International Silver Company Silver-Plated Hollowware Piece
Hollowware (Service Tray or Platter) · International Silver Co. (IS), a dominant American corporation formed in 1898 through the merger of various independent New England silversmiths. Its brands represented the height of middle-class American table service for a century.
Pattern: Pattern No. 914. While the specific name depends on the border design not visible in this macro photo, the numerical designation 914 refers to the shape and production run used for trays or bowls.
Type
Hollowware (Service Tray or Platter)
Maker
International Silver Co. (IS), a dominant American corporation formed in 1898 through the merger of various independent New England silversmiths. Its brands represented the height of middle-class American table service for a century.
Material
Silver Plate (Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS). The image shows a base metal characteristic of nickel silver (a copper-nickel-zinc alloy) visible through localized oxidation and wear of the thin silver layer.
Dimensions
Estimated length 12-16 inches for a platter of this numbering sequence; weight is typically substantial due to the dense base metal, approximately 800-1200 grams.
Description
This is a utilitarian silver-plated hollowware piece from the International Silver Company, characterized by its sturdy construction and classic numerical cataloging. It represents the quintessential American approach to providing the look of luxury silver at a price point accessible to the average household.
Key Features
Cursive 'International Silver Co.' logo and the clear '914' model number. The satin-like surface grain is a hallmark of hotel-grade or heavy-use domestic plating.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate (Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS). The image shows a base metal characteristic of nickel silver (a copper-nickel-zinc alloy) visible through localized oxidation and wear of the thin silver layer.
Finish & Decoration
Satin brushed or matte finish on the central field, likely featuring a polished or decorative rim (unseen). The surface shows significant micro-scratching from use and 'bleeding' of the base metal through the silver plating.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The stamp reads 'International Silver Co.' in a cursive script above the catalog number '914'. The absence of the word 'Sterling' or '925' confirms this as silver-plated ware.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed or die-struck from a flat sheet of nickel silver, following which the piece was electroplated with pure silver. This was the standard industrial method for mass-produced American hollowware.
Functional Features
Flat central well designed for serving tea services or food; often featured a low raised rim to prevent spills or sliding of contents.
Handle & Grip Details
Often features integrated cast handles or a simple rolled edge; purely functional and industrially attached.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial manufacturing. The stamping of the logo is crisp, though the piece lacks the hand-finishing or chasing found in premium sterling silver collections.
Authentication Indicators
The mark matches known stamps for the Meriden factories; the '914' is a documented pattern number for IS trays; the wear pattern is consistent with electroplated nickel silver rather than solid sterling.
Origin & Manufacturing
Meriden, Connecticut, USA. Known as the 'Silver City,' home to the International Silver Company's massive manufacturing plants.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (likely 1940s-1960s). This period saw a high volume of production of the 900-series patterns for domestic and hotel use.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950. The branding style and numerical font are consistent with mid-century mass production catalogs.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of formal dining in post-war America, where silver-plated trays became a standard wedding gift and household staple.
Condition Notes
Good to Fair. The surface shows heavy scratching, localized pitting near the logo, and potential 'bleeding' where the silver plate is thinning. No structural cracks are visible, but the finish is dull and requires restoration.
Value Estimate
$15.00 - $45.00 USD. Value is nominal as it is silver-plated rather than solid silver; current market demand for mid-century plated hollowware remains low unless a sought-after designer pattern.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soap and water; use a non-abrasive silver cream (like Wright's). Do not use dips, as they can accelerate the stripping of the already thin silver layer from the nickel base.
Similar Pieces
Oneida Community Plate, Reed & Barton silver-plate trays, or Wallace silver-plated platters. These differ primarily in their specific maker's mark and proprietary pattern numbers.
Interesting Facts
The International Silver Company provided thousands of silver-plated sets for the U.S. Navy and major railroad lines, emphasizing durability over intrinsic metal value.