International Silver Co. Sterling Silver Fork
Flatware (Fork) · International Silver Co. was a major American silversmith conglomerate founded in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut, combining several prominent silver manufacturers to become the world's largest producer of silverware during the 20th century.
Pattern: Unidentified floral or scroll transitional pattern, likely dating from the mid-20th century.
Type
Flatware (Fork)
Maker
International Silver Co. was a major American silversmith conglomerate founded in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut, combining several prominent silver manufacturers to become the world's largest producer of silverware during the 20th century.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 fine silver and .075 copper), standard composition for American table silver.
Dimensions
Standard dinner fork size, approximately 17-19 cm in length, weighing roughly 40-60 grams depending on the exact gauge.
Description
An elegant American sterling silver dinner fork featuring a classic four-tined design and a subtle floral accent where the handle meets the tines. The handle tapers cleanly to a rounded terminal, displaying the timeless craftsmanship typical of mid-century American silver production.
Key Features
Distinctive small floral motif at the shoulder, clean tapered handle, and standard American sterling weight and proportion.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 fine silver and .075 copper), standard composition for American table silver.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror polish background with a delicate cast floral motif at the junction of the handle and tines. Features a tapered handle design common in mid-century American tableware.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Typically marked on the reverse with the maker's logo and the word 'Sterling'.
Construction Details
Die-struck and machine-finished, standard for 20th-century mass-produced American sterling flatware.
Functional Features
Four-tined eating fork designed for everyday or formal dining use.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver handle with an ergonomic flat, tapered profile widening slightly at the terminal.
Craftsmanship Details
Factory-produced using industrial die-striking methods with hand-buffed surface finishing, exhibiting clean lines and symmetrical tines.
Authentication Indicators
Proportions, weight, and edge finishing are consistent with authentic mid-20th-century American flatware. The presence of tarnish indicates genuine silver content.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in the United States, likely in Meriden, Connecticut, by the International Silver Company.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (1945-1970) or late Art Deco transitional period.
Age Estimate
Circa 1940-1960 based on style and manufacturing techniques.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war American dining culture where sterling silver flatware was a staple of middle-class home entertaining and formal family meals.
Condition Notes
Very Good condition with moderate, natural tarnish (patina) across the surface and minor micro-scratches from previous use and polishing. Structurally sound with no bends or repairs.
Value Estimate
Market value ranges between $25 to $60 USD depending on the current scrap silver value and individual collector demand for replacement flatware pieces.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild dish soap and warm water, or use a specialized silver polish like Wright's Silver Cream with a soft cloth. Store in an anti-tarnish flannel wrap or Pacific Silvercloth bag.
Similar Pieces
Gorham Chantilly or Reed & Barton Francis I forks, though this piece has a much simpler and more understated decorative scheme.
Interesting Facts
International Silver Co. heavily marketed sterling flatware sets to post-WWII brides, making individual pieces widely distributed across American households.