International Silver Co. Camellia Pattern Silver-Plated Round Salver
Hollowware (Salver/Small Tray) · International Silver Company (IS), formed in Meriden, CT in 1898 through the merger of multiple independent silversmiths. They are known for high-quality production across both sterling and plated markets.
Pattern: Camellia pattern, featuring intricate floral and foliate rococo revival motifs; primarily produced in silver plate during the mid-20th century.
Type
Hollowware (Salver/Small Tray)
Maker
International Silver Company (IS), formed in Meriden, CT in 1898 through the merger of multiple independent silversmiths. They are known for high-quality production across both sterling and plated markets.
Material
Silver Plate (Electroplated Nickel Silver or EPNS). The base metal is likely a copper-nickel-zinc alloy, ensuring durability beneath a coating of pure silver.
Dimensions
Estimated 8 to 10 inches in diameter. Weight is approximately 400-600 grams, feeling heavy due to the base metal density.
Description
An elegant circular salver by International Silver, featuring the elaborate Camellia scrollwork. The center provides a bright mirror finish, framed by a dense garden of embossed floral motifs that catch the light from every angle. It serves as a classic piece of mid-century Americana, bringing the formality of Victorian dining to the modern suburban home.
Key Features
Highly detailed floral border, un-monogrammed central cartouche, and a smooth rolled edge typical of high-quality silver plate.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate (Electroplated Nickel Silver or EPNS). The base metal is likely a copper-nickel-zinc alloy, ensuring durability beneath a coating of pure silver.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish in the center with an etched/stamped border. Decoration includes Victorian-style scrolls, acanthus leaves, and floral blossoms. The style is Rococo Revival.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Likely stamped on the reverse with 'International Silver Co.' or the 'IS' logo, often accompanied by 'Silverplate' and a pattern name/number. British-style lion or date marks will be absent as this is American plate.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed or die-struck from a flat sheet of base metal, then electroplated. This process allows for extremely consistent and complex patterns.
Functional Features
Flat, circular serving surface with a slightly raised rim to prevent items from sliding off. Primarily used as a 'calling card' tray or for serving small drinks.
Handle & Grip Details
This specific piece is a salver design and lacks handles, relying on the rim for grip.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship. The die-striking is extremely precise, showing no blurring of the floral details, a sign of well-maintained factory molds.
Authentication Indicators
The depth of the stamping and the brand recognition of International Silver. The lack of hallmark letters confirms its status as American-made silver plate rather than sterling.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States, likely Meriden, Connecticut. Manufactured in a factory setting using industrial-scale plating tanks.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (c. 1940-1960). While the design is Victorian in inspiration, the crispness and material consistency are hallmarks of mid-century American manufacturing.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950. The pattern and plating technique are consistent with post-WWII American dining sets.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Silver Age' of Middle America, where silver-plated hollowware became an essential part of the domestic aesthetic for entertaining guests at home.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. There are visible surface scratches ('spider webbing') in the central polished area from use. No significant 'bleeding' of base metal is visible, suggesting the plating is still thick.
Value Estimate
$25 - $50. Market value is dictated by decorative appeal rather than metal content, as silver plate has negligible scrap value.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream like Wright's. Avoid abrasive scrubbers which will wear through the silver plating to the yellow nickel-silver beneath.
Similar Pieces
Wallace 'Grand Baroque' plated trays or Gorham 'Chantilly' plated salvers. These often feature similar floral motifs but different specific flower species in the border.
Interesting Facts
International Silver Co. was once the world's largest manufacturer of silverware and produced items for major hotel chains and the US military.