International Silver Company Electroplated Hollowware Bowl
Hollowware (Bowl/Compote) · International Silver Co. (IS), Meriden, Connecticut. Founded in 1898, this firm united many of the most prestigious New England silver manufacturers. They were once the largest silver manufacturer in the world.
Pattern: Unidentified pattern number 914. Part of the commercial or hotel-ware hollowware lines produced for mass market and institutional use.
Type
Hollowware (Bowl/Compote)
Maker
International Silver Co. (IS), Meriden, Connecticut. Founded in 1898, this firm united many of the most prestigious New England silver manufacturers. They were once the largest silver manufacturer in the world.
Material
Silver Plate (Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS). The piece is made of a base metal alloy, typically nickel, copper, and zinc, which has been electrochemically coated with a thin layer of fine silver.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter: 10-15 cm (4-6 inches). Weight is substantial due to the nickel silver base metal, estimated at 200-400 grams depending on wall thickness.
Description
A utilitarian yet elegant example of American industrial silver plate. This bowl embodies the mid-20th-century shift toward mass-produced, high-quality tableware. Its heavy-gauge construction was designed for longevity, making it a staple in American dining rooms and commercial establishments.
Key Features
The script 'International Silver Co.' logo and the clear '914' model number. The substantial weight and thickness of the metal are hallmarks of IS quality plating.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate (Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS). The piece is made of a base metal alloy, typically nickel, copper, and zinc, which has been electrochemically coated with a thin layer of fine silver.
Finish & Decoration
Satin to mirror polish finish with a plain, unadorned design typical of mid-20th-century functionalism. Features a rounded body and a flat base. Noted for its 'hotel' style clean lines.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The underside is stamped with the script 'International Silver Co' logo and the production or model number '914'. The absence of the word 'Sterling' or '.925' confirms it is plated.
Construction Details
Machine-made using the spinning process, where a flat sheet of metal is rotated on a lathe and pressed over a mandrel. The base appears integrated rather than soldered as a separate foot.
Functional Features
General-purpose bowl likely intended for serving nuts, condiments, or used as a finger bowl in a formal dining or hospitality setting.
Handle & Grip Details
No handles or grips present; the rim is likely simple and rolled or flat-edged to maintain a minimalist aesthetic.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial quality. While not hand-wrought, the symmetry of the spin-work and the depth of the stamp show a high level of factory quality control typical of 20th-century Connecticut silversmithing.
Authentication Indicators
The mark is consistent with authentic International Silver Co. stamps of the era. The wear pattern on the base is consistent with sliding across tables over several decades.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America, specifically Meriden, Connecticut, the 'Silver City'. Manufactured in one of the large-scale industrial factories owned by International Silver.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern / Industrial Era (c. 1930-1960). The style reflects the transition toward durable, easy-to-clean silver used in American households and hotels.
Age Estimate
Circa 1940-1955. The script font of the maker's mark and the aesthetic of the numbering are consistent with mid-century production.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury in the mid-20th century, where silver-plated items allowed middle-class families to follow formal dining etiquette previously reserved for the wealthy.
Condition Notes
Good condition. Displays visible atmospheric tarnish with a yellowish-purple hue (iridescence) which is common for silver plate. Minor surface scratches and shelf wear on the base. No visible 'bleeding' (base metal showing through).
Value Estimate
$15 - $35 USD. Value is driven by utility and 'shabby chic' decor appeal rather than precious metal content, as silver plate has negligible scrap value.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Use a non-abrasive cream like Wright's Silver Cream to remove tarnish. Avoid 'silver dips' which can strip the thin plating over time.
Similar Pieces
Reed & Barton silver-plated bowls, Gorham 'Heritage' silver-plate line, or Oneida Community Plate. These competitors offer similar hotel-weight durability but differ in their specific maker marks.
Interesting Facts
International Silver Co. was the primary supplier for the U.S. Navy and many major railroad dining cars during the era this bowl was produced, leading to a high survival rate for these durable pieces.