International Silver Co. Rocaille Pattern Silver Plate Petit Oval Pin Tray
Hollowware (Pin Tray, Small Nut Dish, or Individual Ash Tray) · International Silver Co. (IS), a major American conglomerate founded in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut, which consolidated many famous silversmiths under one manufacture.
Pattern: Rocaille / Baroque style reproduction; characterized by shell and scroll motifs. Often part of mass-marketed giftware lines from the mid-20th century.
Type
Hollowware (Pin Tray, Small Nut Dish, or Individual Ash Tray)
Maker
International Silver Co. (IS), a major American conglomerate founded in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut, which consolidated many famous silversmiths under one manufacture.
Material
Silver plate over base metal (likely white metal or brass). Identified by the duller, slightly yellowish oxidation in the bowl and lack of 'Sterling' stamping.
Dimensions
Approximately 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) in length and 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) in width. Estimated weight is 40-60 grams. Small enough to fit in the palm of a hand.
Description
This charming petit oval tray showcases the ornate Rococo Revival style popularized by International Silver. Featuring a deeply embossed border of shells and scrolls, the piece serves as a versatile vanity or table accessory. While diminutive in size, its heavy ornamentation gives it a formal, antique-inspired aesthetic suitable for a dressing table or a formal dinner service.
Key Features
The 'pierced' look of the shell handles and the consistent repeating scroll-and-bead pattern along the rim reflect high-volume precision die-striking.
Material & Composition
Silver plate over base metal (likely white metal or brass). Identified by the duller, slightly yellowish oxidation in the bowl and lack of 'Sterling' stamping.
Finish & Decoration
Satin-finished bowl with a high-relief die-struck border featuring stylized scallop shells (rocaille), c-scrolls, and acanthus leaf flourishes in the Neo-Rococo style.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Likely stamped on reverse with 'IS' or 'International Silver Co.' followed by 'Silverplate' or a pattern number. No hallmarks visible in the image, but consistent with American plating marks.
Construction Details
Machine-stamped / die-struck from a single sheet of base metal. The border is integral to the piece rather than applied, common in commercial silverplate production.
Functional Features
Raised decorative handles for easy lifting; shallow oval well designed to hold small vanity items like pins, rings, or used as a table salt/nut dish.
Handle & Grip Details
Two integral, pierced shell-form handles located at the poles of the oval. These are molded as part of the tray's perimeter decoration.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial quality; the piece shows excellent symmetry and clean die-work, though it lacks the hand-chased depth found in premium sterling silver counterparts.
Authentication Indicators
The softness of the detail and the specific way the tarnish has settled suggests silverplate rather than solid sterling. The absence of a '925' mark is the primary indicator of its plated status.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States, likely Meriden, Connecticut. Manufactured in a high-volume industrial factory setting focused on accessibility and durability.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Traditional (c. 1950-1970). A period where Victorian and Baroque revival styles were popular for home entertaining and wedding gifts.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1965 based on the style of the relief work and the specific patina of the silverplate typically seen in mid-century American sets.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the post-WWII American desire for 'affordable luxury,' where homeowners sought items that mimicked the grand European silver styles of the 18th century.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. There is noticeable tarnish (sulfide deposits) in the crevices of the border and light surface scratches in the well. The plating appears intact without 'bleeding' of the base metal.
Value Estimate
$10.00 - $25.00 USD. Value is driven by decorative appeal rather than metal content, as silverplate has negligible scrap value.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a non-abrasive silver cream like Wright's. Avoid 'silver dips' which can strip the thin plating. Store in a dry area or a tarnish-resistant cloth bag.
Similar Pieces
Gorham 'Chantilly' silverplate trays or Reed & Barton 'Francis I' giftware. The Gorham versions often have more crisp detail and a higher price point.
Interesting Facts
International Silver Co. was once the world's largest manufacturer of silverware; pieces like this were often sold in department stores like Sears or Macys as part of 'hostess sets'.