International Silver Co. Richelieu Pattern Silver Plate Spoons
Flatware (Spoons) · International Silver Co. (IS), specifically under the William Rogers & Son or 1847 Rogers Bros. brand umbrella. The International Silver Co. was formed in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut, by combining numerous American silver manufacturers.
Pattern: Richelieu, introduced in 1892 (originally by Wm. Rogers & Son). This is a highly popular Rococo-revival pattern known for its fluid scrollwork and delicate floral accents.
Type
Flatware (Spoons)
Maker
International Silver Co. (IS), specifically under the William Rogers & Son or 1847 Rogers Bros. brand umbrella. The International Silver Co. was formed in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut, by combining numerous American silver manufacturers.
Material
Silver Plate (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver). The presence of the "EXTRA" and "PLATE" stamps on the stems indicates a layer of silver over a base metal of nickel silver. There is no "Sterling" mark, confirming these are plated.
Dimensions
Approximately 6 inches (15 cm) for teaspoons or 7 inches (18 cm) for place spoons. Weight is significantly heavier than sterling due to the dense nickel-brass alloy base metal.
Description
This set of spoons in the 'Richelieu' pattern represents the height of American silverplate manufacturing. Featuring an exuberant display of scrolls and floral motifs, the design captures the opulence of the Gilded Age dining table. The 'Extra Plate' quality ensured these pieces could withstand daily use while maintaining the appearance of solid sterling silver.
Key Features
The distinct 'waisted' handle with high-relief scrollwork and the 'Richelieu' identifying scrolls at the bowl-to-stem transition. The 'EXTRA PLATE' stamp is a diagnostic indicator of its silverplate status.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver). The presence of the "EXTRA" and "PLATE" stamps on the stems indicates a layer of silver over a base metal of nickel silver. There is no "Sterling" mark, confirming these are plated.
Finish & Decoration
Bright mirror polish with ornate Rococo-style decoration. The pattern features scrolled edges, foliate motifs, and a distinct lobed neck. The decoration is struck from high-quality steel dies to create deep, crisp relief.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped on the reverse stem: "WM ROGERS & SON" (or similar IS brand), "EXTRA", and "PLATE". The "EXTRA" stamp was a marketing term used by American silverplate manufacturers to indicate a heavier-than-standard layer of silver electroplating.
Construction Details
Machine-stamped/die-struck from heavy gauge base metal sheets and then electroplated. This was the pinnacle of industrial flatware production in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Functional Features
Deep bowls for liquid retention with reinforced neck joins for structural durability. The handles are flared for a comfortable ergonomic grip.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid handle construction (not hollow). The Richelieu pattern features a 'Kings' style silhouette with C-scrolls and stylized shell-like flourishes at the terminal.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship. The die-striking is exceptional, providing a level of detail that rivals contemporary sterling silver. The plating is 'Extra' grade, indicating a superior durability compared to budget-grade electroplate.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic International Silver Co. production. The stamps are crisp and consistent with late 19th-century factory markings. The weight and lack of a 'Sterling' or '.925' mark correctly identify it as plated ware.
Origin & Manufacturing
Meriden, Connecticut, USA. Manufactured in the centralized workshops of the International Silver Company, which dominated the American silver market.
Era & Period
Late Victorian / Gilded Age (c. 1890-1910). The design reflects the Victorian era's obsession with French Rococo (Louis XV) stylistic elements.
Age Estimate
Circa 1895-1920. While the pattern was introduced in 1892, the specific stamping style and 'Extra Plate' designation suggest a production date from the turn of the century.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the democratization of luxury in 19th-century America. Silverplate allowed middle-class families to participate in the elaborate multi-course dining rituals previously reserved for the aristocracy.
Condition Notes
Very Good condition. There is light surface scratching consistent with age and use. No visible 'bleeding' (where the base metal shows through the silver), which is common on high-quality IS pieces. Light tarnish is present in the crevices of the pattern.
Value Estimate
$5 - $15 per spoon. Value is primarily aesthetic/functional rather than based on metal content, as silverplate has negligible scrap value. Rarity of the specific piece (e.g., a soup ladle vs. a teaspoon) impacts the price.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream like Wright’s. Avoid 'silver dips' which can strip the thin layer of plating. Store in Pacific Silvercloth to prevent oxidation of the silver layer. Do not put in the dishwasher, as the heat and chemicals can cause the plating to peel.
Similar Pieces
Gorham 'Chantilly' (Sterling), Wallace 'Grand Baroque' (Sterling), or Reed & Barton 'L'Elegant'. These are often confused with Richelieu due to the similar scroll-and-shell design language.
Interesting Facts
The Richelieu pattern was so successful that it influenced many later 'Grand Baroque' style patterns. It was marketed as an affordable luxury for the expanding American middle class who wanted the aesthetic of Tiffany or Gorham at a fraction of the cost.