International Silver Co. Silver-Plated Hollowware Bowl
Hollowware (Serving Bowl or Base) · International Silver Co., Meriden, CT. Founded in 1898, it was a massive conglomerate formed by many New England silver companies including Meriden Britannia and Rogers Bros.
Pattern: Pattern No. 998 (Plain Circular Form), likely part of a standard service line. Production status: Discontinued.
Type
Hollowware (Serving Bowl or Base)
Maker
International Silver Co., Meriden, CT. Founded in 1898, it was a massive conglomerate formed by many New England silver companies including Meriden Britannia and Rogers Bros.
Material
Silver Plate (Electroplated Nickel Silver or Copper base). Marked 'SILVER PLATE' and 'MADE IN USA'.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter 6-10 inches. Weight is substantial due to base metal; approximately 300-600 grams.
Description
A utilitarian yet elegant example of mid-century American silver plate, this bowl features clean concentric circles and a shallow profile designed for everyday functionality and ease of cleaning.
Key Features
Distinctive concentric ridge construction on the underside and high-contrast numerical pattern marking 998.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate (Electroplated Nickel Silver or Copper base). Marked 'SILVER PLATE' and 'MADE IN USA'.
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish originally, currently exhibiting heavy iridescent tarnish. No visible engraving or chasing; minimalist aesthetic.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'INTERNATIONAL SILVER CO.', 'SILVER PLATE', 'MADE IN USA', with the pattern/model number '998'.
Construction Details
Machine-spun or die-struck from a flat sheet of base metal then electroplated. Circular nesting ridges indicate a mechanical production method.
Functional Features
Flat bottom for stability; potential for use as a liner, bread basket, or low fruit bowl.
Handle & Grip Details
No handles present; rim appears to be a simple rolled or finished edge.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard industrial grade. Even electroplating and precise machine stamping; lacking the unique irregularities of hand-wrought silver.
Authentication Indicators
Clear identifying stamps with consistent font for International Silver Co. The presence of '998' matches historical cataloging systems for plated hollowware.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America, likely Connecticut factories. Manufactured via mass production lines.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (c. 1940-1960). Reflects the industrial shift toward mass-produced, functional household silver plate.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950s. The block lettering of the stamp and the 'Made in USA' designation are consistent with mid-century production.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of 'silver' in the American home during the post-war era, where silver plate made formal dining aesthetics accessible to the middle class.
Condition Notes
Fair. Exhibits heavy multicolored tarnish (patina), significant surface scratching, and potential 'bleeding' where the silver plate has thinned to the base metal.
Value Estimate
$10 - $25 USD. Primary value is functional or decorative; silver plate has negligible scrap value compared to sterling.
Care & Maintenance
Polish with a non-abrasive cream like Wright's Silver Cream. Avoid dips as they may damage the thin plating. Store in tarnish-resistant cloth.
Similar Pieces
Oneidacraft plated bowls or Reed & Barton 'Winthrop' plated pieces; those often have more ornate borders compared to this minimalist piece.
Interesting Facts
International Silver Co. was once the largest manufacturer of silver in the world, supplying everything from luxury liners to military mess halls.