International Silver Co. Silver Plated Tray or Serving Piece
Hollowware Tray or Platter · International Silver Co. (IS), a major American manufacturer formed in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut, combining several silver companies including Rogers & Brother and Holmes & Edwards. Known for mass production of affordable and high-quality silverware.
Pattern: Standard utility or decorative serving piece line, likely part of an unbranded or utilitarian hospitality/home service catalog.
Type
Hollowware Tray or Platter
Maker
International Silver Co. (IS), a major American manufacturer formed in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut, combining several silver companies including Rogers & Brother and Holmes & Edwards. Known for mass production of affordable and high-quality silverware.
Material
Silver Plated over base metal (likely nickel silver or brass), indicated by the 'B.P.' (Britannia metal or Bright Plate / Base Metal / Battery Plated depending on context, though often denotes base metal or brass plate in specific maker eras).
Dimensions
Standard medium serving tray size, estimated length roughly 30-40 cm, width 20-25 cm, weight appropriate for silverplate over base metal.
Description
A classic silver-plated serving tray or platter produced by the International Silver Company. The piece features a clean, utilitarian aesthetic typical of mid-century American dining accessories, complete with a distinct stamped maker's hallmark along the structural rim.
Key Features
Clear manufacturer stamp including 'INTERNATIONAL SILVER CO.' and 'B.P.', smooth reflective silver-plated surface, sturdy industrial construction.
Material & Composition
Silver Plated over base metal (likely nickel silver or brass), indicated by the 'B.P.' (Britannia metal or Bright Plate / Base Metal / Battery Plated depending on context, though often denotes base metal or brass plate in specific maker eras).
Finish & Decoration
Smooth reflective polished surface with a raised border, characteristic of mid-20th-century functional hollowware.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Impressed maker's mark reading 'INTERNATIONAL SILVER CO. B.P.' on the rim or underside.
Construction Details
Machine-stamped or rolled sheet metal construction with applied raised rims, typical of industrial twentieth-century manufacturing.
Functional Features
Raised rim to prevent items from sliding off, designed for serving beverages, tea sets, or small hors d'oeuvres.
Handle & Grip Details
Integrated rim handles or simple rectangular tray edge configuration without separate applied handles.
Craftsmanship Details
Commercial machine-stamped production focused on durability, uniformity, and affordability rather than hand-wrought artisanal techniques.
Authentication Indicators
The characteristic sans-serif or block-letter stamping format used by International Silver Company during the mid-20th century aligns with known authentic factory markings.
Origin & Manufacturing
Meriden, Connecticut, United States; produced by the International Silver Company factories.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (circa 1930s-1960s based on the block lettering style of the International Silver Co. stamp).
Age Estimate
Circa 1940-1960, based on the font style and typical stamping conventions of International Silver Co. during the mid-century era.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the post-WWII American domestic ideal of accessible hospitality, where silver-plated hollowware allowed middle-class families to host with elegance.
Condition Notes
Moderate surface tarnish (sulfide deposits), minor micro-scratches from use, and potential silverplate thinning along high-friction areas. Graded as Good to Very Good condition.
Value Estimate
Estimated market value ranges between $20 and $60 USD, depending on exact size, weight, and surface condition.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a gentle silver cream such as Wright's Silver Cream and a soft microfiber cloth. Store in a tarnish-resistant bag or flannel wrap to prevent environmental sulfur exposure.
Similar Pieces
Platters and trays by competitors like Wallace, Gorham, or Oneida in silverplate.
Interesting Facts
International Silver Co. was once the largest manufacturer of silverware in the world, supplying households, hotels, and steamships across America.