American Sterling Silver Serrated Utility or Bread Knife by International Silver Co.
Flatware - Serrated Knife · International Silver Company (ISC). Formed in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut as a corporation of numerous American silver manufacturers.
Pattern: Likely Courtship or a similar mid-20th-century floral/scroll pattern (limited visibility). Patterns of this era often remained in production for decades.
Type
Flatware - Serrated Knife
Maker
International Silver Company (ISC). Formed in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut as a corporation of numerous American silver manufacturers.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) handle with a stainless steel blade. Common for 20th-century flatware to use stainless for functional cutting edges.
Dimensions
Estimated length 8-9 inches. Weight is predominantly in the stainless steel blade; the silver handle is likely hollow-ware construction and thin-walled.
Description
This American sterling silver utility knife represents the peak of mid-century mass-produced elegance. Featuring a hollow sterling handle and a high-carbon stainless steel blade, it combines the aesthetic of fine silver with the durability of modern metallurgy.
Key Features
Integrated serrated top edge, hollow-handle construction, and the specific '1847' or 'C' series numeric stamping on the blade neck.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) handle with a stainless steel blade. Common for 20th-century flatware to use stainless for functional cutting edges.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror polish finish on the blade with a serrated upper edge. The handle likely features die-struck floral or scrollwork hallmarks and light oxidation in recesses to highlight the design.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The blade is stamped with '1847 ROGERS BROS.' or a similar numeric patent/serial mark like 'C234' visible in the blur. Handle would typically be stamped 'STERLING'.
Construction Details
Hollow-handle construction. The sterling handle is die-struck in two halves and soldered, with the stainless blade cemented into the handle socket.
Functional Features
Serrated top edge and traditional cutting edge suggest a multi-use utility or bar knife for slicing citrus or bread.
Handle & Grip Details
Hollow sterling silver handle, likely filled with a cement or resin compound to secure the blade tang. Ergonomic flat-profile common to 1940s-50s flatware.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-manufactured via high-pressure die-striking. High consistency and durability, though lacks the unique character of hand-chased silver.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of numeric stamps consistent with International Silver Co. cataloging and the standard two-piece hollow-handle assembly common to American sterling.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States, Meriden, Connecticut. Manufactured by International Silver Co., once the world's largest silver manufacturer.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern / Post-War Era (c. 1945-1960). Indicators include the use of stainless steel and the specific stamping style.
Age Estimate
Circa 1940-1955 based on the font of the numeric stamp and the blade profile.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Golden Age' of American flatware when middle-class households transitioned from silverplate to full sterling service sets for formal dining.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible heavy tarnish (sulfide deposits) on the handle transition. Scratches on the blade suggest frequent use and possible abrasive cleaning.
Value Estimate
$35 - $65 USD. Value is driven by the silver scrap weight of the handle and pattern demand rather than antique rarity.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash only; never place in a dishwasher as heat can melt the handle cement. Use a high-quality cream like Wright's Silver Cream for the handle.
Similar Pieces
Gorham Chantilly Utility Knife (more ornate), Wallace Grand Baroque (heavier weight), or Towle Old Master (different floral motif).
Interesting Facts
International Silver was the successor to the Rogers Brothers, who pioneered the electroplating process in the US before moving into high-end sterling production.