International Silver Co. Revelation Pattern Silverplate Dinner Fork
Flatware (Dinner Fork) · International Silver Company (IS), a giant American consortium founded in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut that consolidated many smaller silversmiths. The 'Revelation' brand was a specific line produced by IS.
Pattern: Revelation pattern, first introduced in 1938. It is a retired pattern known for its Art Deco influences.
Type
Flatware (Dinner Fork)
Maker
International Silver Company (IS), a giant American consortium founded in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut that consolidated many smaller silversmiths. The 'Revelation' brand was a specific line produced by IS.
Material
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). The base is a non-precious alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc (nickel silver), which has been electroplated with a thin layer of pure silver.
Dimensions
Standard dinner fork size, approximately 7.25 to 7.5 inches in length. Estimated weight is 45-55 grams.
Description
This is a classic American silverplated dinner fork in the Revelation pattern. It features a streamlined handle decorated with a delicate spray of flowers and scrolls positioned diagonally across the lower half. The design represents the mainstream taste of middle-class American households during the mid-20th century. While once a shiny addition to a family's Sunday dinner table, this particular piece shows the honest wear of decades of use.
Key Features
The 'REVELATION' stamp on the handle is the primary identifier. The diagonal placement of the floral decoration is a specific characteristic of this pattern and distinguishes it from 'First Love' or 'Adoration' patterns.
Material & Composition
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). The base is a non-precious alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc (nickel silver), which has been electroplated with a thin layer of pure silver.
Finish & Decoration
Floral and scroll motif along a diagonal line near the handle base. Art Deco style with clean geometric lines on the handle tapering toward the neck. The surface shows visible tarnish and plating wear, exposing base metal (bleeding).
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'REVELATION SILVER PLATE' on the back of the handle. It lacks a 'Sterling' mark, indicating it is silverplate rather than solid silver.
Construction Details
Machine-made and die-struck. The piece was stamped out of a sheet of nickel silver and then electroplated in a batch process.
Functional Features
Four-tine design for multi-purpose dining. Standard slightly curved handle for ergonomic grip.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid metal handle (not hollow), integrated with the tines. Features a flat, flared terminal typical of mid-20th-century American flatware.
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced industrial quality. The stamping is crisp, but it lacks the hand-finished chasing or heavy weight found in high-end sterling services from the same era.
Authentication Indicators
The 'Silver Plate' stamp is the most honest indicator of its composition. The wear pattern is consistent with electroplated items, where the plate wears off high points and edges first.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America, specifically Meriden, Connecticut. Manufactured by the International Silver Company at one of their large-scale industrial factories.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern / late Art Deco (Late 1930s-1950s). The design reflects the transition from ornate floral Victorian styles to streamlined modernist aesthetics.
Age Estimate
Circa 1938-1950. The pattern was most popular during the immediate pre- and post-WWII years.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of 'silver' in the 20th century. Silverplate allowed middle-class families to follow formal dining etiquette without the prohibitive cost of sterling silver.
Condition Notes
Fair condition. Significant tarnish is present, especially between the tines. There is visible 'base metal bleeding' (the yellowish tint) where the silver plating has worn thin through repeated cleaning and use. The tines appear straight, but the surface finish is compromised.
Value Estimate
$1 - $5 USD. As a single, worn silverplated piece from a common pattern, its value is primarily utilitarian or as a replacement piece for an existing set rather than as an investment.
Care & Maintenance
Wash with mild soap and water. Use a non-abrasive silver cream like Wright's. Avoid 'silver dips' or electrochemical cleaning (foil and baking soda) as these can further strip the already thinning silver plate. Store in a tarnish-resistant chest or Pacific Silvercloth.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with 'Springtime' by Rogers or 'Memory' by H.H. & Son; however, the specific Revelation motif is unique to IS. A sterling alternative would be Gorham 'Chantilly', which features more intricate scrollwork.
Interesting Facts
International Silver Co. was the world's largest manufacturer of silverware at its peak. The Revelation pattern was designed to be affordable yet elegant, aimed at young couples starting homes during the late Depression era.