International Silver Company 'Nassau' Pattern Silver-Plated Teaspoon
Flatware - Teaspoon · International Silver Company (IS), a major American conglomerate formed in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut, through the merger of various New England silversmiths including Rogers Bros and Forbes Silver Co.
Pattern: Nassau (also known by some as a variation of a Victory or floral-geometric pattern), introduced circa 1930s-1940s. It is an inactive pattern typical of mid-century mass-market production.
Type
Flatware - Teaspoon
Maker
International Silver Company (IS), a major American conglomerate formed in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut, through the merger of various New England silversmiths including Rogers Bros and Forbes Silver Co.
Material
Silver-plated base metal (likely nickel silver/EPNS). This is common for 'International Silver' marked pieces without the 'Sterling' stamp. The base metal is a copper-nickel-zinc alloy with an electrolytic silver coating.
Dimensions
Standard teaspoon size, approximately 6 inches (15.2 cm) in length. Estimated weight: 25-35 grams. It has a standard oval bowl suitable for general dining.
Description
This is a utilitarian silver-plated teaspoon in a classic multi-motif pattern common to mid-century American households. The handle features a distinct mix of architectural Art Deco lines at the terminal and a charming floral cluster above a blank name-plate. The piece carries heavy natural patina and tarnish, typical of silver plate that has been stored without protection from atmospheric sulfur.
Key Features
Distinctive floral-to-geometric transition; rectangular blank cartouche for engraving located in the lower third of the handle; chevron-style bolster at the bowl junction.
Material & Composition
Silver-plated base metal (likely nickel silver/EPNS). This is common for 'International Silver' marked pieces without the 'Sterling' stamp. The base metal is a copper-nickel-zinc alloy with an electrolytic silver coating.
Finish & Decoration
Die-struck relief decoration featuring Art Deco geometric vertical linework at the tip, transitioning into a floral motif with a central rose/flower and scrollwork. It includes a rectangular monogram cartouche (currently blank) and a stylized shield/chevron design at the top of the handle neck.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Typically stamped on the reverse with 'INTERNATIONAL SILVER CO.' or 'IS'. If no 'Sterling' or '.925' mark is present, the piece is confirmed as silver plate. Marks on such pieces are usually machine-pressed.
Construction Details
Machine-made and die-struck. The piece is stamped from a sheet of base metal using high-pressure dies to create the pattern, then trimmed and electroplated in a silver bath.
Functional Features
Standard oval bowl for stirring or light dining; tapered handle for ergonomic grip. The construction is solid and rigid, designed for daily endurance.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid metal handle with integrated decoration. The grip is wider at the terminal (end) and tapers toward the bowl. The surface is heavily tarnished with moderate abrasive wear.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial quality. The relief is clear but lacks the depth of hand-chased sterling. The edges are mechanically smoothed, and the thickness is uniform, indicating a high-volume factory production origin.
Authentication Indicators
The design is consistent with International Silver Company's mass-market catalog; the lack of 'Sterling' marks indicates plated construction; wear patterns show base metal exposure characteristic of vintage electroplate.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America, likely Connecticut (Meriden or Wallingford). International Silver was the largest flatware manufacturer in the world during this timeframe.
Era & Period
Mid-Century / Art Deco Transition (c. 1930-1950). The design blends the rigid verticality of Art Deco with the traditional floral motifs popular in American domestic settings during the Depression and post-war eras.
Age Estimate
Circa 1935-1945. The pattern and 'International Silver' branding style are consistent with mass-produced retail sets from the mid-20th century.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury in early-to-mid 20th century America, where middle-class families could own 'silver' sets that mimicked the ornate designs of expensive sterling at a fraction of the cost.
Condition Notes
Fair condition. Significant tarnish (sulfide oxidation) covering the entire surface. There is visible 'heel wear' on the back of the bowl and some loss of silver plating along the edges of the handle, revealing the yellowish nickel-silver base metal underneath.
Value Estimate
$1.00 - $5.00 USD. Silver-plated teaspoons from mass-market manufacturers have very little resale value beyond their utility as replacements for existing sets or as decorative 'shabby chic' items.
Care & Maintenance
Polish with a mild non-abrasive cream like Wright’s Silver Cream. Avoid chemical dips as they can strip the thin silver layer. Store in a tarnish-resistant chest or Pacific silver cloth to prevent further oxidation.
Similar Pieces
Oneida Community Plate patterns, Holmes & Edwards 'DeepSilver', or Gorham's silver-plated division. These competitors offered similar floral-geometric hybrids during the same era.
Interesting Facts
International Silver Co. provided much of the flatware for the U.S. military during WWII and for major hotel chains, making their patterns some of the most widely distributed silver items in American history.