International Silver Co. DeepSilver 'Woodsong' Pattern Silverplate Grille Knife
Flatware (Grille Knife/Viande Knife) · International Silver Company (IS), a major American conglomerate founded in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut. The 'DeepSilver' line was their premium silverplate brand known for heavier plating and 'silver inlays' at wear points.
Pattern: 'Woodsong' pattern, introduced in 1960. It features a stylized floral and leaf motif set against a modern, tapered handle with horizontal banded accents. It is currently discontinued.
Type
Flatware (Grille Knife/Viande Knife)
Maker
International Silver Company (IS), a major American conglomerate founded in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut. The 'DeepSilver' line was their premium silverplate brand known for heavier plating and 'silver inlays' at wear points.
Material
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS) under the 'DeepSilver' branding. The blade is made of stainless steel (indicated by the 'STAINLESS' stamp). The handle is reinforced with a cement or resin filler (weighted).
Dimensions
Approximately 9 inches in length. This is a 'Grille' or 'Viande' style knife, featuring a longer handle and a shorter blade than a traditional dinner knife, popular in the mid-20th century.
Description
A classic example of 1960s American silverplate, the Woodsong Grille Knife by International Silver showcases the transition into organic modernism. Its elongated handle and short blade offer a distinct silhouette that defined mid-century dining tables. While not solid silver, the DeepSilver line represented the highest tier of silverplate available to the middle class during the Post-War era.
Key Features
Short 'Grille' blade; stylized leaf and blossom central motif; horizontal banding; 'IS STAINLESS' blade mark; tapered modern handle profile.
Material & Composition
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS) under the 'DeepSilver' branding. The blade is made of stainless steel (indicated by the 'STAINLESS' stamp). The handle is reinforced with a cement or resin filler (weighted).
Finish & Decoration
Satin/Patina finish with oxidized accents in the recessed floral pattern to provide depth. The design is Mid-Century Modern with organic 'Danish Modern' influence, characterized by clean lines and asymmetrical botanical elements.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The blade is stamped 'IS STAINLESS'. The silver handle typically bears the 'IS DEEPSILVER' mark. These marks indicate 20th-century American commercial production rather than sterling purity.
Construction Details
Hollow-handle construction. Two stamped silverplate scales are soldered together and the cavity is filled with a weighting compound. The stainless steel blade is inserted into the bolster and secured with resin.
Functional Features
Serrated or semi-sharp stainless steel blade for cutting meat; weighted handle for balance; 'Grille' proportions designed for modern aesthetic and ease of use on smaller plates.
Handle & Grip Details
Silverplate over nickel-base. Features a tapered, rectangular cross-section with a convex 'Woodsong' floral ornament in the center. The handle shows significant tarnish and surface wear.
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced industrial quality. The die-striking is crisp, and the floral transition is well-executed for a silverplated item. The seam is generally well-hidden but visible upon close inspection.
Authentication Indicators
Characteristic 'IS' stamping fonts; Woodsong pattern match to 1960 catalog; correct 'DeepSilver' weight; standard Mid-Century construction seams along the handle edges.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States (Meriden, Connecticut). Manufactured using high-speed industrial die-striking and automated electroplating processes.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (Late 1950s - Early 1960s). The design reflects the era's move away from heavy Victorian ornamentation toward stylized, nature-inspired modernism.
Age Estimate
Circa 1960–1970. The introduction date of 1960 and the 'DeepSilver' manufacturing style place it firmly in this decade.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'American Dream' of the 1960s, where high-quality silverplate allowed families to have 'fine' looking dinnerware for Sunday dinners without the extreme cost of sterling.
Condition Notes
Good to Fair. Visible heavy tarnish (sulfide oxidation) across the handle. There are minor scuffs on the stainless blade. The plating appears intact but needs a professional polish to determine if 'bleed-through' of the base metal has occurred.
Value Estimate
$5.00 - $12.00 USD per individual knife. Value is primarily in replacing lost pieces for existing sets rather than investment for silver content.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream (e.g., Wright's) using a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive pads. Because of the weighted handle and resin-set blade, never place in a dishwasher, as heat can melt the adhesive and cause the blade to loosen.
Similar Pieces
International Silver 'Silver Fashion' pattern; Oneida 'Community' silverplate; Gorham 'Stegor' line. Unlike Sterling alternatives, these silverplate pieces are much heavier due to the internal filling.
Interesting Facts
The 'Grille' style knife was popularized because it looked more balanced on modern, smaller dining plates and was easier to handle than the long-bladed traditional dinner knife.