International Silver Co. 'Silversheen' Pattern Silverplate Flatware Handle
Flatware (Single Fork, Spoon, or Knife handle portion) · International Silver Company (IS), Meriden, CT. Formed in 1898 from a conglomerate of major American silver manufacturers. They were once the largest silver company in the world, known for widely distributing both sterling and high-grade silverplate.
Pattern: Silversheen pattern, introduced in 1933. It is currently a discontinued pattern, common in the mid-20th century.
Type
Flatware (Single Fork, Spoon, or Knife handle portion)
Maker
International Silver Company (IS), Meriden, CT. Formed in 1898 from a conglomerate of major American silver manufacturers. They were once the largest silver company in the world, known for widely distributing both sterling and high-grade silverplate.
Material
Silverplate on base metal (likely nickel silver/white metal). The visible 'IS' and company branding indicate electroplated nickel silver (EPNS) rather than solid sterling.
Dimensions
Standard luncheon or dinner flatware scale. Approximately 15cm to 19cm in length; weight varies by form (spoon vs fork) but generally around 35-50 grams per piece.
Description
An elegant example of American Depression-era silverplate, the Silversheen pattern by International Silver captures the optimism of the Art Deco movement. Its clean, vertical lines are softened by delicate floral medallions, making it a versatile pattern for the middle-class American table of the 1930s. The surface often shows a high-luster finish when polished, living up to its name.
Key Features
Clipped corners on the finial; dual-floral medallion arrangement; vertical pinstripe borders; stamped 'IS' branding.
Material & Composition
Silverplate on base metal (likely nickel silver/white metal). The visible 'IS' and company branding indicate electroplated nickel silver (EPNS) rather than solid sterling.
Finish & Decoration
Art Deco style with a mixture of satin and bright-cut textures. Features a central floral motif at the finial (end of handle) and a smaller floral design toward the neck. The handle has a clipped/notched shoulder and vertical line borders characteristic of the 1930s streamline aesthetic.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped on the back of the handle: 'IS' (International Silver) inside a circle, followed by 'SILVERSHEE' or similar regional branding. It may also bear the 'Extra Plate' or 'Original Rogers' designation common for this line.
Construction Details
Industrial die-struck construction. This is a machine-manufactured piece where the pattern was pressed into a sheet of base metal then electroplated with a thin layer of pure silver.
Functional Features
Tapered handle for grip; heavy plating designed for daily durability and repeated polishing. No specialized mechanical features.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid metal handle with a flat-back profile. Features a clipped-corner finial which provides a modern, geometric feel common in the post-Victorian era.
Craftsmanship Details
Quality industrial production. The chasing is clearly machine-stamped with high precision but lacks the depth and variation of hand-chased sterling items from the same period.
Authentication Indicators
The 'IS' mark is a definitive indicator of International Silver silverplate. The depth of the die-striking and the specific 'Silversheen' name verify its place in the 1930s catalog. Lack of any '925' or 'Sterling' marks confirms this is a plated item.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States; manufactured in Meriden, Connecticut, the 'Silver City' during the height of American flatware production.
Era & Period
Art Deco/Depression Era (1930s). The design reflects the transition from ornate floral motifs to more geometric, streamlined industrial shapes.
Age Estimate
Circa 1933–1940. The pattern was most prevalent during the early 1930s following its introduction in 1933.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of 'fine dining' in the 20th century, where mass-produced electroplated goods allowed for sophisticated table settings in middle-income households.
Condition Notes
Good-to-Fair. Shows moderate surface tarnish (sulfide oxidation) and 'plate wear' where the base metal is beginning to peek through on high-friction areas (heels and tines). Significant surface scratching consistent with age and dishwasher use.
Value Estimate
$2 - $10 USD per individual piece. Value is primarily in its utility for completing sets or as a 'shabby chic' vintage collectible; it has no significant bullion value.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream (e.g., Wright's) using a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive sponges which will strip the thin silver layer. Store in a tarnish-resistant chest or Pacific Silvercloth to prevent oxidation.
Similar Pieces
Oneida 'Coronation' (1936) or Community Plate 'Morning Star'. Both share the Art Deco-to-Floral transition but differ in the specific finial shape.
Interesting Facts
International Silver survived the Great Depression by offering durable, stylish patterns like Silversheen that looked like expensive sterling but were affordable for the average family.