International Silver Co. Silver Plate Hollowware, Model 1503
Hollowware (likely a Tray, Platter, or Bowl) · International Silver Company (IS). This specific mark, featuring the globe inside a diamond, represents the Canadian division of the conglomerate formed in 1898. It is a major North American manufacturer known for high-quality production across all price points.
Pattern: Pattern No. 1503 (likely a plain or mid-century commercial design); production status is discontinued.
Type
Hollowware (likely a Tray, Platter, or Bowl)
Maker
International Silver Company (IS). This specific mark, featuring the globe inside a diamond, represents the Canadian division of the conglomerate formed in 1898. It is a major North American manufacturer known for high-quality production across all price points.
Material
Silver Plate (Electroplated White Metal or Nickel Silver). The lack of a 'Sterling' or '.925' mark confirms this is a plated item, typically consisting of a thin layer of silver over a base of nickel or brass.
Dimensions
Estimated 10 to 14 inches based on typical hollowware for this catalog series. Weight is likely substantial due to the dense base metal, often between 500-900 grams.
Description
A classic piece of mid-century Canadian silver plate hollowware, this item represents the industrial excellence of International Silver Co. It features a bright, reflective finish and robust construction meant for daily use in a middle-class home or institutional setting.
Key Features
The distinctive International Silver Canadian diamond-globe mark and the stamped catalog number '1503'.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate (Electroplated White Metal or Nickel Silver). The lack of a 'Sterling' or '.925' mark confirms this is a plated item, typically consisting of a thin layer of silver over a base of nickel or brass.
Finish & Decoration
Bright mirror polish finish. The surface shown is highly reflective with visible cleaning/scuff marks. The design appears streamlined and utilitarian, characteristic of mid-20th-century commercial or residential hollowware.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Diamond-shaped logo containing a globe/grid pattern with a 'C' (International Silver Co. of Canada mark), 'MADE IN CANADA', design number '45', and larger catalog number '1503'.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured through industrial pressing or spinning. The stamps are die-struck with clean, sharp edges typical of mid-century industrial mass production.
Functional Features
General service piece; likely features a flat or slightly recessed interior for serving food or holding tea service components.
Handle & Grip Details
Undetermined from image, but likely integrated silver-plated handles if a tray, or no handles if a simple bowl or platter.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial quality; high precision in the striking of stamps and uniform surface tension, though lacking the unique character of hand-wrought silver.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic manufacturer markings. The crispness of the 'Made in Canada' stamp and the standardized font for the numbers are consistent with the factory's 20th-century output.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Canada, likely at the International Silver Co. factory in Niagara Falls, Ontario, which served the Commonwealth market.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern / Post-War Era (c. 1945-1965). The clean typography and industrial mark style are indicative of this period.
Age Estimate
Circa 1945-1955. The stamping '45' may refer to a specific production batch or year within the mid-century period.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war boom in 'at-home' entertaining and the accessibility of silver-styled luxury items for the growing middle class in North America.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. Significant surface micro-scratching/scuffing from previous polishing and use. No visible 'bleeding' (base metal showing through), but surface wear is consistent with age.
Value Estimate
$20 - $50 USD. Market value for individual mid-century plated hollowware remains modest unless it is a large set or a rare designer-led pattern.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream (Wright's) and a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive 'dip' cleaners which can strip the thin silver layer. Dry immediately to prevent water spots.
Similar Pieces
Birks Silver Plate (rival Canadian maker), Benedict Proctor, and Oneida Community Plate. These are often heavier and more durable than modern cheap plating.
Interesting Facts
International Silver's Canadian plant was a major exporter to other British Commonwealth nations due to favorable trade tariffs, making these pieces common in Canada, the UK, and Australia.