Victorian Style Chased Silver Plate Lid by International Silver Co.
Hollowware (Replacement Lid/Cover) · International Silver Co. (likely under the Forbes or Wilcox divisions). Formed in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut, International Silver unified many of the most prestigious American silver houses.
Pattern: Unidentified Scroll and Foliate Pattern; similar heavily ornamented patterns include 'Countess' or those from the American Silver Co. lines.
Type
Hollowware (Replacement Lid/Cover)
Maker
International Silver Co. (likely under the Forbes or Wilcox divisions). Formed in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut, International Silver unified many of the most prestigious American silver houses.
Material
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS) or Silver Plate over copper. The warm yellowish undertones visible in worn areas suggest a base metal of nickel silver or copper.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter: 20-25 cm (8-10 inches). Estimated weight: 300-500 grams. This size suggests a cover for a vegetable tureen or a round buffet server.
Description
This is a highly decorative circular silver-plated lid, once part of a larger serving vessel like a tureen or warming dish. The surface is densely packed with intricate scrollwork and botanical engravings that exemplify the Rococo-revival taste. The play between the textured chased borders and the smooth central dome creates a classic look for formal dining settings.
Key Features
Heavy foliate chasing, diaper-work texturing in the background of the scrolls, and a simple spherical finial that contrasts with the busy decoration of the lid body.
Material & Composition
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS) or Silver Plate over copper. The warm yellowish undertones visible in worn areas suggest a base metal of nickel silver or copper.
Finish & Decoration
Ornate chased and embossed decoration featuring Rococo-revival motifs including acanthus leaves, C-scrolls, floral sprays, and diaper-pattern (cross-hatched) ground. The central area is polished silver with heavy tarnish/patina.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible in the image. Typically would be stamped on the underside with 'IS', 'International Silver Co.', or a specific brand logo like 'Wilcox S.P. Co.' followed by 'EPNS'.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed or die-struck thin gauge metal sheet. The finial is a separate cast spherical knob attached via a central screw or solder joint.
Functional Features
Includes a spherical grip finial for lifting and a deep-stepped rim (visible at the edge) designed to seat securely inside a corresponding vessel.
Handle & Grip Details
Hollow or solid spherical silver-plated knob. It shows significant wear and tarnish, typical for the most-handled part of the item.
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced quality with machine-applied decoration. The alignment of the pattern is symmetrical, reflecting good factory standards but lacking the depth of hand-chased antique silver.
Authentication Indicators
The style of chasing is characteristic of die-stamping rather than hand-engraving (evidenced by the uniformity). The wear pattern to a yellowish base metal is a primary indicator of silver plate rather than sterling.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States, likely Meriden, Connecticut. Manufactured using industrial electroplating techniques common to the American silver industry of the period.
Era & Period
Late Victorian Revival style, likely manufactured during the early to mid-20th Century (1920-1950) as part of a mass-market silver plate dinnerware line.
Age Estimate
Circa 1930-1950. The pattern density and method of production are characteristic of mid-century silver plate catering to the 'Old World' aesthetic.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury in the early 20th century, where silver-plated items allowed middle-class families to emulate the ornate dining styles of the aristocracy.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. There is significant 'bleeding' (wear through the silver layer) exposing the base metal. Heavy sulfide tarnish is present, and there are numerous small surface scratches and pits on the finial.
Value Estimate
$15 - $35 USD. As a standalone lid without its original base, the value is primarily decorative or for use as a replacement part for a collector with the matching bottom.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream (e.g., Wright's). Avoid over-polishing as the silver layer is already thin and further polishing may reveal more of the base metal. Store in a tarnish-resistant cloth.
Similar Pieces
Wallace 'Grand Baroque' hollowware or Reed & Barton 'Francis I' (though those are often sterling). In silver plate, it competes with pieces by Oneida or Sheridan.
Interesting Facts
International Silver Co. produced pieces for the US Navy, major hotels, and the White House. This specific lid style was often part of 'Chafing Dishes' used in high-end 20th-century hospitality.