paul Revere and the Federal period.
Age Estimate
Circa 1920-1935 based on the style of the 'IS' mark and the specific 3000-series model numbering.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of American middle and upper-class hospitality during the early 20th century, where the 'tea ceremony' served as a primary social ritual and a display of domestic refinement.
Condition Notes
Excellent condition. The silver shows light surface micro-scratches consistent with age. No visible deep dents or thinning. The wooden handle is secure with no visible cracks or bleaching. The hinge on the pot is tight and aligned.
Value Estimate
$1,200 - $1,800 USD (Market value depends on silver spot prices and buyer demand for the specific Colonial aesthetic).
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a high-quality silver cream like Wright\'s; do not soak the coffee pot in water as it can damage the wooden handle and the pins. Store in Pacific Silvercloth to prevent tarnish.
Similar Pieces
Gorham 'Plymouth' pattern or Tiffany & Co. 'Salem' pattern. Those patterns often command higher premiums due to the brand name, though the quality of this International Sterling piece is comparable.
Interesting Facts
The International Silver Company was once the largest manufacturer of silver in the world and produced the famous America\'s Cup trophy. This specific model was designed to compete with the high-end Federal designs of Tiffany & Co. and Gorham.