International Silver Company Three-Light Silver-Plated Candelabra
Candelabra · International Silver Company (IS), Meriden, Connecticut. Formed in 1898 through the merger of many top American silversmiths, IS became the largest manufacturer of silver and silver plate globally.
Pattern: C31 Repousse-Style Scroll. This is a generic rococo-revival pattern widely produced mid-century.
Type
Candelabra
Maker
International Silver Company (IS), Meriden, Connecticut. Formed in 1898 through the merger of many top American silversmiths, IS became the largest manufacturer of silver and silver plate globally.
Material
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS) or Silver Plate over a base white metal. Note the greenish oxidation in the base, indicative of copper/nickel alloy corrosion rather than sterling silver.
Dimensions
Approximately 10 inches in height with a 10-12 inch spread; likely fairly heavy due to the cast metal arms and weighted or hollow base.
Description
This is a classic three-light silver-plated candelabra featuring elegant S-scroll reeded arms. The piece is decorated with ornate floral motifs on the bobeches and base, reflecting the 18th-century Rococo style adapted for the mid-20th-century home. The central column is topped with a decorative flame finial, adding a vertical flourish to the design.
Key Features
The 'Made in England' stamp paired with IS-style numbering; Rococo revival floral patterns; three-light configuration with reeded arms.
Material & Composition
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS) or Silver Plate over a base white metal. Note the greenish oxidation in the base, indicative of copper/nickel alloy corrosion rather than sterling silver.
Finish & Decoration
Bright mirror polish with ornate repousse-style floral and foliate borders on the candle cups and base. Features a central flame-style finial and swept, reeded scroll arms in the Rococo Revival style.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'MADE IN ENGLAND' and 'C31'. The presence of 'ENGLAND' suggests this specific piece was contracted to a British workshop for the International Silver brand or distributed through their international network.
Construction Details
Machine-made production piece. The arms are likely hollow-cast and soldered to the central column. The base shows an open bottom with a visible central screw or mounting point and greenish corrosion, indicating it is not solid sterling.
Functional Features
Three candle sockets (lights). Fixed arms (non-modular) and a central decorative finial which can sometimes be removed on higher-end models to convert to a single candlestick (though this appears fixed).
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - The reeded arms serve as the support structure and are typical of mid-20th-century silver-plated hollowware.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard industrial production level. The floral patterns are die-struck or cast rather than hand-chased. The assembly uses standard industrial soldering and a central alignment screw.
Authentication Indicators
The lack of 'Sterling' or '925' marks, combined with the 'Made in England' export stamp and the base corrosion, confirms this is a silver-plated item rather than sterling silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Manufactured in England for the American 'International Silver' brand. Likely produced in the Sheffield or Birmingham industrial regions where mass-market export silver plate was common.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Rococo Revival (circa 1950s-1970s). A period where traditional ornate styles remained popular for formal dining decor.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1965. Based on the stamping style, the 'C31' inventory numbering, and the specific aesthetic of the floral borders.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war American aspiration for formal, 'Old World' dining elegance, making such pieces staple wedding gifts and holiday centerpieces.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Significant green oxidation (verdigris) is visible inside the base, indicating the silver plating has worn thin or the piece was exposed to moisture. Surface scratches and minor tarnish consistent with use.
Value Estimate
$25 - $60 USD. Silver-plated candelabras of this era are common and their value is primarily decorative rather than melt-weight value.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream like Wright's. Avoid submersing in water due to the hollow construction. Use a soft cloth to rub away the green verdigris in the base to prevent further metal rot.
Similar Pieces
Wallace Grand Baroque (more expensive sterling), Gorham silver-plate candelabras (similar market value), or Reed & Barton King Francis.
Interesting Facts
International Silver Company frequently outsourced production to English firms for specific designs that targeted a more 'traditional' European aesthetic for the American market.