Barbour Silver Co. Quadruple Plate Victorian Hollowware
Hollowware · Barbour Silver Co., Hartford, CN (founded 1892). Became a part of the International Silver Company in 1898. Known for high-quality Victorian and Art Nouveau silverplate.
Pattern: Design Number 15 (Catalog Reference Number)
Type
Hollowware
Maker
Barbour Silver Co., Hartford, CN (founded 1892). Became a part of the International Silver Company in 1898. Known for high-quality Victorian and Art Nouveau silverplate.
Material
Quadruple Silver Plate on White Metal (typically Britannia metal or copper base). 'Quadruple' denotes four layers of silver electrodeposition.
Dimensions
Dimensions unknown without full object view; '15' is a pattern index rather than a measurement. Weight is typically heavy due to base metal and multiple plating layers.
Description
This piece bears the hallmark of the Barbour Silver Co., an esteemed American manufacturer of the late 19th century. The 'Quadruple Plate' designation was a marketing hallmark of quality, promising a thicker layer of silver than standard plating. It represents the height of American industrial silver production in Hartford, Connecticut.
Key Features
Distinct circular Barbour trademark; 'Quadruple' quality mark; Pattern number '15' indicator.
Material & Composition
Quadruple Silver Plate on White Metal (typically Britannia metal or copper base). 'Quadruple' denotes four layers of silver electrodeposition.
Finish & Decoration
Bright-polished silver surface; specific decorative motifs would typically include Victorian chasing or repoussé based on the era, though only the hallmark is visible.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Circular stamp reading 'BARBOUR SILVER CO.' at top, 'QUADRUPLE' at bottom, and 'SILVER' in center with decorative flourishes. Pattern number '15' stamped below.
Construction Details
Machine-stamped logo; the object itself was likely factory-produced using industrial presses and electroplating baths common in the late 19th century.
Functional Features
Hollowware utility (potential tray, bowl, or teapot base); designed for domestic tabletop service and display.
Handle & Grip Details
Not visible, but typically would be cast white metal or hollow silverplate attached using silver solder.
Craftsmanship Details
Precision die-striking on the hallmark; high industrial standard for the 1890s Connecticut silver industry.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic period stamp; font and circular arrangement are consistent with verified Barbour Silver Co. catalogs from the 1890s.
Origin & Manufacturing
USA - Hartford, Connecticut. Manufactured at the Barbour factory prior to the 1898 merger into International Silver Co.
Era & Period
Late Victorian / Gilded Age (c. 1892-1898). This period saw a massive boom in the American silverplate industry for the rising middle class.
Age Estimate
Circa 1892–1898. The 'Barbour Silver Co' mark without the 'International Silver' reference suggests an early production date before the consolidation.
Cultural Significance
Quadruple plate allowed middle-class families in the Victorian era to emulate the luxury of solid sterling silver at a fraction of the cost, making elaborate dining rituals accessible.
Condition Notes
The hallmark itself is crisp and clear. The surrounding surface shows minor micro-scratching ('spidering') consistent with age and cleaning. No evidence of 'bleeding' (base metal showing through) is visible in this area.
Value Estimate
$25 - $75 USD for individual pieces unless part of a complex tea set or highly desirable Art Nouveau form. Silverplate values are generally lower than sterling.
Care & Maintenance
Hand polish with a non-abrasive silver cream (e.g., Wright's). Avoid machine washing or harsh chemical dips which can strip the thin silver layer and expose the grey base metal.
Similar Pieces
Similar quadruple plate items from contemporaries like Reed & Barton, Forbes Silver Co., or Middletown Plate Co.
Interesting Facts
Barbour was one of the founding companies of the International Silver Co. conglomerate, which eventual became the largest silver manufacturer in the world.