International Silver Company Prince of Wales Feather Plated Platter
Hollowware (Platter, Tray, or Serving Dish) · International Silver Company (ISC). Formed in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut, through a merger of numerous New England silver manufacturers including Meriden Britannia and Rogers Bros. ISC became the world's largest manufacturer of silver products in the early 20th century.
Pattern: Prince of Wales Feather (indicated by the plume crest). While not a specific collection name, it utilizes the iconic ostrich plume motif often associated with traditional English and early American revival patterns.
Type
Hollowware (Platter, Tray, or Serving Dish)
Maker
International Silver Company (ISC). Formed in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut, through a merger of numerous New England silver manufacturers including Meriden Britannia and Rogers Bros. ISC became the world's largest manufacturer of silver products in the early 20th century.
Material
Silver Plate (Electroplated Nickel Silver or Brass). The lack of a 'Sterling' mark and the presence of the ISC manufacturer's logo confirms this is a plated item rather than solid silver.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of 10-14 inches for a standard tray; weight likely between 600-900 grams depending on base metal thickness. The design code 574 suggests a specific production size in the ISC catalog.
Description
This International Silver Company platter is a classic example of American commercial silver-plating at its height. Featuring the regal Prince of Wales ostrich plume crest, the piece projects an air of traditional elegance. The heavy gauge of the base metal indicates a high-quality production run intended for frequent use in a formal dining setting. Its clean, mirrored expanse and central heraldic detail make it a versatile piece for both functional service and display.
Key Features
Distinguished by the ostrich plume maker's mark/crest and the specific catalogue number '574'. The hallmark is deeply struck, which is a sign of original factory production rather than a late-century reproduction.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate (Electroplated Nickel Silver or Brass). The lack of a 'Sterling' mark and the presence of the ISC manufacturer's logo confirms this is a plated item rather than solid silver.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror polish surface with a central stamped/engraved Prince of Wales Ostrich Plume crest. This motif consists of three feathers encircled by a coronet, a symbol of high heraldic tradition. Style is traditional-revival.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The piece features the International Silver Company logo (a cartouche containing a stylized hand/plume), the word 'SILVER COMPANY' stamped below it, and the numerical design code '574'. No purity marks or assay marks are present.
Construction Details
Machine-stamped or die-struck from a sheet of base metal (nickel silver or brass) and subsequently electroplated with a thin layer of fine silver. Produced via industrial manufacturing processes rather than hand-wrought techniques.
Functional Features
Flat or slightly recessed serving surface with a raised rim (lip) to contain liquids; designed for serving hors d'oeuvres, roast meats, or as a decorative base for a tea service.
Handle & Grip Details
Not visible in this view, but typical for this ISC series would be an integral rim or applied scroll-style handles if it is a larger tray.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship. The stamp is crisp and well-centered, and the surface finish was originally a high-grade mirror plate. While machine-made, the quality control of ISC during this era was exceptionally high.
Authentication Indicators
The hallmark is consistent with known ISC marks from the Meriden factory. The wear pattern is appropriate for age, showing random directional scratches rather than uniform machine sanding. Lack of 'Sterling' stamp confirms it is plated.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; likely manufactured in Meriden, Connecticut. ISC utilized high-efficiency factory traditions that dominated the American silver industry for decades.
Era & Period
Early to Mid-20th Century (approx. 1920-1950). This period saw a massive production of 'hotel-grade' or high-quality domestic silver plate by ISC for the growing American middle class.
Age Estimate
Circa 1930-1945. The specific font of the '574' stamp and the clarity of the company strike are consistent with the interwar and immediate post-WWII production era.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury in early 20th-century America, where silver-plated items allowed middle-class families to emulate the 'grand manner' of dining previously reserved for the elite with solid sterling.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. There is significant surface scratching (spider-webbing) consistent with heavy use and cleaning with abrasive pads. No visible 'bleeding' (base metal showing through silver), but the tarnish in the crevices of the hallmark suggests a need for gentle polishing.
Value Estimate
$25.00 - $65.00. Value is primarily decorative/functional rather than intrinsic, as silver plate has negligible melt value. Condition and size play the largest role in final pricing.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild non-abrasive silver cream like Wright's. Avoid 'silver dips' which can strip the thin plating. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth bag to prevent oxidation. Using cotton gloves during handling will prevent acidic finger oils from etching the surface.
Similar Pieces
Similar platters were produced by Rogers Bros (1847) and Reed & Barton in their plated lines. The ISC 574 is more utilitarian than the heavy repoussé patterns like 'Francis I' but more formal than contemporary 'Hotel Plate'.
Interesting Facts
The 'Prince of Wales' feathers date back to Edward, the Black Prince in the 14th century; its use by ISC was intended to give American consumers a sense of British aristocratic pedigree and timelessness.