International Silver Co. 'Frontenac' Style Repoussé Sterling Silver Divided Serving Dish
Hollowware (Divided Vegetable or Nut Dish) · International Silver Company, a conglomerate of American silversmiths founded in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut. They were one of the world's largest producers of silver, known for high-quality sterling patterns like 'Royal Danish' and 'Joan of Arc.'
Pattern: Likely a variant of 'Frontenac' or 'La Pagode' style floral and fruit repoussé patterns; high-relief botanical motifs were popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Type
Hollowware (Divided Vegetable or Nut Dish)
Maker
International Silver Company, a conglomerate of American silversmiths founded in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut. They were one of the world's largest producers of silver, known for high-quality sterling patterns like 'Royal Danish' and 'Joan of Arc.'
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The base is solid silver rather than plated, given the depth of the repoussé work and the specific tarnish patterns visible in the wells.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of 10-12 inches. Approximate weight between 450 to 650 grams (14.5 - 21 troy oz) based on similar divided sterling server standards.
Description
An opulent example of American silver craft, this divided sterling silver dish features three distinct wells separated by a raised central divider. The broad rim is lavishly adorned with high-relief repoussé work depicting seasonal fruits including pumpkins and grapes, interspersed with delicate floral blossoms. This piece exemplifies the transition from Victorian excess to the more structured elegance of the early 20th century, making it a functional yet highly decorative centerpiece for a formal table.
Key Features
Deep-set repoussé (raised from the back), tri-well configuration, and the inclusion of harvest motifs like pumpkins, which are less common than standard floral patterns.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The base is solid silver rather than plated, given the depth of the repoussé work and the specific tarnish patterns visible in the wells.
Finish & Decoration
Heavy repoussé and chased decoration featuring pumpkins, grapes, and floral blossoms. The surface shows a bright polish with natural oxidation in the recessed chases to highlight the high-relief botanical details. The style is late Victorian/Rococo Revival.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The marks are not visible in the provided image but are expected to be on the reverse base, including 'Sterling,' the company logo (often a 'C' with an 'I' or a knight's head for certain International Silver subsidiaries), and a model number.
Construction Details
The main bowl is raised and die-struck with repoussé detailing. The internal 'Y' shaped divider is likely soldered into the central well, indicated by the smooth transition and slightly different wear patterns at the junction points.
Functional Features
Tri-sectioned divided body for serving multiple items (hors d'oeuvres, nuts, or candies) without mixing. Shallow basin design typical of a sideboard or cocktail party server.
Handle & Grip Details
Non-handled design; the wide, decorated flange (rim) serves as the primary grip area for the user.
Craftsmanship Details
High quality machine-pressed base with evidence of hand-chasing on the berries and leaves to sharpen the edges. The symmetry of the three wells indicates precision factory manufacturing.
Authentication Indicators
The depth and crispness of the repoussé work are consistent with American sterling manufacturing of the 1900s. The 'dots' or small indentations in the wells are tool marks or alignment points from the die-striking process commonly found in authentic period pieces.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States, Meriden, Connecticut. Manufactured in a factory setting using high-pressure dies supplemented by manual chasing for detail.
Era & Period
Late Victorian to Early Edwardian (c. 1895–1915). Characterized by the lush, ornate botanical repoussé work popular before the rise of Art Deco minimalism.
Age Estimate
Circa 1900-1910 based on the botanical motif style and the construction of the divider.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Gilded Age' dining etiquette where specialized dishes were created for every conceivable food item, reflecting the host's wealth and social standing.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. Significant surface micro-scratching from past polishing; some dark tarnish deposits in the crevices of the fruit motifs. No visible major dents or split silver, though the central divider shows some staining that may require professional cleaning.
Value Estimate
$600 – $950 USD, depending on the confirmed weight and the specific manufacturer mark on the underside.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash only with mild soap. Use a high-quality silver cream like Wright's or Hagerty; avoid silver dips which can strip the desirable oxidation from the deep recesses of the repoussé.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. 'Chrysanthemum' bowls (higher value), S. Kirk & Sons 'Floral' repoussé trays (more densely decorated), or Gorham 'Strasbourg' hollowware.
Interesting Facts
International Silver Co. was formed by merging 14 major silver companies. Pieces featuring pumpkins or squash are often specifically sought after by collectors of 'Harvest' themed silver for Thanksgiving decor.