International Silver Co. Sterling Silver Sugar Bowl with Lid
Tea/Coffee Service (Sugar Bowl) · International Silver Co. (IS), a major American manufacturer formed in 1898 by the consolidation of many independent silver companies, highly reputable for both sterling and silver-plated hollowware.
Pattern: Traditional plain or modernist utilitarian line, featuring a clean, minimalist aesthetic popular in mid-20th-century production.
Type
Tea/Coffee Service (Sugar Bowl)
Maker
International Silver Co. (IS), a major American manufacturer formed in 1898 by the consolidation of many independent silver companies, highly reputable for both sterling and silver-plated hollowware.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness), standard silver alloy composed of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper for durability.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter approximately 3.5 to 4.5 inches, height around 3 to 4 inches including the lid and finial, and a weight roughly ranging from 120 to 200 grams depending on the exact gauge used.
Description
An elegant and minimalist sterling silver sugar bowl featuring a classic rounded bowl body resting on a subtle pedestal foot ring. The piece is crowned by a smooth, domed matching lid finished with a simple, polished ball finial. Its unadorned, highly reflective surface emphasizes the purity and quality of the sterling silver, making it a versatile addition to any traditional or mid-century coffee and tea service.
Key Features
Clean, unadorned modernist aesthetic, mirror-polish finish, domed lid with ball finial, and durable sterling silver construction.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness), standard silver alloy composed of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper for durability.
Finish & Decoration
High mirror-polish finish with no excessive surface engraving, chasing, or applied decoration, highlighting the smooth, curved contours typical of functional modernist or transitional tableware.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Typically bears the manufacturer's trademark logo for International Silver Co. along with the 'STERLING' stamp and often a weight or pattern number on the underside of the base.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed or spun body combined with hand-assembled components, featuring a raised foot ring and a precision-fitted domed lid with a soldered ball finial.
Functional Features
Covered sugar bowl with a snug-fitting domed lid to protect contents from moisture and pests, featuring a simple ball finial for easy gripping and removal.
Handle & Grip Details
No side handles, relying on the smooth perimeter of the bowl body for grip, topped with a solid round ball finial on the lid for easy lifting.
Craftsmanship Details
Clean commercial-grade craftsmanship utilizing machine spinning and press-forming techniques combined with precise hand-polishing to achieve a flawless, reflective mirror finish.
Authentication Indicators
Clear stamping of 'STERLING' alongside the maker's mark on the base, appropriate weight for its size, and construction methods consistent with mid-century American hollowware manufacturing.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States, produced in factories associated with the International Silver Company network, likely in Connecticut where much of American silver manufacturing was centralized.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (1945-1970) or late Art Deco transitional period, characterized by clean lines and unadorned reflective surfaces.
Age Estimate
Circa 1940-1960, based on the minimalist design language, stamping conventions, and the prominence of International Silver Co. during the mid-20th century.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the post-WWII American domestic ideal where formal and semi-formal tea and coffee services remained a staple of middle- to upper-class hospitality and home entertaining.
Condition Notes
Very Good condition, showing minor surface micro-scratches consistent with gentle polishing and light use, with no major dents, structural cracks, or significant tarnish buildup.
Value Estimate
Estimated between $75 and $200 USD depending on the exact weight in grams, current silver spot price, overall condition, and whether it is part of a larger matched tea set.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash with mild dish soap and warm water, dry immediately with a soft microfiber cloth to prevent water spots, and use a reputable commercial silver polish only when necessary to remove tarnish. Store in an anti-tarnish bag or cloth wrap.
Similar Pieces
Similar sugar bowls produced by Gorham, Wallace, or Reed & Barton, which differ primarily in the exact shape of the finial, foot ring proportions, or subtle shoulder angles.
Interesting Facts
International Silver Co. was once the largest manufacturer of silver goods in the world, absorbing historic names like Meriden Britannia and Rogers, and supplied tableware to numerous luxury hotels, ocean liners, and households.