Community Silverplate Flatware Piece
Flatware (Serving Piece or Utensil) · Community Plate (Oneida Limited), an iconic American silverplate brand known for durability and widespread popularity in the 20th century.
Pattern: Community Silverplate line, exact pattern unverified from the visible mark portion.
Type
Flatware (Serving Piece or Utensil)
Maker
Community Plate (Oneida Limited), an iconic American silverplate brand known for durability and widespread popularity in the 20th century.
Material
Silver Plated (EPNS or base nickel alloy with silver electroplating).
Dimensions
Standard table utensil dimensions, estimated weight around 30 to 60 grams depending on the exact piece type.
Description
A silverplate flatware item featuring the distinctive 'COMMUNITY' maker's stamp pressed into the shank. The piece shows standard wear patterns consistent with vintage table service use.
Key Features
Crisp 'COMMUNITY' block lettering stamped within a sunken panel on the back of the handle shank.
Material & Composition
Silver Plated (EPNS or base nickel alloy with silver electroplating).
Finish & Decoration
Standard commercial polished finish typical of mid-20th-century mass-produced tableware.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The stamp clearly reads 'COMMUNITY' inside a depressed cartouche, indicating the maker and brand.
Construction Details
Die-struck and machine-manufactured, typical of mid-century mass production flatware.
Functional Features
Designed for everyday or formal dining table use.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid silver-plated metal handle integrated into the piece.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial machine-stamped and finished with clean lines, representing standard commercial silverplate production quality.
Authentication Indicators
Genuine Oneida/Community maker's mark with authentic period typography and sinking technique.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States, manufactured by Oneida Ltd.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (likely 1920s-1960s based on the typography and branding style).
Age Estimate
Mid-20th century, circa 1930s to 1960s.
Cultural Significance
Represented accessible middle-class elegance and durability in American households throughout the mid-1900s.
Condition Notes
Moderate surface wear, minor scratching, and tarnish consistent with age and previous use. Good overall structural integrity.
Value Estimate
Low market value, typically ranging from $3 to $15 per individual piece depending on the specific pattern and condition.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream polish and soft cloth. Avoid harsh abrasive dips that can strip the silver electroplate layer.
Similar Pieces
Other silverplated flatware lines by Oneida, 1847 Rogers Bros, and Holmes & Edwards.
Interesting Facts
Community Plate was heavily advertised in the 20th century with famous marketing campaigns boasting that it was heavily plated at points of wear.