International Silver Co. 'Frontenac' Scalloped Sterling Silver Meat Platter
Hollowware (Meat Platter / Serving Tray) · International Silver Company, based in Meriden, Connecticut. Founded in 1898 through the merger of many top New England silversmiths, it became one of the world's largest sterling and plated silver producers.
Pattern: Chippendale-inspired Scalloped Border pattern; while International produced many variants, this resembles the 'Frontenac' or 'Royal Danish' era plain bordered serving lines introduced in the early-to-mid 20th century.
Type
Hollowware (Meat Platter / Serving Tray)
Maker
International Silver Company, based in Meriden, Connecticut. Founded in 1898 through the merger of many top New England silversmiths, it became one of the world's largest sterling and plated silver producers.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid composition throughout; no weighted elements or base metals.
Dimensions
Estimated 18 to 22 inches in length. Weight is substantial, likely ranging from 35 to 55 troy ounces (1,000 to 1,700 grams) given the 'Heavy' gauge common for this platter size.
Description
A classic American sterling silver meat platter featuring an elegant scalloped border. Its timeless Chippendale-inspired silhouette provides a sophisticated frame for main courses. The heavy gauge of the silver indicates a premium piece intended for formal holiday entertaining and multi-generational use. The central hand-engraved monogram adds a personalized historical touch.
Key Features
Scalloped 'Chippendale' rim, heavy silver gauge, interlaced script monogram, and the 'International Sterling' registry on the underside.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid composition throughout; no weighted elements or base metals.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror-polished surface with a recessed oval well. Features a shaped, scalloped 'Chippendale' style rim with a stepped thread or reed molding. The center is embellished with an interlaced script monogram, likely 'RHS' or 'HSR'.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Likely stamped on the reverse with 'INTERNATIONAL STERLING', followed by the pattern number (often 4-5 digits) and the weight designation 'HEAVY'. American pieces of this era typically lack the complex assay marks of British silver.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed and die-struck from a heavy gauge sheet of sterling silver. The rim is finished with machine-turning to achieve the stepped thread effect. Hand-engraved monogram in the center.
Functional Features
Large oval recessed well designed to contain juices from roasted meats; wide flared rim for easy carrying and presentation. Flat base for stability on a dining surface.
Handle & Grip Details
No separate handles; the wide, flared scalloped rim serves as the integral grip for the server.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial production. The engraving is deep and well-proportioned. The weight is balanced, and the rim finish shows excellent attention to consistency in the scalloped curves.
Authentication Indicators
Symmetry consistent with die-striking; crispness of the rim molding; wear patterns located precisely where carving occurs; and typical American 'Sterling' markings.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States, Meriden, Connecticut. Manufactured in a high-volume industrial silver factory using precision metalworking technology.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (Early American Modern / Traditional Revival), roughly 1940-1960. The design reflects a simplified colonial revival aesthetic popular in post-war American dining.
Age Estimate
Circa 1945–1955. The font of the monogram and the specific rim profile are characteristic of mid-century production cycles.
Cultural Significance
Represents the pinnacle of the 1950s American 'Golden Age' of formal dining, where large-scale sterling serving pieces were essential wedding gifts and symbols of domestic prosperity.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. The surface shows significant 'knife marks' and 'use-wear' scratches in the well, typical of a piece used for carving. Moderate tarnish in the recessed rim details. No visible deep dents or rim warping.
Value Estimate
$1,200 - $1,800 USD based primarily on silver weight (melt value) plus a 20-30% premium for the brand name and functional form. Monograms slightly detract from resale value for some collectors.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver paste like Wright’s Silver Cream. To minimize further scratching, use a plastic or wooden carving board insert when cutting meat. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth bag to prevent tarnish.
Similar Pieces
Gorham 'Chantilly' Platters (more ornate), Tiffany & Co. 'Windham' (more minimalist), or Reed & Barton 'Francis I' (highly ornate repoussé).
Interesting Facts
International Silver Co. was a powerhouse of 20th-century design, employing legendary designers like Alphonse Mucha for specific patterns and providing the 'official' silver for many US Embassies.