International Silver Company 'Du Barry' Pattern Silver-Plated Salad/Cold Meat Serving Fork
Flatware - Serving Piece (Salad/Cold Meat Fork) · International Silver Company (IS), founded in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut. It became one of the largest manufacturers of silverware in the world during the 20th century, absorbing famous brands like 1847 Rogers Bros. and Holmes & Edwards.
Pattern: Du Barry pattern, introduced around 1937 by the International Silver Company. It is a discontinued mid-20th-century pattern highly sought after by collectors of vintage American silverplate.
Type
Flatware - Serving Piece (Salad/Cold Meat Fork)
Maker
International Silver Company (IS), founded in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut. It became one of the largest manufacturers of silverware in the world during the 20th century, absorbing famous brands like 1847 Rogers Bros. and Holmes & Edwards.
Material
Silver-plated base metal (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver). The core metal is an alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc, coated with a layer of pure silver.
Dimensions
Approximately 8.5 to 9 inches (21.5 to 23 cm) in length, standard large serving size for cold meats or salads, weighing approximately 60 to 80 grams.
Description
An elegant and substantial silver-plated cold meat or salad serving fork in the highly decorative 'Du Barry' pattern by International Silver Company. The piece features a dramatic, flared three-tined head punctuated by stylish openwork cutouts. The handle is densely embellished with lush repoussé detailing of cascading grape clusters, leaves, and trailing vines, culminating in a graceful scrolled cartouche left unengraved for personalization. A wonderful example of mid-century dining elegance that brings classic charm to any table setting.
Key Features
Distinctive flared tines with oval piercing cutouts, dense grapevine and floral chased handle relief, and an unengraved shield terminal for custom monogramming.
Material & Composition
Silver-plated base metal (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver). The core metal is an alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc, coated with a layer of pure silver.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror polish on the tines and bowl with heavily detailed, oxidized, and chased repoussé-style floral and grape vine motifs along the handle, featuring an ornate Rococo revival scroll and a blank cartouche at the terminal.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Typically stamped on the reverse of the handle with the maker's mark 'INTERNATIONAL S' or 'IS' alongside quality indicators denoting silver plate.
Construction Details
Die-struck handles joined to cast or stamped functional fork tines, typical of mid-20th-century mass-production techniques for quality flatware.
Functional Features
Wide, flared tines with openwork cutouts designed specifically for serving leafy salads, cold sliced meats, or large portions without retaining excess liquids.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid metal handle with deep relief ornamentation, flared terminal with an unengraved shield or cartouche, providing an ergonomic and decorative grip.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality mid-century American silver plating featuring crisp, deep relief stamping on the handle and clean symmetrical piercing on the serving head, demonstrating excellent factory execution for its era.
Authentication Indicators
Correct pattern weight, consistent deep-relief die-struck casting on the handle, typical American mid-century backstamp formatting, and natural tarnish patterns associated with aged electroplated nickel silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in the United States, predominantly manufactured in factories across Meriden and Wallingford, Connecticut, representing the height of American silver-plating industry traditions.
Era & Period
Mid-Century / Late Art Deco Era (c. 1930s-1950s), combining traditional Rococo revival motifs with 20th-century manufacturing efficiency.
Age Estimate
Circa 1937 to 1960, based on the introduction date of the Du Barry pattern and the styling typical of mid-century American silverplate service pieces.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the mid-20th-century American tradition of formal dining and home entertaining, where ornate serving pieces were central to the presentation of holiday meals and dinner parties.
Condition Notes
Good vintage condition. Moderate surface scratches and typical wear consistent with age and use. Noticeable natural tarnish (sulfide buildup) across the bowl and recesses, which highlights the dimensional chased details. Silver plating remains largely intact with no obvious base metal bleed-through.
Value Estimate
Estimated market value ranges between $15 to $45 USD depending on overall condition, local demand, and whether it is part of a larger matched set.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash immediately after use with mild soap and warm water. Polish occasionally with a reputable silver cream (such as Wright's or Hagerty) and a soft cloth. Store in an anti-tarnish flannel wrap or Pacific Silvercloth pouch to minimize oxidation.
Similar Pieces
International Silver Company '1847 Rogers Bros. First Love', Reed & Barton 'Francis I' (sterling counterpart), and Gorham 'Strasbourg', though differing significantly in material composition and specific floral motifs.
Interesting Facts
The Du Barry pattern was named in honor of Madame du Barry, the famous mistress of King Louis XV of France, reflecting the enduring popularity of French Rococo and Louis XV design motifs in 20th-century American tableware.