International Silver Co. Perforated Sterling Silver Bon Bon Dish, No. 3557
Hollowware (Bon Bon Dish / Nut Bowl / Small Serving Bowl) · International Silver Company (ISC). Formed in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut, it was a conglomerate of the most prestigious American silver manufacturers. ISC is renowned for dominating the early 20th-century silver market with high-quality sterling and silver-plated goods.
Pattern: Unidentified decorative pattern number 3557. Features a stylized foliate pierced border composed of repeating fleur-de-lis or floral petal motifs.
Type
Hollowware (Bon Bon Dish / Nut Bowl / Small Serving Bowl)
Maker
International Silver Company (ISC). Formed in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut, it was a conglomerate of the most prestigious American silver manufacturers. ISC is renowned for dominating the early 20th-century silver market with high-quality sterling and silver-plated goods.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness). The item is solid silver rather than plated, as indicated by the specific hallmark style and aging of the metal.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter: 12-15 cm (5-6 inches); height: 3 cm (1.2 inches). Estimated weight: 60-90 grams (approx. 2-3 troy oz). It is a standard individual or small table serving size.
Description
An elegant American Sterling Silver Bon Bon dish featuring a classic shallow basin and a decorative pierced border. The piece captures the transition between Victorian ornament and the cleaner lines of the early 20th century. The play of light through the openwork rim makes it a delightful addition to a formal table setting.
Key Features
Diagnostic lozenge-shaped ISC maker's mark; '3557' catalog number; repeating foliate punch-work; rolled edge; high-lustre interior finish.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness). The item is solid silver rather than plated, as indicated by the specific hallmark style and aging of the metal.
Finish & Decoration
Bright-polish internal finish with decorative piercing. The bowl features a radially pierced openwork border with fan-shaped or tulip-like cutouts. The center is a plain, polished mirror reservoir designed to highlight the refractive quality of the silver.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The bowl features a clear '3557' pattern number. Above it is the International Silver Company's 'IS' in a lozenge/diamond mark, which often included the 'Sterling' designation elsewhere on the base (likely obscured or on the outer rim). The stamping is machine-struck for precision.
Construction Details
Machine-spun reservoir with die-cut / punched perforations. The rim appears rolled for structural rigidity. This is a classic example of American industrial silver manufacturing which achieved high quality through mechanical consistency.
Functional Features
Perforated rim for aesthetics and weight reduction; shallow reservoir suitable for small candies (bon bons), nuts, or tea cakes. The low profile allows for easy access on a tea table.
Handle & Grip Details
This is a handleless bowl design, relying on the flared decorative rim for a finger-grip area during service.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship. The symmetry of the die-cut pattern is perfect, showing the mastery of machine-tooling in the Connecticut silver valley during its peak production era.
Authentication Indicators
Hallmark is consistent with early 20th-century ISC branding. The pattern of tarnish and fine scratches is consistent with aged solid sterling. Weight/wall thickness appears industry-standard for the period.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; Meriden, Connecticut. Manufactured by the International Silver Co., likely in one of their primary sterling workshops like the former Wilcox or Meriden Britannia facilities.
Era & Period
Early 20th Century (c. 1910-1940), likely Arts & Crafts or Colonial Revival influence. The geometric simplicity of the reservoir combined with the stylization of the cutouts is typical of the pre-WWII American silver aesthetic.
Age Estimate
Circa 1920-1935. The pattern numbering and hallmark style align with ISC production during the interwar period.
Cultural Significance
Represented the accessibility of 'luxury' to the growing American middle class during the early 20th century, where sterling silver items were essential for proper social entertaining and gift-giving (weddings, anniversaries).
Condition Notes
Fair to Good condition. Significant surface scratches (swirl marks) indicate frequent use and cleaning with abrasive clothes. Heavy iridescent tarnish (gold/purple hues) suggests prolonged atmospheric exposure. No apparent deep dents or structural cracks, but needs a professional hand-polish.
Value Estimate
$75 - $125 USD (Melt value is roughly $50-$70; collector value adds a premium for maker and condition).
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild non-abrasive silver cream (e.g., Wright's). Use a soft horsehair brush for the pierced holes to remove dried polish. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth bag to prevent the heavy oxidation seen in the photo.
Similar Pieces
Comparable to items by Gorham (Chantilly-style piercing) or Wallace. International Silver also produced similar designs in 'Silver Plate', but the presence of the number 3557 and specific hallmark usually distinguishes the sterling line.
Interesting Facts
The International Silver Co. was once the largest manufacturer of silverware in the world. Their pattern numbers (like 3557) allow collectors to track specific designs across different subsidiary brands.