International Silver Co. Heritage Pattern Silverplate Flatware
Flatware (identifiable as a handle profile for spoons or forks) · International Silver Co. (IS), specifically produced under the 1847 Rogers Bros. brand. Established in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut, it became the world's largest manufacturer of silverware by consolidating various American silversmiths.
Pattern: Heritage pattern, introduced in 1953. It was a mid-century floral and scroll design that remained popular for several decades but is now discontinued from active production.
Type
Flatware (identifiable as a handle profile for spoons or forks)
Maker
International Silver Co. (IS), specifically produced under the 1847 Rogers Bros. brand. Established in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut, it became the world's largest manufacturer of silverware by consolidating various American silversmiths.
Material
Silver plate over a base metal (usually nickel silver). It is electroplated with a thin layer of pure silver. It does not contain solid sterling silver (.925).
Dimensions
Standard American flatware sizing; likely 6-7 inches for a teaspoon or 7.5 inches for a dinner fork. Weight is typical for high-quality silverplate, generally heavier than stainless steel but without the troy ounce density of sterling.
Description
This piece represents the height of American post-war silverplate manufacturing. The Heritage pattern by 1847 Rogers Bros features a romantic, tiered scrollwork design that cascades down the handle, offering a luxurious feel and substantial weight. It was designed to mimic the opulence of solid sterling at a price point accessible to the growing American middle class.
Key Features
The distinctive 'IS' circle logo, the presence of the '1847 Rogers Bros' mark (the most famous trade name in silverplate history), and the specific floral-scroll 'Heritage' silhouette.
Material & Composition
Silver plate over a base metal (usually nickel silver). It is electroplated with a thin layer of pure silver. It does not contain solid sterling silver (.925).
Finish & Decoration
Polished finish with elaborate Rococo-revival floral and scroll motifs at the terminal and shoulders of the handle. The design features high-relief casting with antiquing in the recessed areas to emphasize the detail.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The stamp visible is the 'IS' mark within a circle, followed by '1847 ROGERS BROS.' This identifies the piece as part of the premium silverplate line from the International Silver Company. The '1847' date is a brand trademark and does not denote the manufacturing year.
Construction Details
Machine-stamped and die-struck. The pattern is applied through tremendous pressure between steel dies, and the silver layer is applied afterward through an electrolytic bath.
Functional Features
Tapered handle for ergonomic grip; the heavy plating is designed for durability under daily use while maintaining the aesthetic appearance of solid silver.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid metal handle (not hollow) integrated into the tool head. The grip features a flared terminal with scrolled edges typical of the 1950s 'Heritage' aesthetic.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial production. The die-striking provides crisp detail that rivals hand-chasing, and the heavy electroplating (often 'Triple' or 'Quadruple' plate) ensures a long-lasting finish compared to cheaper modern silver-colored flatware.
Authentication Indicators
The 'IS' mark and font style are consistent with mid-century International Silver production. The lack of a 'Sterling' or '.925' mark confirms it is electroplate rather than solid silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
USA, Meriden, Connecticut. Manufactured in the historical epicenter of the American silver industry using industrial electroplating traditions.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern / Post-War Traditional (1950s). While produced during the Mid-Century era, the design is a 'Traditionalist' throwback to Romantic and Rococo styles popular for domestic entertaining.
Age Estimate
Circa 1953–1965. The clarity of the stamp and the specific 'IS' logo format used suggests mid-20th-century production shortly after the pattern's launch.
Cultural Significance
Heritage was a staple of bridal registries in the 1950s and 60s. It represents the 'gracious living' movement of the mid-century American home, where formalized dining remained a central social ritual.
Condition Notes
Good condition. Showing moderate surface scratches consistent with use. Tarnish is visible in the crevasses of the pattern. No visible 'bleeding' (base metal showing through silver), though there is some light wear on high points.
Value Estimate
$2 - $8 USD per individual piece. Full sets (standard for 8 or 12) typically sell for $100 - $300 depending on the number of serving pieces and the condition of the silver chest.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream (e.g., Wright's). Avoid abrasive scrubbers which can wear through the silver plate. Store in a tarnish-resistant chest or Pacific Silvercloth to prevent oxidation.
Similar Pieces
1847 Rogers Bros 'First Love' (cleaner lines), 'Adoration' (more geometric), or Gorham 'Chantilly' (the sterling design this likely emulated).
Interesting Facts
Despite the '1847' in the stamp, the Rogers brothers didn't actually perfect their plating process until later, but the date was used for over a century to symbolize the brand's heritage and quality.